“He did that because he likes you.”
He puffs out his chest. “He does?”
“He does, and he doesn’t like many people, so you’re special.”
“Does he like me, too?” Eva asks as she joins us in the kitchen. Their mother is behind her, and she purses her lips in disapproval.
“Of course, he does,” I reassure Eva.
“I told all my friends how he let me color his tattoos.”
“That’s enough with that, Tim.” Sylvie flares her nostrils. “I’m going to bathe your brother and put him down for a nap. I’ll take you two to the playground afterward if you’re good.”
“Eden!” Sylvie yells out my name just as I open my car door.
I get in the car, but she runs to the end of the driveway and stands in front of my hood. I roll down my window about halfway and start the car.
“Do you think you can stop glamorizing your criminal boyfriend to my kids?”
“Is that all you have to say to me?” I ask.
“What else could I possibly have to say to you?”
“An apology would be nice,” I sneer.
She crosses her arms. “For what?”
“You know what. Never mind. I wouldn’t accept it anyway.”
“Good, because I had no intention of apologizing for anything. I was trying to help you.”
“Well, if you ever try to help me again, I’m going to pound your face through cement, and my criminal boyfriend is going to help me make it happen,” I warn.
She swallows and takes a small step back.
“And maybe you should ask yourself why your kids are so desperate for any positive male interaction. Good luck with your divorce, bitch,” I toss out. I put my window up and maneuver my car around her.
She stands at the end of the driveway until I turn onto the main road and lose sight of her. I won’t say it to my parents, but I won’t be spending much time at their house anymore. Since I know they won’t be visiting me at Rip’s, I need a firm deadline to move into my own place.
My phone rings, and I answer through Bluetooth.
“My king,” I say with a smile.
“My thorny rose. Are you headed home?”
“I am. I’m going to search online for a townhouse.”
He makes that loud groaning noise he’s known for. “Woman,” he sighs. “You’re not going anywhere.”
“What is that supposed to mean?” I ask.
“We said forever. Forever doesn’t include us living apart. You’re mine.”
“Oh,” I say, shocked, but I really shouldn’t be. “You want me to live there forever?”
“Yeah.”
“What if things don’t work out, or you decide you want your house back? I don’t want to—”
