I stare her down, and to her credit she stares right back. I want to be mad at her, to make her pay, but I’m mesmerized by those beautiful eyes, and being an asshole isn’t as appealing as it once was.
“I didn’t give up my rights to Noah. I didn’t know about him.”
“I—I believe you.”
Her admission surprises me. “You do?”
“I’ve been such a bitch to you these past two seasons. I don’t think there’s anything I can do to make it up to you, but if there is, I need to know.”
My filthy mind immediately comes up with various scenarios that’ll help with that. All of them involve skin, condoms, and a healthy workout between the sheets. Yet what comes out of my mouth is a complete and total surprise.
“Move in with me.”
Her eyes widen in shock, and I’m as shocked as she is.
“What?”
“Yeah. I want Noah in my life. You want Noah in yours. We can fight about it, or you can move in.” This idea that I blurted out without thinking is gaining momentum.
“Are you right in the head?” She tries to blow off my invitation with a joke.
“Absolutely. The sex between us is hot enough to burn down an entire forest. We somewhat get along. Noah would be the biggest winner of all with this arrangement, and I’m willing to make the sacrifice.”
“Don’t you live with Kirby?”
“I do, but I’ll find a house with a big yard in a nice neighborhood.”
She shakes her head, but I’m picking up steam. I like this idea.
“You don’t want to be saddled with one woman. That’s not who you are.”
“I don’t think you know what kind of man I am.”
“Then tell me.” She issues a challenge I’m more than happy to accept.
“I’m loyal. I’m dedicated. I’m honest, and when I say I’ll do something, I do it. And I want my son with me. I have a lot of lost time to make up.”
“We don’t get along.” She’s stalling, and I’m amused.
“We get along great in the sack. We’ll wing the rest.”
“We hate each other.”
“No, we don’t. We haven’t for a while.” I look her straight in the eye and dare her to dispute my claim. She doesn’t.
“Are you expecting us to share a bed?”
“Well, fuck yeah.” That’d be a trade-off for tolerating her smart mouth.
“Would you still see other women?”
“Nah, I won’t need to.”
“This is only temporary, right? I mean, until we can work something out that’s beneficial to all of us?”
“Sure, if that’s what you want.” And what do I want? I’m not sure. I’m willing to try living with Aria. If it doesn’t work out, we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.
“I need to think about this.” She’s conflicted, and I can’t blame her. I did suggest a shared living arrangement without any prior hints. Hell, I didn’t know I was going to say that until I opened my mouth.
