“That’s all fine and well, but if we don’t have power, I highly doubt you do.” His family may be well off, but it’s not like they have their own piece of the grid where the power never goes out.
“I don’t.” I open my mouth to argue my point, but he holds up his finger. “I have a generator and a fireplace. And…running water.”
“I’m in.” Lexi says before dashing out of the kitchen. If I know her, she’s going to pack because in her mind, this is settled.
“We can’t intrude on you like that. I’m sure you have other things going on.”
At this point I’ll say anything to keep from being cooped up in a house with nowhere to run when my past emotions try to bubble up.
He shakes his head, and if I’m not mistaken, he’s trying to hide a grin.
“The winery is closed until the roads clear up. I can take you to the ranch to stay with Miles, but he doesn’t have room for all of you. I have a spare bedroom, warmth, and anything else you might need.” He runs a hand through his short hair. “Please don’t fight me on this. Otherwise, I’ll pack up my generator and do what I can here.”
Oh, hell no. He’s not inviting himself to stay at my house. I know he means well, but I’m grown. Why can’t my brother, or Peter for that matter, understand that? However, I know this is a losing battle. Especially since my child is already getting ready.
“Fine. But I don’t think my car will make it on these roads.” I know it won’t. The tires need to be replaced and there’s no way I’m chancing that drive with my kid.
“That’s fine. There’s room in my truck.” He glances around the kitchen. “Is there anything you need me to grab while you get a bag?”
“Alice’s bed and some of her toys. She needs to be comfortable while we’re away from home.”
“I can handle that. Take as long as you need.”
“Okay.” It won’t take me long. I don’t plan on taking much except for comfy clothes. Anything to remind myself that I’m not dating anyone anytime soon. Especially him.
Nine
Peter
What the fuck am I thinking? All Miles said to do is check on them. Make sure they are okay. Not draw a line in the sand tell them to stay with me. It’s a bad idea. I knew as soon as the words fell from my mouth. What is it about Callie that makes me speak without thinking? I should have practice in this based on how many times I have to keep my mouth shut around Pierce. Clearly, she brings all my walls down…and good sense.
I grab Alice’s bed and a couple of toys. Callie didn’t specify which ones so who knows if these are ones the pup actually likes. I hurry out to the truck and place the items in the backseat before turning the truck on. It’s freezing out here and they shouldn’t have to get into a cold truck. Luckily it hasn’t cooled down too much.
Logistics of how this is going to work run through my head as I make my way back inside. When is the last time I changed the sheets in the guest room? Miles stayed here on New Year’s and I changed them after he left. At least there will be clean bedding for them.
Callie is in the living room when I enter. Her suitcase is planted beside her. The frantic look on her face softens as soon as she sees me. Did she think I bailed on her? I’m not an asshole. At least, not all the time.
“Wow. It didn’t take you long.” Honestly, if it were my baby sister, she’d still be packing. Even if it’s only for a few days. It’s one of the reasons I hate going on vacations with her. She takes forever to do anything.
“Eh, I’m low maintenance.” She shrugs her shoulders. “Some yoga pants, sweaters, and fuzzy socks are pretty much all I need. Well, undergarments, too.” Her cheeks are bright pink as soon as she adds that last tidbit.
Callie blushing might be new favorite thing. I’ll have to think of ways to make her do it more often.
Alexandra grunts as she pulls two suitcases behind her with a duffel bag slung over her shoulder. “A little help, please.”
Both of us move toward her, reaching for the same suitcase handle, our hands brush against one another. “I’ve got it.” My words are soft, and it takes her a moment to pull her hand away.
She takes a full step back when her daughter starts giggling. I will never understand teenagers.
Callie studies her daughter while I pull one suitcase, then the other, to my side. “You know we’re only going to be at Peter’s for a couple of days max, right?”
Great, she’s in mom mode now. I know the sound of that tone anywhere. It’s one I got from my mom frequently.
“Oh,” Alexandra waves her hand in front of her dismissing her mom’s question. “This isn’t all clothes. I’m assuming there’s no TV so I loaded one of the suitcases with books. I have to do something to fill up the time.”
That explains the weight of the last one I pulled over to me. How many books does she think she can read in a few days? Actually, never mind. Anything that brings her joy. If that’s spending the cold days cuddled up reading, who am I to judge?
“You have a point.” Callie agrees. She rushes over to the side of the couch and grabs something. When she comes back there’s a ball of yarn in her hand. “I’ve been meaning to start working on a project. This feels like a good time to handle that task.”
