“I knew you were a stalker,” I tease.
He clears his throat, his expression going serious. “I’ve never told a woman I love her before.”
Breath catching, I blink up at him. “Never?”
He hums. “I told plenty of girls in high school, but I didn’t mean it.”
“Ezra Theo Miller,” I scoff, desperate for a little levity. “You call those women up right now and apologize.”
He tugs me into his chest. “I don’t have their phone numbers. That was back in the olden days before everyone walked around with cell phones.”
“How oldareyou?”
With a chuckle, he smacks me on the ass. “None of those counted. I didn’t know what love was until you.”
My heart thumps against my sternum as his words register. Lord, this man knows how to make me swoon. “And now that you know?”
“I’m never letting you go.”
“See?Stalker,” I deadpan. If I don’t mess with him, I’ll crumple into a blubbering mess. I’m going to miss this.
“Shut your mouth and kiss me.”
“How can I shut my mouthandki?—”
He cuts me off with his tongue shoved down my throat and only pulls away to call me a “little shit” before devouring me again.
41
Ezra
THE FIRST WEEKMillie is gone flies by. If I’m not consumed by trainings at work, then I’m busy with cramming tutoring sessions in with Kane. If I’m not occupied by Kane’s tutoring, then I’m consumed with guilt over whether he’s making friends. If I’m not consumed with guilt, then I’m hung up on how to expedite permanent guardianship. These days, my life feels like the fucked-up adult version of the children’s bookIf You Give a Mouse a Cookie.
The second week Millie is gone is a whole heck of a lot harder. It’s strikingly obvious she’s not around; my sheets don’t need to be changed as often now that we’re not up to our usual activities. The only thing that helps the ache in my heart is the joy in her voice when we talk. Even through text, her glee is evident.
ME
How’s your roommate?
MILLIE
Sasha is great!
She’s quiet and keeps to herself, which is way better than last time. I don’t think I’ll have to worry about her partying and staying up late
ME
What about the rest of the cast and crew?
MILLIE
So far so good. No one is obviously toxic. And the kids are so cute!! They make me miss Bea, though
The actors are all different shapes and sizes. Lots of kids in this cast, and the director was adamant about hiring a children’s psychologist. Rumor is he’s paying for it himself. The psychologist is passionate about the kids’ mental health and has already reprimanded one adult for criticizing her body in front of the kids
ME
That sounds amazing
