I light a dim half-smirk. “It’s probably comfortable for you to stay and will help Lola get used to being here more.”
She bobbles her head side to side and crosses her arms low on her stomach. “Bu?—”
I’m quick to interrupt her. “It’s not an option, Elodie.I’ve made the decision already.”
“So youdemandit.”Her eyes are set on me, and she's irritated.
“I’m allowed to make demands, Elodie. Considering I missed…” I catch myself speaking in a hard tone, and I don’t finish the sentence. Now isn’t the time to throw jabs. Elodie keeps her lips tightly closed, and her struggle proves it. Taking a deep breath, I reset myself. “Still, you are not leaving.”
“I don’t have any of her clothes here.”
Snickering a sound, I remind her of what she already knows.“Really? Have you seen her room?”
Her eyes divert away from me. “Fair point,”shemumbles, but then livens when she seems to have another idea. “I don’t have my things.” I find it cute the reasons she comes up with. I figured it out fast. She couldn’t give a rat's ass about logistics; she’s trying to avoid a situation. One that I’m more than happy to address. A few strides and I’m right in front of her, making a point to brush against her body as I reach into the cabinet above her to grab a glass for a drink I don’t even want.
“I’m positive lacking clothes is not a problem,”I taunt. That electrical current between us causes my body to react, my heartbeat quickens slightly, the urge to touch her is strong, and a feeling swells that I want her here, with no escape.
She smiles contritely at me. “Cute.”
I place the glass on the counter and lean my hip against the edge, angling toward Elodie, watching her. It’s fun.“I have clothes you can borrow.”
“Now I’m staying and wearing your shirts.” There is a hint of amusement there.
“I’ll send someone to some stores so you can have things as well.”
“What a millionaire thing to say. One click.”She snaps her fingers. “And the problem is solved with money,” she teases me, because so far, I’ve had no indication that she cares about my bank account. Her smile begins to fade.“But… you’re right.” She’s serious and turns to face me. “It’s best to let her rest.”
“Good.”We get lost for a few seconds in a stare-off. “There are clean sheets on my bed too.”
I give her points for keeping a straight face. “That’s very presumptuous of you, especially when I know there are bedroom options.”
“Uhm, I’m not sure there are.”
She cackles a sound and gently shakes her head. “Shocker. You’re not giving up,”she replies dryly yet the smile is there.
Smugness swells with a smirk. “I’ll order in some dinner. It could be a long night.”
Her eyes grow bold, and I chuckle. “I mean with Lola. The chickenpox,” I remind her.
She bats her lashes. “Oh, right, yeah.”
“So I’m ordering in Chinese for dinner? Opening a bottle of white?”
“Now, I’m having dinner with you, and apparently sleeping in your bed.” She points a finger at me in warning. “Not yet answered.”
She rubs her face and makes a sound in frustration, but the moment her hands fall away, I see a small smile. “Twenty-four hours. That’s all it’s been.”
“For what?”
“Let me see. In the span of 24 hours, I’ve had sex with you in a bathroom stall, experienced your outburst over flowers, our daughter gets chickenpox, and now I’m staying here.”
My head lolls to the side, and my tongue pushes inside my cheek while I absorb the day that will definitely go down in our history book. I’ve driven us right into all of those scenarios, and never break a good habit.
“So, that’s a yes to eggrolls?”
15
HAYES
