She begins to gather their things. “On that note, I’m not sure if our quick visit helped in any way, but we need to go. I still need to hit the store and then get this one home before his afternoon nap.”
I help search for the stuffed monkey and stand with her when it seems she is ready to leave. “Thanks for stopping by.”
“Sure. Let me know when you are offering your babysitter duties. Or if you would like to go change Bo’s diaper now, then by all means.”
“You’re good. I’m not really a fan of kids unless it’s my nephew or my own.”
My sister immediately pauses, and her eyes bug out. “Say what?”
I drag a hand across my face. “Nothing. We’ll be in touch, I see Oliver over there.” I divert us, and when I hug Summer, she still seems to be pondering if she heard my blunder correctly. Luckily, my nephew saves my ass and begins to fuss, indicating they need to leave.
As they leave and Summer quickly waves to Oliver, I turn to my friend.
“You’re not at home?” Oliver asks as he wanders my way. I forgot he mentioned that he would be here later.
My brows rise as I struggle to return to a normal conversation. “Uh, yeah.”
“No offense, but you look a little the worse for wear, and it’s only been a few hours since I saw you. Did something happen?” Even with enlightenment now present in my life, he can’t be far off that I could use a refresh with a shower and sleep.
I rub the back of my neck. “Nothing to worry about. I just thought I would let Esme sleep in peace, as she still seems to be recovering from her flu.” And apparently is not pregnant, to my dismay.
“Makes sense. Liam will be here in a few minutes, are you going to stick around?”
“Maybe. But I probably need to get back since I just spent time with my sister.”
While he quickly goes to the counter to place his order, I’m left to stew in my thoughts again.
I’ve been falling for Esme, but I could be a little more flawless in my execution of the sentiment.
I fucking love her. Absolutely love her.
It’s obvious that she’s everything that apparently Iwanted. The person I’ll grow old with and argue with, only to have make-up sex every single time.
And not living with me? No way am I letting her move back to her house. I’ll burn it down again if I need to.
This is why I’ve been so incredibly possessive and drawn to her. She’s more than mine; she’s everything.
I’ll shake her until she admits that she is with me on this. I might have been the one to fall first for her, but I’m convinced she has been trailing right behind me and hopefully is caught up.
“Why are you smiling to yourself?” Oliver breaks into my thoughts.
My arms flop up then fall. “Damn it, can you please stop interrupting me when I’m thinking?”
“Crabby.” He slides onto the lounge chair next to me. “But seriously, are you okay?”
The stretched line on my mouth returns. “More than.”
He takes a sip of coffee and seems to be skeptical but follows along. “I would ask if your current radiant state has to do with Esme, but I know that answer.”
Staring ahead, I can’t hold it any longer. “I’m going all in.” I blink from my daze, and my eyes swim to Oliver who just shrugs as if it’s nothing.
“For someone who spent years in law school, I’ve been wondering why you haven’t already planned everything out once the lust clears.” He cooly drinks his coffee as though this is a daily conversation.
“One day you will understand. You just have to wait for the right one, and then it will suddenly make sense.”
Now Oliver’s face puzzles. “Did they put something in your coffee here?” He pretends to search the room. “You are a little too positive for even me.”
There is no other way to be. I’m tired of going in circles,and Esme is at home probably having had a hellish few days if it led her to take a test.
