Sweet Affection (Truth Book 3) Read Free

he’s such a great friend, I’m happy there’s no awkwardness between us.
    “Everything’s pretty quiet on the Richards front, isn’t it baby?” Cassie presses a quick kiss to her husband’s cheek. They’re so cute.
    “Yep. Nothing to report this time.”
    “So when we gonna get some babies round here? I want to be super cool Aunt Laurel. Need to show your little girl how to strut her stuff and work what her mamma gave her so those boys come running.” I wiggle my eyebrows at Blake and he growls loudly.
    “You do that Matthews, and I’ll teach your son everything I know about how to get laid.” Cassie rolls her eyes, and I throw my head back laughing. He plays dirty. There’s no way I’d allow my son to be a man-whore like he is. Was.
    I take a sip of champagne, and pull James’ arm tighter around me.
    “So, I also have a little bit of news.” Em says warily as she leans forward. We all turn our heads and wait for her to carry on. She looks sad, but there’s also a hint of excitement in her eyes.
    “I’ve been approached by an inner city school in London, that’s failing miserably to provide the support the kids need. They’ve offered me a job.” She takes in a breath and smiles shyly. “And I’ve accepted it.” She watches us as we take that in. She’ll have to leave Stamford to work Monday to Friday in London.
    “Before you all say anything I only found out a couple of days ago.”
    Jen puts her arm round her shoulder and hugs her to her side. “That’s amazing news.” She kisses her cheek. “And we would never judge you for keeping it quiet until you’re sure. It’s a big step. But you’ll be able to do some real good for the kids there. They’re gonna love you. Hot teacher .”
    “Congratulations, Em. When do you leave?”
    “They want to get me settled in as soon as possible. So I’ll see out this term, which ends next week. Then move over the holidays and start fresh next term. It’s happening pretty quick.”
    I pout my lip and feel the tears pricking the backs of my eyes, but she doesn’t need to feel sad, it should be a happy time for her, so I blink the feeling away.
    “Well tonight will be a double celebration then. Your leaving party!” I fill everyone’s glasses up again and a Beyoncé song comes bursting though the speakers.
    “Come on ladies, it’s our jam. We have to go.” I scramble out of James’ lap and kiss his cheek. “Meet me on the dance floor, next song.”
    We rush off and start shaking our hips to the music. I raise my hands in the air then wiggle my butt to the beat, throwing my arm around Jen who looks a little stiff. She’s the most self-conscious out of all of us. But I don’t get why. She’s beautiful. She relaxes against my side and starts to twist and gyrate more fluidly. We sing along to the music forgetting everyone else around us on the dance floor and after a few more seconds I look around to find three guys have appeared, moving behind us and watching our asses; so annoying.
    I shoot them a look to say back off but that doesn’t faze them. The one that’s looking directly at me lets his eyes wander way too low for my liking and smirks, the creep.
    Where’s my man when I need him?
    I look over to our table and see Ryan sitting with James and Blake. They’re chatting and laughing, then all raise their heads in our direction. When James’ eyes find mine, I forget about the guy near me and do my best to throw him a seductive smile and move my hips, dangerously slow, but he doesn’t smile back. A hand clamps onto my waist but before I’ve even had time to throw it off, it gets ripped off me.
    “What the fuck are you doing?” James’ cold voice cuts through the music to my ears. His intimidating eyes are burning into the guy who now has his arms folded in front of his chest. He adjust his cap to the side, so his face can be seen properly. He’s got blond hair peeking out the edges and that arrogance hasn’t left his face. The