His lips curve.“Hey, Trouble.”
Before I can answer, he steps forward and presses a kiss to my lips.I kiss him back, not caring who’s watching.He already has my family’s approval, so I don’t need to hide.
Inside, the energy shifts.The moment he steps in, conversations pick up.Mom moves around the kitchen, her voice light and full of something I haven’t heard in a long time.
Adrian turns to her.“It’s really good to see you feeling better, Ms.Richards.”
She smiles, setting down a dish.“Thanks to you and the hospital team.I feel amazing.”
He nods, settling back in his chair as his hand finds my thigh under the table.His fingers graze my skin before sliding down to grab my hand.We lace them together, hidden from view, and something about the quiet little touch between us makes me giddy.
For a while, it was nice being a secret.Having him all to myself.But this?Being open, being here, being his?It’s even better.
Hazel immediately starts telling Adrian about Mr.Gideon, while Sofia glances at us.Felix was chatting about Spiderman with Jasper, who’s ready to retreat to his room.
Mom moves back to the kitchen, and I sigh, squeezing his hand before standing.“I’ll be right back.”
“Where are you going?”he asks.
“Helping Mom,” I say.
“I’ll help too,” he offers.
I shake my head.“No, you stay here and—” I nod toward the younger kids at the table.“Watch the kids.”
“They seem fine to me,” he says.
“That’s exactly why you need to watch them,” I say with a quirked eyebrow.
His smile is amused, and as I walk away, I feel the ghost of his touch lingering against my skin.Somehow, I already can’t wait to get back to him.
I step into the kitchen, and Mom is whistling softly, the familiar sound tugging at something deep inside me.
“Tell me what needs doing.”I roll up my sleeves.
She grins.“Grab the plates.Let’s get this moving.”
We fall into an easy rhythm, moving like we’ve done this a thousand times before.Before I even realize it, the food is served, and everyone is sitting down, eating.
For once, dinner is surprisingly civilized.Maybe it’s because everyone is too excited for snacks and game night to waste time bickering.Plates are cleared faster than usual, conversation flowing between bites.Hazel throws in a sarcastic remark about being the car in Monopoly tonight, and Atlas fires back with he’ll be the shoe to kick her butt, making the whole table burst into laughter.
Even Felix helps clean up, his tiny hands eagerly stacking plates and packing away leftovers.The house buzzes with energy, the kind that only comes from a full house, a warm meal, and something fun to look forward to.
By the time the last dish is put away, Hazel strides over to the coffee table, Monopoly board in hand.“Are you ready?”
Adrian leans back slightly, looking between her and the box.“Uh, for what, exactly?”
“Our family,” I tell him, dead serious, “is very competitive about Monopoly.”
“Really?”he says.
“You haven’t seen us in full brawl mode,” I say, leaning in, trying to keep a straight face.
He chuckles, but there’s a wary edge to it.“I’m slightly scared.”
I start unpacking the snacks I bought earlier, spreading them out across the table.Chips, popcorn, candy: all the game-night treats.I grab new drinks, passing them around, before sinking back into my spot next to Adrian.
Leaning in close, I whisper, “Now, I know we’re together and all, but when it comes to game night, you’re on your own.”
