Page 83 of Broken Rules
She lifts to look at me. “When I return, you not coming anymore is a start. Seeing you was the highlight of my night. Then I’ll never leave with you there.”
I smile and hum. “I knew it.”
A snort-giggle releases from deep within her, and I chuckle as she hides her face in my chest. “Stop making me laugh.”
“Never.”
Her laugh subsides as we slowly sway, staying silent for a moment. “Sadie’s birthday is tomorrow,” she says, looking at me. “Want to come with me to buy her gifts so I can wrap them later?”
“Nope.”
She furrows her brows. “Oh, then I’ll go by myself.”
“Peaches, you got five seconds to get your butt ready for those silks, or I'll start drinking my morning coffee in the kitchen.”
“What?”
“Four.”
“Lex—you're not being serious, are you?”
“Three…”
Her eyes open wide. “Okay, I’m going.”
I wink at her when she walks past, smack her ass, and she quickens her steps, sticking her tongue out when she’s further away, making me chuckle. Grabbing our bags from the trunk, I return to Evie jumping rope in a black sports bra and shorts before stretching on a yoga mat. I set the luggage by the couch and take a seat, watching her work while getting comfortable.
“Do you mind if I record you?” I ask while Evie inspects the fabric minutes later.
She stares at me. “Why?”
“To keep for yourself, or maybe you’d like to spread your talent one day.” I draw out my phone and press record when she nods. “Show people what you got.”
Evie licks her lips, rubbing her hands on her thighs before saying, “Alexa, playYour LifebyStephen.”
Music flows through the room, a melody serene of nature, and Evie weaves between the white silks like water, her gaze landing on me before she climbs, losing her grip a moment later—I jolt forward, but she catches herself, closing her eyes to compose her thoughts, to breathe. My heart beats fast as she continues, keeping my eyes on her, Evie taking her time switching positions, getting back into an even flow after months of avoiding the air. Once her confidence returns, I continue recording, her moves getting faster, poses harder, pushing her limits, spinning, dropping, stretching…smiling, and she looks so damn beautiful in her element.
On the floor, Evie allows the music to guide her body, her smile never faltering as she meets my gaze, then dances toward me, and I hold her when she straddles my lap, ending the recording. “Good job, baby,” I whisper into her ear, swiping the damp strands of hair off her temple to press a kiss. “What did I tell you? So damn good.”
“Thank you,” she pants, locking her arms around my neck, and we sit in our embrace. “I missed that.”
“I know.” Taking her by the cheeks, I make her look at me while trying to keep a sternyou know who wears the pantsface. “Now, you have five seconds to get your ass ready for the store before I change my mind about coming along.”
She purses her lips and slips off my lap, smirking before sauntering toward the stairs, threading her fingers through her long hair—once she reaches the first step, she glances over her shoulder, sticks her tongue at me, and this time, I chase after her, enjoying her laughter to our bedroom.
TWENTY-EIGHT
CAN A GRANDPA DO THAT?
“Don’t make me call my auntie.” Lennox reads the black onesie over my shoulder, and I peek up with a smirk as I pack the baby item inside the large gift box.
“Damn right.”
He hums into my neck, his hold around my waist strengthening, and my stomach flips when he spreads his hand, rubbing his thumb across my navel. His action speaks well beyond words while I sift through the gifts we got Sadie and Kylo yesterday. I’ve never thought about starting a family, I’ve been celibate for years, but with Lennox, him wanting children with me makes the idea less scary. I place my palm over the back of his hand, and he inhales a deep breath through his nose, hoping my small gesture tells him yes.
Not today, not tomorrow, but one day.
Right now, I want us.
