No footsteps.
“Maybe she’s not home,” Dex said.
“She’s home, asshole. Her car is here.”
Dex leaned in as if he was going to ring the bell again.
“Don’t.”
Finn stared at the door. What was she doing? Was she in bed with someone making love? What did he care? It wasn’t as if she were with him.
Finally, the soft click of a lock turning.
The door creaked open.
Lainey stood there in black leggings and an oversize T-shirt, her hair in a messy ponytail, and barefoot—her bare toes painted pink and adorable. God, she was beautiful.
She blinked at them, her brows furrowing slightly. “Is everything okay?”
Finn opened his mouth, but nothing came out.
Dex grinned, unfazed. “Sorry to drop in.” He nodded toward Finn. “He insisted.”
Finn cleared his throat. “Just wanted to give you an update on the security measures.”
“Great, come in.” She opened the door wider and stepped aside.
The men walked into the house. Finn glanced around the room. Open concept. Neutral walls, soft lighting, a faint hint of … something nice in the air. The kind of place that felt like home. Warm. Welcoming.
“So, have a seat. Can I get you anything to drink?”
Dex opened his mouth to answer. Finn elbowed him hard in the ribs. A quietoofwas followed by a dirty look. This wasn’t a social call.
“No, we’re all set,” Finn said. They each sat in a chair.
Lainey took the sofa across from them, curling one leg under the other. “So, what’s going on?”
Finn kept it simple. He explained that they set additional cameras, added floodlights and motion sensors. Also, that the dumpster would be there the next day.
“That’s terrific. I can’t thank you enough,” she said, sighing softly. “Is it enough for me to report to the council?”
“I’ll do a formal report tonight and send it over,” replied Finn.
Lainey nodded. But before she could respond?—
“Mom?”
A small voice came from the stairs.
Lainey’s head snapped toward the sound, her entire body going still.
Finn and Dex followed her gaze.
A little boy made his way slowly down the stairs, holding his stomach, eyes flickering between the three adults.
Luke!
He moved silently toward Lainey, eyeing Finn and Dex with curiosity.
