Page 95 of After Midnight

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“No heads up? No discussion?”

“It’s a good idea,” I said simply. “We need it.”

A moment passed.

She studied me, long and quiet. “We…oryouneed it?” she asked directly.

The insinuation was loud as hell, but I held her gaze, not flinching. “Weneed it, baby,” I repeated.

Her eyes searched mine. Finally, she exhaled softly and leaned back in her chair. “Okay,” she said.

But it wasn’t in agreement. Just acceptance for now. But I would take it. I reached for my glass again, taking another slow sip as the kids kept talking, the energy at the table rising again.

Everything was fine.

It had to be.

Because I was done.

I meant that.

I did.…

Didn’t I?

My jaw tightened slightly as I stared down into my glass.

Yeah.

I was done.

I had to be.

Afew days later, me and my family were landing in Hawaii. I booked us a house right on the beach. We had our own private stretch of the beach. It was beautiful. The sky was that bright, clean blue that almost didn’t look real. Sun sitting high, water clear enough to see straight through it, waves rolling in smooth and steady.

Perfect. Exactly what this was supposed to be. A reset. The twins were already running through the house yelling in excitement.

"Stop running guys!" Eva called after them, setting her purse down on the couch as she looked around.

I placed our bags by the door, watching her silently. Gauging to see if this was acceptable. She wasn't smiling but she wasn't frowning either. She nodded slowly and turned to me. "You did good."

"I always do." I smiled.

She smirked.

“You alright?” I asked, low.

“I should be asking you that,” she replied just as quietly.

My jaw flexed slightly. “I told you, baby, I’m good.”

She held my gaze for a second longer. Then nodded. “Okay, Bishop.”

I leaned down and kissed her. She kissed me back, but I felt that slight hesitation. I pulled back, brushing my thumb along her jaw. “Relax,” I murmured. “We’re out here now. Let's just enjoy our weekend. You got me.”

She exhaled slowly, her shoulders dropping just a little. "Do I?"

"Youdo," I reassured her.

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