“Nothing. We just missed you.”
Nash was still eating. He shoved his last bite into his mouth and pushed his plate away. “It’s true. Don’t drift too far while I take a shower.”
He took the plates to the sink and left the room.
Orla rose to clean up.
Fuck that. I pointed at the living room door. “Go sit with the dog. I’ve got this.”
Her molten gaze lit up with scepticism. “I’m not in the market for amanclean.”
“It’s a firefighter clean, queenie. No hazards or mess left behind.”
Orla remained unconvinced but drifted away all the same. I washed the dishes and set the kitchen in order within an inch of its life. Then I followed her, noting the shower was still running.Did he fall asleep in there?
Possible. Nash was gone most nights these days. Unsettled when he did eventually come home and crawl into bed. Sometimes he didn’t settle unless I locked him in my arms, whispering nonsense to calm him the fuck down. For someone so easy-going when he was awake, this fucker was a riot in his sleep.
Not like Orla, who seemed to sleep like the dead.
I dropped onto the couch beside her. It was still on my mind that I should maybe leave, but with her feet in my lap, it was hard to pay attention.
She had dainty toes, nails painted black. I rubbed her arches while she flicked through Prime. Her throaty sound of approval went straight to my dick, but this whole night didn’t feel like sex. Even when Nash strolled in without a shirt and folded himself into the space I made for him between me and Orla.
He leaned against me, dozing while he lost his fingers in the silky hair she’d let loose from the knot she’d worn in the kitchen. I kissed his bare shoulder, and the contentment rolling off him was addictive.
Eventually, he fell asleep for real. I kept my gaze on him, my touch, while Orla watched a Tori Amos documentary. Goddamn, he was fuckin’ ethereal when he found some peaceful rest. I loved him naked, but maybe, just maybe, I loved this more.
Willow buzzed my phone again.
Orla reached for it, silencing the noise before she passed it to me.
Willow:Twelve hours, Dad!!!! (You’re really coming, right? Mum’s still saying you might not)
I had no right to be wounded about that, but it still hurt, and a deep frown creased my face as I sent a one-handed text back.
Dad:i’m coming, kid. i know my promises don’t mean much, but someone would have to kill me before imissed this xxx
Willow:Don’t say that. Fate is a goddess
Dad:have u been texting with rubi?
Willow:huh?
Dad:never mind. see u in the morning. don’t bring a vape
Willow:I’m bringing my guitar and some Rolos
Dad:awesome. love u
Willow:LOVE you xxx
I set my phone on the arm of the couch and exhaled a quiet breath.
Orla turned the TV down. “Everything okay?”
“Yeah, just Willow making sure I’m gonna show up tomorrow.”
“Her mum wouldn’t take her if you couldn’t?”
