“I have a dinner in Palo Alto tonight,” Blaise said without missing a beat. “Making a quick detour to the Marina District is no trouble.”
Lex double-parked in front of her condo building. “And you’re home.”
Hadley was excited to see her family, but a part of her was missing Blaise, even though he was seated beside her. She may have been sick, but she enjoyed being with him. It didn’t matter that they’d been homebodies. She preferred that to going out. And last night watching his favorite movies had been…perfect.
She wouldn’t have changed anything. Well, except if he would have kissed her goodnight after they’d walked upstairs.
Hadley cleared her throat. “Thanks.”
“I’ll get the suitcase.” Rizzo hopped out of the vehicle.
Blaise unbuckled his seat belt. “Let’s get you inside. The kids must miss their aunt Hadley.”
A few minutes later, she stood at her front door.
“Take care of yourself, Hadley. It could be weeks before you feel one hundred percent. Don’t overdo it.” Rizzo let go of the suitcase. “I’ll be in the car with Lex, boss.”
“Thanks,” Blaise said.
All Hadley had to do was turn the doorknob and walk inside, yet she hesitated. This was her home. But Blaise…
“Did you forget your key?” he asked.
Pull yourself together.
She did, opened the door, and stepped inside. The familiar scents in the air made her take a deep breath. “I’m home.”
Screams filled the condo. Audra, Ryder, and Tiny came running toward her. Hadley hugged each one as the kids talked over each other to tell her all she’d missed. Tiny wove a figure-eight pattern between her legs.
“Welcome home.” Fallon came out of the kitchen. She extended her right arm to Blaise. “I’m Fallon Caples.”
He shook her hand. “Blaise Mortenson.”
Fallon smiled. “So, you’re the infamous Mr. M I’ve been hearing about, and the reason I must go into the closet each night.”
“Sorry, not sorry,” Blaise joked.
Audra and Ryder giggled.
“See, Mommy,” Audra said. “We told you he was nice.”
“You did.” Fallon’s gaze zeroed in on Hadley. “You’re pale.”
Hadley had a feeling Fallon would go all mom on her. “I’m getting over pneumonia. It takes a while to fully recover.”
“She’s been following the doctor’s orders,” Blaise said.
“Glad to hear that.” Fallon sounded amused because she knew Hadley was a rule follower and would do what the doctor said. “Are you staying for dinner, Blaise?”
The kids jumped up and down with shouts of “please.”
“Thanks for the invite, but I can’t,” he said. “I have an event to attend. I need to get going.”
The kids’ faces dropped.
Ryder’s lower lip stuck out. “But you just got here.”
“I’m sorry,” Blaise said, sounding sincere.
