“I need to get fresh ones,” I whisper to myself before I go upstairs to check on Lainey as well.
Chapter 23
Nova
Since the kiss and therapy sessions, things have felt awkward.
I honestly don’t know what to do to make things better between Easton and me, so I focus all my attention on the household and Lainey.
Exhausted because I had a nightmare last night and struggled to fall back to sleep afterward, I head down the stairs.
Easton comes into the living room from the opposite direction, looking all hot and sweaty. The T-shirt he’s wearing sticks to his muscled chest from the workout he must’ve just done in the gym.
Don’t drool.
Noticing my handbag, he asks, “Going somewhere?”
“The flowers in the foyer are wilting, so I’m going out to get fresh ones.” I glance at Lainey, where she’s sitting on the couch, playing a game on her phone. “Lainey, do you want to come with or stay at home?”
“I’ll come with,” she answers.
Easton pulls his cell phone out of his pocket and types something on it, then says, “Izak will be ready in ten minutes.”
“Oh.” I hold up my truck’s key. “I was thinking about taking my truck. That’s if it will even start. I might have to get a new battery.”
He shakes his head and comes to take the key from me. “There’s no way I’m letting you drive around in that unreliable thing. You need to sell it.” When my lips part, he gives me a serious look. “You’re Lainey’s godmother, Nova. How do you think it will look if you’re seen driving her around in a beaten-up truck?”
“I wasn’t going to argue,” I mumble. “I’ll sell it this week.”
“Oh.” He visibly relaxes. “Good. Let me know if you need help.”
I just nod before walking away from him. “Come, Lainey.”
“See you later, Uncle Easton.” She falls in beside me, then asks, “Can we stop at The Sweet Spot for milkshakes?”
“Bring me a strawberry one,” Easton calls after us.
“Okay,” Lainey replies.
When I see Izak already waiting out front, I give him a polite smile. “Hi. Thank you for driving us around today.”
Returning the smile, he nods. “We’re just waiting for Tyler, then we can leave.”
I forgot we have to take a guard with us. No one will recognize me, but Lainey draws attention wherever she goes.
Rather safe than sorry.
We climb into the back of the SUV, and while we wait, I check my wallet to make sure I have the credit card Easton gave me.
It’s the first time I’m going to use it, and the thought makes me feel nervous.
You’re getting things for the house.
Tyler joins us, and as he climbs into the front passenger seat, I say, “Hi, Tyler.”
“Afternoon,” he greets us.
Izak slides behind the steering wheel, and starting the engine, he asks, “Where to?”
