“I almost believed him that time,” Abby says from behind me. “Did you hug his wife again?”
“Nope,” I say, taking a bite of an apple. “I kissed her cheek.”
Her eyes widen, and then she bursts into laughter.
“You have a death wish,” she wheezes.
“Nah,” I shrug. “Someone’s gotta keep the grouchy bastard on his toes. Otherwise, he’ll start thinking the whole world fears him.”
“They do,” she snorts, shaking her head. “Anyway, I’m heading home. Eli woke up half an hour ago and said he needs to wake up in the middle of the night to drink water. He asked for his phone, but I couldn’t find it.”
“I’ll take care of it,” I say, pulling her into a hug. “And I’m excited for you about finally opening your shop. I’m proud of you, Abigail.”
“Thank you,” she whispers. “I just wish everyone was.”
“He’s proud of you, too,” I murmur.
“I know. He’s a good big brother.”
“Not who I was talking about, sweetheart,” I say gently.
She stiffens, knowing exactly which idiot I mean.
“No, he’s not,” she mutters, pulling back. “He already messaged me while you all were in the meeting to tell me I’m ‘not making very smart decisions.’”
“He’s just worried,” I tell her. “You focus on making your shop the best boutique Palm Springs has ever seen.”
She smiles, but her eyes stay sad.
Always so fucking sad.
And as much as I hate myself for thinking it…I truly hope she finds someone who loves her.
Someone who isn’t Tank.
Someone who puts her first instead of his damn insecurities.
“See you tomorrow, Skip,” she says, heading to the door. “And maybe lock your door from now on.”
“Why?” I ask, following her. “No one’s just going to waltz into my house. The compound is safe.”
“I know,” she says. “But on the off chance someonedoesmanage to get in… do you really want to risk them walking right into your house while Eli’s sleeping upstairs?”
The thought alone sends my heart into overdrive.
For the first time since I moved in… I lock the fucking door.
And tomorrow? I’m installing at least three more deadbolts.
Eli has no idea he’s inmyhouse.
I didn’t even think twice about bringing him here instead of the empty one next door.
I’ll tell him tomorrow. And if he insists on the empty house, I’ll step back.
But I’m going to try really fucking hard to get him to stay here with me.
Pathetic?
