“The building was designed like a wheel without the outer rim. This main section is where the business offices are with the four developmental sections in the spokes. Rafe is the CEO, of course, but he’s also over the creative team. You might have read some of the champion lore online. He writes most of that.”
Janna and Brand had taken to skipping around and hooting to hear their voices echo in the large room.
“We each have apartments at the end of our department’s spoke.”
“You live here?” Sara asked.
“Makes for an easy commute.” Ezreal shrugged.
“And really hard to leave your work behind.”
“I’m not sure I ever leave my work behind, so it wouldn’t matter anyway.”
“You should though.”
“You sound like Ahri.” He glanced at Sara. “I guessyourhouse is where I go for a break.”
“That’s sweet, Ezreal.”
The tenderness in her voice made his ears grow hot. He reached up and touched one before he realized she was watching him. He dropped his hand.
“Helping with the music lessons will be a good outlet for me too.” He scanned the large room. “You’re right that it’s good to get away. I’ve mentioned before that when I met you and the kids, I was in a rut. Since I’ve been able to get away to your house, my music’s come alive again, but I’m also able to relax there.”
“I’m glad. A lot of people would find my children exhausting.”
“No way. I love your kids.” Grinning at their noisy antics, Ezreal glanced back at their mother. Her soft smile as she met his gaze made his chest swell, and warmth radiated through his body. Drawn by her beautiful eyes, he leaned closer as she did the same.
Brand let out an especially loud whoop, and Ezreal jumped, stepping back. Sara’s cheeks had flushed a bright pink. He’d almost kissed their mother right in front of them. His heart was thudding so hard in his ears that he had to ask Janna to repeat herself.
“Do youlivehere?”
Ezreal pointed to the music section. “My apartment is at the end of that hallway.”
“I want to see your house,” Janna said.
“Me too. Me too,” Brand echoed, hopping toward them. He fell, and Ezreal helped him to his feet.
“Let’s go then.”
Ezreal wasn’t messy, but yesterday he’d had his housekeeper come in for an extra run through. He handed his key fob to Janna again, and she unlocked his door. Would Sara like his apartment? He hadn’t admitted to himself before but it was important if she did.
“Oh, my,” Sara breathed, and the four of them paused at the entry.
“It’s a log cabin,” Janna cried. She released her mother’s hand and ran into the middle of the great room. Brand broke free and dashed after his sister.
Ezreal and Sara followed slowly.
“Do you like it?” he asked softly.
“It’sbeautiful. Is that—” she paused, listening, “crickets . . . and running water?”
“Yeah. It’s kind of like white noise. The guys didn’t notice it at first, though it didn’t take Rafe very long.”
“Brand, don’t go up those stairs.” Sara stepped toward the little boy, but he darted over to a table and picked up a Matchbox™ car.
“I want to play with one.” Janna ran over to join her brother.
“It’s okay,” Ezreal said. “I keep those out for when Rafe brings Nik and Lessa with him.”
