Page 57 of All Tied Down

“Dinner is in the fridge,” he says, ignoring us both, “and tomorrow you guys will go to the bar to see whatever band is playing. You’ll be seen but you will not make a scene. Am I clear?”

“Yes, Daddy,” Emerson says in a voice that rides the line between mocking and indecent. Unsurprisingly, both do it for me.

Theo’s mouth hangs open as my lips curl up on one side and I tease, “I think that’s more what he’s saying rather than…”

“I hate you both,” he hollers dramatically with a wave over his shoulder as he heads for the door. “Don’t call me tonight unless you’re on fire.”

“Good luck!” Emerson and I say in unison as the front door slams shut and we’re finally alone. My hand is already snaking up her belly, her body arching into my touch when there’s a knock.

And then another one before the door swings open again.

EMERSON

“I’m changing the locks,” I mutter as I move out of Garrett’s hold and stand, smoothing my hands down my shirt and narrowing my eyes at Roan who holds up a six-pack of beer.

“I brought beer.”

“The codependence in your relationship is astounding,” I tell him as he waves toward the road.

“We literally built houses next to each other so we could do this.”

“Which is a thing I will never understand,” I respond as I make my way toward the stairs.

“You’re not staying?” I can hear all the things Garrett isn’t asking in that one question, and while I like Roan, I have no desire to spend any time with him right now.

It’s hard trying to explain that to someone who is naturally social and enjoys people—who has friends.

I’ve just had Isla for most of my life.

Last year I added Kat.

I don’t need or want to grow my circle because not only is this exhausting in general, but it’s temporary. When Garrett and I are divorced in a few months, I won’t have any interaction with Roan unless our professional paths cross.

Same with Colt.

Seeing them through Kat and Tom is a possibility, but it’ll be like seeing relatives at holidays.

Only better.

The only person that might be a complication is Theo, and that’s only if things work out between him and Des.

With a smile, I make my way upstairs, heading straight for the master bath and turning on the faucet. The water is ice cold as it hits the basin of the tub, and I yank my hand away and pull my phone from my pocket as it warms up.

EMERSON: I’m back at Garrett’s

EMERSON: We’ve been here for like thirty minutes and TWO people have stopped by unannounced

ISLA: You’d hate Clementine Creek

ISLA: Also, I remember what it was like when I was required to socialize with more than just you after hours

EMERSON: Are you saying you like it now?

ISLA: I’m saying it’s different when it’s not just for show

EMERSON: But this is for show. Even if Roan and Colt know this is an arrangement—it’s still temporary. I’m not hanging out with these guys once this is done

ISLA: What about Oakey and Kat?