Page 75 of Shattered

I glance over at Adi, who is still not paying any attention to us. “Do you think this is weird for him?”

Laying his cheek on top of my head, Neilix faces him as well. “I don’t think so. Is it weird for you?”

I shake my head against his cheek. “No. I’m going to tell my boss tomorrow and see what she has to say.” A moment later, I add, “Sarah and I have been thinking about moving to the city for a while.” Neilix leans back to look down at me, but I don’t give him room to comment. “The decision hasn’t got anything to do with you, so don’t freak out.”

The side of his mouth twitches. “Does it look like I’m freaking out?”

“Not yet.”

He presses his lips together in amusement and returns his gaze to his son. “Adi would miss you.”

“We haven’t made a decision yet. Besides, I could see him on the weekends.” Neilix doesn’t respond to that, and I don’t miss the slight curve of his lips as he thinks about it. “What are you doing today?”

“It depends. What are you doing today?”

I shrug, stepping out of his embrace. “I wouldn’t mind spending it with two handsome men. But I should check my phone first and make sure Sarah hasn’t locked herself out.”

She has done that once or twice after work or spending the night with somebody, but usually I’m close by to let her in.

“Oh. It’s here.” Neilix reaches over and pulls my phone out of the fruit basket. “Adi found it on the couch, and I didn’t want him getting into it.”

“Thanks.”

I light up the screen, seeing that I have messages from Jason and Neilix. Curious, I open the one from Neilix, chuckling when I see it’s his usual Good morning followed by a smiley face text. He smirks knowingly and walks back to Adi. Gosh, I never stood a chance of not falling for him.

Next, I open Jason’s text, but unfortunately, it has my smile dropping, and panic instantly churns my stomach.

“Shit.” Neilix’s concerned gaze swings to me. “Jason’s coming over to your place.” I turn back to the message and reread it.

Jason: I’m actually back in Chicago today. Going to stop by Neilix’s in a little while.

I quickly look at the time he sent it—half an hour ago. Dammit.

Typing out a reply, I try to dissuade him from coming, feeling like shit as I do it.

Me: Doesn’t he usually spend the weekends with his son?

Jason: That kid is adorable, so if he’s there, that would be even better. I’m trying to earn an uncle status, even though I don’t deserve it.

Neilix joins me again, and I hold out my phone so he can read the messages.

“I need to go,” I tell him, regret heavy in my voice.

Disappointment has his lips turning down. “He hasn’t texted me anything.”

“I’m guessing he probably thinks you’ll say you’re busy if he gives you a warning.”

“And that would be accurate.”

I sigh, dropping my forehead to his chest. He and Jason aren’t back to being best friends again by any means, but they’re both in a better place since Jason came to see him, and I don’t want anything to ruin it just yet.

“Hopefully, we won’t have to hide anything for much longer.” Especially now that our relationship has progressed.

I quickly collect all my things from the bedroom, and when I return, Neilix hands me a container. “At least take some breakfast with you.”

Gosh, this man. He makes me feel gooey inside.

I make sure Adi is distracted and then pull Neilix’s head down for a kiss, slipping my tongue into his mouth and moaning when he sucks it into his mouth. After saying a quick goodbye to Adi—my chest squeezing when I see how sad he looks—I rush out the front door.

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