“His tune changed and then he all but pleaded with me to change my mind because I was specifically requested to take the job,” I inform him.
“That’s not your problem,” he reminds me. “It was written in black and white that you wouldn’t be taking any out of town jobs.”
“I know that, you know that, my former boss apparently needed that reminder. It seems to have slipped his mind,” I grate out.
“That’s a load of bullshit,” Rush spits. “I guarantee you it’s in your employee file that you weren’t to be sent on the road. He thought he could pull the wool over your eyes and use your loyalty against you.”
“I agree,” I state, reaching up where his hand is dangling over my pec and lacing our fingers together. “But enough about him and that job, it’s done and over with and it’s time for me to move on.”
“Damn right it is. New and better things are coming your way, baby girl.”
“In the meantime, I’m going to embrace my new role and enjoy some time away from corporate politics,” I say, sighing in relief.
“Icer will be back with the kids in a few from their nature hike, why don’t you head upstairs and relax in a warm bubble bath,” he suggests. “I’ll bring you up some snacks in a bit.”
“That sounds amazing. I’ll grab my e-reader while I’m at it and get lost in one of my unicorn authors,” I say, looking forward to it. “There hasn’t been much time in my day to indulge in one of my stories.”
“While you’re doing that I’ll get lunch made,” he offers.
“Elodie requested hot dogs and mac and cheese,” I tell him.
Usually, he throws together some sandwiches because unless it’s something to be grilled, he’s a lost cause in the kitchen. With him, simpler is better. “That’s something I can do,” he teases, pecking me on the temple before rising and assisting me out of my chair and lifting me up into his arms—bridal style, which has me emitting a giddy chuckle.
As he walks us over to the stairs, I remind him, “I can walk you know? That’s why I have two legs and feet.”
“That may be true, but why should you have to when you have a man who enjoys carting you around in his arms,” he states, sounding playful.
With my arms wound around his neck, I lean forward and plant a chaste kiss on his cheek. “What are you waiting for? That tub is calling my name.”
My man has the chivalrous, romantic thing down. He doesn’t show this side of himself when others are present, reserving that for me and only expresses it when there are no bystanders—the fact that I know parts of him nobody else does is exhilarating.
I can honestly say, without reservation, I know him better than his closest friends do.
And that makes me feel powerful and lucky because this man wears many faces, but the one he puts on at home is my favorite.
Dressed in leggings, a tank top, and fuzzy socks, I head down to join my family where they’re snuggled underneath a few blankets with the television blaring in the background. When I hit the bottom step, pure joy at the sight before me has my heart leaping in delight. Our little man is tucked into Rush’s chest as his eyes flutter, sleep all but claiming him. On the other side of the room, Icer has Elodie spread over his lap, her head lounging on his ribcage as they softly sing along with the music in an attempt to not disturb my boy.
I’m enamored by the picture they make so when Letti comes strolling out of the kitchen with a tub of popcorn in her hand, I dive to the other side of the foyer in surprise at her sudden appearance. “Giirrl,” she draws out the word, “why are you so jumpy?”
“Where the hell did you come from?” I question, clutching my fists over where my heart beats. “You’re like a goddamn phantom.”
“I came while you were upstairs pampering yourself,” she teases. “Icer invited me, hope that’s alright.”
“Of course it is. You’re always welcome here, you know that,” I stress. “I’d just like a heads up before you come dancing out of the shadows and spooking me.”
“You’ve been watching those damn paranormal investigative shows again, haven’t you?” she accuses. “You’re seeing ghosts everywhere.”
“Am not,” I deny.
“Sure you aren’t,” she jest. “Come join us, we were doing a Disney movie marathon.”
“Aren’t we always?” I ask, raising my brows at her.
“Seems to be the rolling theme of my life, Van. You have no idea.”
Leaning over so we’re not overheard, I ask her, “Has Icer crowned you yet, Letti?”
“He’s a work in progress, Van. He grunted the other day that I’m his ‘girlfriend’ and if I had any objections to that, it was too damn bad.”
