“I think work would understand if you’re a few minutes late, handsome,” Fraser says.
“Sitting here isn’t going to help. Maybe I can process things while I’m at work.”
“Is that a good idea?”
Beau shrugs. “Damned if I know.” He looks at me. “Unless you need me to stay?”
I shake my head. “I’ll be fine.”
My twin’s mouth twitches. He stays still for the longest time, to the point it feels like we’re in some kind of bizarre staring competition. Is he trying to decide if I’m putting on a brave face? If I am, he is too.
Eventually, he nods and goes to wash up his coffee mug. “Call me if you want to talk. If I can’t answer, I’ll ring back as soon as I have a chance.”
“I will. You can call me too.”
He smiles. “I know.”
I wait for them to leave and then make some more coffee. I’m halfway through drinking it when Quinn walks into the kitchen. His hair is messy, and he’s blinking sleepily. He looks utterly adorable.
“Morning.” He pecks my lips and then sits adjacent to me.
“I had to take a phone call and didn’t want to wake you.”
“Slim chance of that.” He smiles. “I don’t need an explanation.” He rubs his face. “Everything okay?”
I blow a breath out. “The PI called to tell me he’s arranged a meeting with Mum.”
Quinn’s eyes widen. “Really? That’s great.” His smile fades, and he shakes his head. “That isn’t great?” he asks hesitantly.
“I don’t know yet.”
“Does Beau know?”
“Yes. He was here. He didn’t really react either. He said he felt numb.” I lean over and stroke a stray wave back from Quinn’s face. “Let me know when you’re awake enough for our scene. I’ve been looking forward to it.”
Quinn frowns. “You’re still up for it?”
“Of course. Why wouldn’t I be?”
“Because you’re bound to have a lot on your mind.”
I sigh. “It will help distract me. I can sit and fret for the next three days, or I can carry on with the things I have planned, starting with our scene. I want to bring you to the edge, Quinn. I want to make you come.”
He bites his lip. “Well, when you put it like that.” He puts his hand on my knee. “Do you want to talk first?”
Do I? I’m not sure it will help, but I also don’t think I can be a good Dom to Quinn while so many thoughts are flying in and out of my head.
“I didn’t expect her to agree to a meeting so easily. I thought she’d say no, at least at first.” I suck in a breath. “What if she just wants to tell us to stay the hell out of her life?”
“Do you think that’s likely?”
“I’ve got no way of knowing. But I suppose if that’s what she wanted, she could have told the PI that. But she didn’t, which must mean she wants to see me and Beau. That has to mean something. Doesn’t it?”
Quinn stays quiet. He can’t guess what Mum is thinking any more than I can.
“I can’t get my hopes up. Wanting to see us doesn’t mean she wants to reconcile with us. I’m not sure we can. I’m not sure I want to.”
Quinn squeezes my knee. “Hopefully, at the very least, you and Beau will get the answers you’ve been longing for.”
