Page 125 of Between the Lines

“It would be great to get rid of clutter, make room for more of my own stuff. And if I ever move, I don’t want to be burdened with decades of stuff,” Fia continues.

Silence stretches, then Jesse nods once, firmly. “I think that’s a good idea.”

Penny looks at me, eyes slightly narrowed. Like she’s trying to figure out what’s happening.

“Yes, agreed. That’s a great idea,” she finally adds.

“I can take a lot of stuff. My new place is pretty empty.” Danny rubs the back of his neck, glancing towards his little sister.

Fia mouths, Thank you, to him.

After dinner, when the plates are cleared and Daisy’s halfway to sleep in her aunt’s arms, Fia walks me out.

The night air is cool and quiet, and we linger by my Jeep like neither of us wants to be the one to end it.

“Your family’s really great,” I say. “You’re lucky to have them.”

She nods, understanding what I don’t say. That dinner with mine wouldn’t look like this. Her hand lifts, fingers brushing my jaw, thumb resting just at my bottom lip. Her touch is gentle and sweet, like her.

“I am lucky,” she agrees.

Then she kisses me, slow and unhurried, pulling back before I can even catch my breath.

“Good night, Caden.” She slips her hand from mine.

“Good night, Fia,” I reply, slowly getting in my car.

I watch her walk back inside, light spilling around her, and for the first time in a long time, I don’t feel like I’m standing between two worlds with Fia.

It feels like we’re in the same one. It’s messy and beautiful, and the lines aren’t blurry.

I know exactly who I want, what I want.

Her. Always her.

49

Fia: 3 Months Later

“If you don’t stop, I’m going to be late,” I whisper, trying to sound serious, but Caden pulls me in closer, the covers muffling my laughter.

He feathers kisses down my neck, and my eyes reluctantly shut again. He snakes a hand around my waist, warming my exposed skin. His fingertips flirt with the band of my panties. I slap his hand away, even though I want nothing more than to let him satisfy me right now.

I roll over, facing him. He wears a devilish grin, his blond hair askew from sleep.

“This is very unprofessional of you,” I playfully scold, which I instantly regret because it only turns him on.

He dives in, kissing me, and I push against his chest.

“Ten minutes. I have to be up in ten minutes,” I warn.

“Challenge accepted,” Caden replies, nearly ripping my bottoms off.

“You know there’s a coffee shop next to your office, right?” Caden asks as he enters the kitchen, holding Daisy.

I fill my mug with my home-brewed coffee, ignoring him.

“You act like I’m not going to require multiple cups throughout the day.”