Page 51 of Lock 'em Down

“It is good. And normal,” my sister stresses. “You missed out on too many opportunities to mingle and meet people after things went sideways with Levi. You cut yourself short.”

“Yeah,” I whisper, sitting down at the kitchen island. It’s a small island with two barstools but perfect for me. I take a bite of my apple. “Do you think I’m doing that again?”

“Cutting yourself short?”

“I married a stranger,” I remind her.

“I don’t think Leif is anything like Levi. I don’t think most men are.”

I roll my eyes. “No, most men aren’t infamous rockstars.”

Jenna giggles. “Leif is a professional hockey player though. Can’t you just date a normal guy—like a teacher or a dentist?”

I sigh. “I clearly have a type.”

Jenna chuckles.

“But I don’t want to miss out on opportunities, on social experiences, because I’m a wife.”

“Then, don’t,” Jenna says, as if it’s that easy.

I roll my eyes. “Right. Because Mom continued to explore her career options when she married Dad.”

“Mom also had three kids back-to-back. You’re not even living with your husband, Cam. You’re not obligated to go to all his hockey games and become a WAG. You’re figuring things out, one day at a time. Just, give him, give this a chance. If that’s what you want to do. You said you do. Is it because of Mom? And the way she jumped on the Leif Bang wagon?”

“Partly,” I admit. “You should have seen her face, Jenna. She was so relieved, and I didn’t want to disappoint her again.”

Jenna sighs. “That’s not a good enough reason to stay in a marriage.”

“It’s convenient,” I point out.

Jenna scoffs. “That’s even worse.”

“I know. But partly, there is something between Leif and me. I had fun on our date. He is a good guy. If I wasn’t married to him, I’d date him in a heartbeat.”

Jenna snorts.

“It’s bananas,” I mutter.

“Cam, you can define what it means to be a wife, what it means to be married, for you and Leif. You don’t have to follow the example set by Mom and Dad or anyone else. You set the terms. You and Leif make the rules.”

“You have a point,” I concede.

“I always do. Anyway, I’m meeting my book club tonight.”

I grin, loving that Jenna has maintained a book club with the same girls from college for over four years. “Have fun.”

“Thanks! We read a paranormal romance—The Hunted with vampire Navy SEALS—by S.B. Alexander this month. I’m glad you had a great first day, Cam.”

“Me too. Talk to you later.”

“‘Bye.” Jenna ends the call.

I toss down my phone and bite into my apple. Then, I pull the refrigerator door open again, wondering what I should eat for dinner. I’m not much of a cook and I’m debating between cereal and an omelette when the doorbell rings.

Who would be here at this time of night? Hell, I barely know anyone in this city.

A knock sounds. “Knox? You home?”

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