Cason can’t find his gloves and Addison complains about the dribble of coffee she got on her school uniform. Owen handles it all with ease, tossing gloves at his son and a Tide pen at his daughter. When he catches me staring, he gives me a wink that has my blood burning hot.
“I’m going to get these two off to school,” Owen says to me, “but if you need anything, let me know. Rhett can get you our phone numbers to plug into your phone. Your mom already gave us yours.”
The heat is chased off by a sickness in my belly. It’s so strange to come into this whole situation as late as I did. I feel left out and way behind.
“Thanks,” I murmur, squeezing my hands around my hot mug.
Owen’s smile falls as he studies me intently. Something akin to guilt shines in his eyes. Does he remember last night? My cheeks feel hotter than my coffee right now. I’m unable to hold his gaze.
“Cason’s been begging for us to go to Smoke & Sugar,” Owen says, voice tight. “I made him hold off until you got back from St. Louis. We’ll all go together this evening if you don’t have any plans.”
Have any plans?
My life revolves around school and caring for my baby sister when Mom doesn’t.
“Yeah, sure,” I mumble. “Sounds good.”
They continue their chaos, but I can’t be in here anymore. I bring my mug with me, heading back up the stairs. I’ve just sat down on my bed when Owen enters the bedroom. He rubs at his neck, shame rippling from him.
“Mei,” he rasps out. “I am so sorry about last night.”
I jerk my head up and frown at him. “Why?”
“It must’ve been weird for you to find me during one of my episodes. Next time, just wake one of the kids or Jin. I hate that you had to deal with it.”
I scoff, once again hating the feeling of being an outsider here. “We’re family now. Remember,Dad? It’s just what you do.”
He opens his mouth like he wants to say more, but just shakes his head. Guilt quells up inside me. Maybe my response was a little too sarcastic and rude. I like Owen. I’m not looking to cause trouble for him.
“Ugh,” I rush out. “I’m being a brat.”
He snorts and flashes me a sexy grin. “At least you’re in a house full of them. I’m used to it.”
“I really do like it here,” I continue, unable to keep from giving him a smile back. “This is how a home is supposed to be.”
The corners of his eyes crinkle as his smile widens. “That means a lot to me. You have no idea.”
I set my coffee mug down on my end table and stand back up. Owen stuffs his hands in his slacks’ pocket, navy blue eyes tracking my movement as I make my way over to him. His gaze burns into me, hotter each step closer I get. When I’m only a foot or so away from him, I stop and tilt my head up.
“Thanks for being so kind to me.” Before I can stop myself, I slide my arms under his, wrapping them around him.
He’s stiff at first but then he pulls his hands out of his pockets to return the hug. Like a creep, I inhale his freshly sprayed cologne, eyes fluttering closed. His arms are strong and hold me tight.
It’s nice.
Really nice.
Especially since I never get this from my own parents. Dad will give me the occasional peck on top of the head, but it’s rare. All my hugs come from Penny.
“And thank you for getting me back to bed last night,” Owen murmurs, hot breath tickling the hair on top of my head. “That had to be awkward for you, but you handled it beautifully. You’re a real gem, Mei, and I’m happy to know you.”
He releases me all too soon which has me mimicking his actions. When he doesn’t move away, I tilt my head up, studying him up close. Owen truly is one of the most handsome men I’ve ever seen in real life. Like movie star handsome. His smile is my favorite part of him.
My bangs bounce each time I blink, capturing Owen’s gaze. With a crooked grin, he lifts his hand and delicately brushes them aside, revealing my eyes. His mouth opens as if he wants to say something, but he abruptly clamps it shut. Then, as if something occurs to him, he takes several steps back, his smile transforming to an unnatural, forced one.
“Right, so dinner at seven sound good?”
I nod and hug my arms around me, fighting off the chill of his sudden retreat. “We like Smoke & Sugar. I’ll be there.”
