“Same,” I murmur. Maybe I should be upset with Erika, but all I can feel is grateful. And honestly, happy that I have family and they were looking out for me. I have been so alone. “What happened that the building locked down?”
“Vigo happened,” Erika says. “Apparently he went ape in the lobby.”
My heart starts hammering in my chest. “Shit.”
But that’s when the lock clicks on my door. My eyes fly up, the mention of Vigo’s name making me skittish.
He couldn’t get in, could he?
But it’s Rush who opens my door.
He looks like I’ve never seen him in track pants and a sweatshirt. His face is taped up, his eyes are swollen and bruised.
I gasp. “What happened to you?”
“What’s wrong?” Erika asks, even as Rush closes the door.
“Rush just got here and he looks awful,” I say into the phone. “I’ve got to go. I love you.”
“I love you too. Call me later, K?”
“K.” I hang up the phone.
“Who were you talking to?” Rush asks moving to the couch, where he slowly sits with a groan.
“Erika,” I answer, pushing up from the floor to sit next to him.
I start to reach out, wanting to touch him but then stop, not sure if I’m allowed.
He captures my hand and brings my palm to his lips, planting a kiss in the middle. Leaning over, I press my forehead to his shoulder. “What happened?”
But before he can answer, Emma jumps up. “Rush. Look!” She holds up a miniature food accessory. “It’s bread for my dolls!”
He smiles at her and waves her over. “Show me.”
And just like that, she’s climbing onto his lap, pointing out each detail of the plastic bread.
I see his slight wince when she presses on his stomach, but he listens attentively, stroking a hand down her pigtail as she talks.
“All right, M&M,” I finally interrupt. “Time to get your dolls ready for bed.”
“It’s not bedtime,” she wrinkles her nose. And then her eyes light. “But my dolls need a bed!”
“Doll beds?” Rush’s brow furrows. “That would make a good birthday present.”
“Yes!” she cries, sliding back down to the floor and running back over to her new toys.
I turn to him, one of my brows cocking. “Do we need to talk about spoiling children?”
He gives me a slow smile and then brings my hand to his mouth again. “She’s far too cute to deny. Just like her mother.”
“Rush,” I breathe, my chest pressed to his arm. He turns then, capturing my mouth with his.
My eyes flutter closed, as I lean deeper into him. If this kiss means what I hope it does…
“What was Erika calling about?”
I open my eyes again. “All sorts of things. What happened in the lobby?”
