Page 161 of Lace 'em Up

And hard.

“You’re mom’s just walking Zeus,” she says. “She’ll be back soon and we don’t have time to?—”

“We have time,” I tell her, scooping her up, setting her on the counter. “We’ll be quick?—”

The front door slams open.

“Yoohoo!” my mom calls. “We’re back!”

I sigh, drop my forehead against hers. “Christ.”

Rory grins. “Told you.”

Stealing one more kiss, I wrap my arms more tightly around her, bringing her down from the counter and setting her on her feet.

Then I dig my cell out of my pocket, start tapping at the screen, making quick work of my newly forming plan, greeting Zeus when he deigns to acknowledge my presence.

(This after my mom has rewarded him and Gunner—who’s decided that treats are a worthwhile disruption to his nap—with a cookie each and he’s gotten his fill of cuddles from Rory).

“Hey, bud,” I mutter, getting down on my haunches and scratching him behind his floofy ears.

Then doing the same for Gunner when he joins in, resting his head on my knee.

My mom is chatting with Rory, both of them bent over my binder, discussing dinner ideas and grocery shopping for the next few days, and as much as I love making lists and planning ahead and putting together spreadsheets, I want my house back.

I want it to be just Rory and I.

I want to spend Christmas with my woman. Alone.

I want to fuck her on the kitchen counter without risking my mom walking in.

Which brings me back to my hastily put together plan.

“Mom,” I say, tapping on my cell’s screen again, sending the plane ticket I just bought to her via text.

“I think it’s time for you to go visit Jakob.”

Dear Diane,

Maybe I should be upset for being so unceremoniously kicked out of King’s place.

But I’m not.

Young love is blooming in my eldest’s house.

He and Rory need the space, and my matchmaking efforts—such as they were—are better suited elsewhere.

Jakob is so hurt, so angry.

And I get it.

I know Theresa’s actions wounded him deeply.

But his boys, his beautiful, rambunctious boys need more.

And my Jakob…he deserves the world.

So, I didn’t argue with King when he sent me the ticket, when he packed me off to the airport and hugged me goodbye just outside of security. I didn’t argue that my trip with him and Rory was cut short.

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