“Well, hello girls,” I murmur, cupping my breasts. “Nice of you to return. Let me tell you, Eddie is going to have a ton of fun with you two. Seems dating a younger man is seriously good for all aspects of my health.”
Gus barks at the living room window, alerting me to Eddie’s truck as it pulls into the driveway.
Speaking of my gorgeous man, there he is now.
Yes, I get a little giddy every time I see him. Sue me. It’s been forever since I’ve felt any emotion beyond fear and shame. But Eddie and Theo have brought me back to life. I only hope I bring some modicum of happiness to them.
Eddie strolls inside without knocking, a habit he’s picked up over the last month, his son hot on his heels as he makes a beeline for Gus.
Eddie makes a beeline for me. He drags a slow, appreciative gaze over my body, and damn if it doesn’t linger right where I knew it would.
See? Told you he’d have fun with them.
“God, you look spectacular.” He doesn’t waste a second wrapping his arms around me, that decadent mouth claiming mine and sending a delicious shudder through my bones. “Just wait until I have you all to myself tomorrow night.”
Fuck, but this man can kiss, and trust me, he’s not the only one counting down the minutes to playtime.
“Are you sure I don’t look too curvy? Full disclosure, I’ve put on some weight in the last month.”
He grabs me from behind, wrapping his arms around my waist. “You. Look. Spectacular. Never apologize for these incredible curves. Trust me, I love every one.” He stills, running his hands along the flare of my hips. “You look happy and healthy, Kiki. That’s most important.”
This man. He’s got a ridiculous sex drive, but he makes sure I know it’s way more than physical with him. Every time, he has my best interests at heart.
Still getting used to that concept.
I shrug, squealing as his scruff tickles my skin. “I’m dating this guy and he’s been pretty damn good for me.”
No, it’s not a declaration of love. Not yet, anyway. I’m not brave enough to utter those three little words, especially when I have zero idea how Eddie might respond.
Him screaming and running away is at the top of my list of things to avoid.
But if my words bother him, he doesn’t let on as his grip tightens. “Can’t compare to my woman. She’s incredible.”
My besotted little heart flips at his words, but before I can delve too deeply into it, Theo glances up from his spot on the floor next to Gus, wearing an expression that tells me he’s deeply unimpressed with our affectionate exchange.
“Can we bring Gus with us?” he asks.
Gus, always ready for an adventure, thumps his tail excitedly. Too bad I have bad news for them both.
“Your Aunt Ori and Uncle Ash have a cat, and I’m pretty sure Merlin doesn’t want to entertain Gus tonight.”
Theo considers my words, then nods, giving Gus a scratch behind the ears. “Okay. Sorry, Gus.”
Eddie snaps his fingers. “Oh—before I forget, Deirdre asked about all of us getting together again so she can meet you.”
I blink at him, one word sticking in my craw. “Again?”
He winces, dragging a hand through his hair. “Yeah. I forgot to mention it. Life got busy.”
His explanation doesn’t exactly help matters.
I cross my arms over my chest, trying desperately to appear casual. “How many times has she asked to meet me?”
“Twice now,” he admits. “I figured maybe we could all grab lunch or something.”
The smile drops from my lips as that all-too-familiar feeling of dread claws its way back into the foreground.
No, I’m not freaking out over meeting Deirdre because she was married to Eddie. That’s definitelynotthe problem. The problem… is me. My name and likeness are well known around here, and not for anything good. At least, not anymore.
