The second her face lights up, I know it was worth the trip.
“Well, I love pizza,” she says, crossing her arms over her chest, her gaze flicking back into the cabin. “But… I’m not alone.”
My heart drops to my stomach. What the hell does that mean? We had this conversation. We agreed we’re not seeing anyone else.
I glance down at Theo and back at her, desperately trying to maintain a neutral expression while my thoughts race.
But Kiki pays me no mind. She crouches in front of Theo, her voice soft as she brushes a lock of hair from his forehead. “I have someone really important I want you to meet. Do you like dogs?”
Theo nods enthusiastically. “I love dogs.”
“That’s what we were hoping you’d say. This is Gus.” She steps aside, and a big brown and white dog waddles into view, tail wagging.
There’s no mistaking the years on him—gray dusting his muzzle, cloudy eyes—but the second he spots Theo, his whole body shakes like he can barely contain himself.
Theo drops his backpack without a second thought, his dinosaurs completely forgotten, and bursts into laughter as Gusbarrels into him, licking his face as if they’ve known each other forever.
Meanwhile, I’m so damn relieved there’s not another man in my woman’s house. I really didn’t feel like kicking the crap out of someone for getting too close to the woman I love.
Wait, what? Back up, man. Back. Up.
But still…
Kiki straightens, returning her gaze to me. “I got him from the shelter. Nobody wanted him, and he was out of time.” She shrugs. “He’s old and a little beat up, but he’s the sweetest thing ever.”
She bends to scoop up Theo’s abandoned backpack and nudges me with a gentle hip check. “You two are a really pleasant surprise. I didn’t think I’d see you this weekend.”
I lean in, stealing a quick kiss. God, I love this woman’s mouth. “We missed you.”
A teasing glint sparks in her eyes. “I guess I kind of missed you too, but Ireallymissed Theo.”
The thing is, she means it. She loves my kid as much as I do, and that’s something. Hell, it’s everything.
She’s everything.
I huff out a laugh. “Yeah, I figured as much. I’m just a bonus.”
“One hell of a bonus. Come on. Let’s eat before the pizza gets cold.”
The warmth of the cabin wraps around us as I follow her inside, a warm, woodsy scent from the stove blending with the garlic knots.
Theo is a puddle on the floor next to Gus, exuberant sounds of playtime tickling my ears.
Kiki glances toward the kitchen. “Can you grab a few plates from the cabinet?” She motions to her shirt, her voice dropping to a whisper. “I need to put a bra on.”
Jesus, why is she telling me that? My dick is all about playtime now and that is so not happening.
I shift my weight and nod. “No problem.”
She’s gone for all of two seconds when I glance at Theo, who has forgotten I exist.
“You good, bud?” I ask, earning a squeal of laughter as Gus licks his face.
Yeah, they’re fine.
I walk the few steps to her room and push open the door. Kiki spins, tugging her sweatshirt into place. “What are you doing in here?” she hisses.
I don’t answer. I have about thirty seconds of her to myself, and I’m taking full advantage.
