Page 92 of My Temptation

That was an odd question. “Why are you asking me that?”

“Just want to know how much worrying I need to set aside for you.”

I smiled. “No, at least not all the time. This was a unique situation.”

“Maybe someday you can tell me about it.”

“Maybe.” I drew in a deep breath before exhaling. “He bothering you?”

“Actually, no,” she admitted, obviously aware I was talking about her ex. Leaning my back against the railing, I faced the doors to the room just in time to see Mila walk out of the bathroom in a dress that rivaled last night’s outfit. It looked painted on, and my body roared to life. How the fuck does she get such a strong reaction from me? When I heard Everly’s voice, I dropped my eyes, knowing I’d need to ask her to repeat herself. I hadn’t heard a word she said once my eyes landed on Mila.

She cleared her throat. “You stopped listening to me. Is Mila in the room?”

“What?”

“When Mila’s around, you are oblivious to everything else.” She laughed.

“I am not.” I defended myself even knowing that was probably true. “Besides, how would you know that? You’ve never even met her.”

“I’ve been on the phone with you enough to know. Look, E, you like her. Actually, you more than like her, so get over your shit and tell her.”

“It’s not that easy,” I replied.

“It is, actually,” she answered. “You know I don’t have the best track record, so learn from me that when you find a good one, hold on and don’t let anything stand in your way.”

Shaking my head, I shifted to see Mila and Nick talking. “We’ll figure it out when we finish here.”

“Don’t wait too long, E,” she advised.

I nodded, aware she was right but unable to keep talking about it. “I gotta go. I have work to do.”

“Miss you,” she said simply, and I thought back to what Riley said.

“You say that all the time. I think Riley’s picked up on it.”

Everly laughed softly. “She has. She’s like having a parrot around now. I swear, everything I say is repeated at some point.”

“That’s gonna get annoying.”

She laughed, and I joined in. “Already is, E.”

We said our goodbyes, and I was still smiling when I pulled open the door to walk through.

Mila tilted her head to the side. “Everly good?”

“Yeah. They’re going to Brody’s house for a playdate.”

Mila smiled. “That doesn’t surprise me. It doesn’t sound like the Dimarcos like anyone to feel alone.”

Nick met my eyes. “They took care of Maddie when I couldn’t. I’ll be grateful for the rest of my life.”

“Almost time to go,” I pointed out.

Nick nodded. “You ready?”

“I’m ready to get this done.”

Nick pulled a watch from his duffel bag and handed it to me. “You’ll need to wear this.”

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