Page 290 of Steamy Ever After

Jamison wasn’t much better when she picked him up from school, although he didn’t ask specifics; he sulked.

At least they weren’t heartbroken. The sulking would stop after a day or two. The heartbreak they’d experienced when Kade died still remained.

Peyton jumped when her cell phone rang. She half hoped it was Brodie, but was relieved to see Alex’s name instead.

“Hey, girlfriend. Whatcha’ doin’?”

“The boys and I are about to make dinner.”

“Whatcha’ makin’?”

“Chicken parm.” It was one of their favorite comfort meals, and all three of them needed it.

“I’ll grab a Sangiovese on my way.”

“See ya, Alex.”

She’d tell the boys Alex was on her way over, but they’d already figured it out, and neither looked happy.

“They’re pissed.” Alex laughed.

“No kidding.” Peyton loaded the last of the dishes in the dishwasher. “Finn can go to school tomorrow. It’ll be easier than having him scowl at me all day.”

“Have you heard from him?”

“No, and as much as I want to, it’s better this way.”

Alex nodded. “I get that.”

“What about you and Maddox?” Peyton asked.

“Done.”

Her eyes opened wide. “Already? What happened?”

“I told you, it never lasts more than a week.”

“Why not?”

“Every once in a while, we think we like each other, but really, we don’t.” Alex sighed. “Okay if we don’t talk about it?”

“Of course.” Peyton understood. She didn’t want to talk about Brodie either.

Later, after Alex left, Peyton tucked the boys in, then went to bed herself. She half woke sometime in the middle of the night, feeling warm and safe, dreaming she was in bed with Kade. She snuggled against his bare chest while he ran his fingers up and down her arm.

“He loves you,” said dream-Kade.

“Who loves me?”

“Brodie.”

Peyton tried to turn away and pull herself out of this dream, but Kade wouldn’t let her go.

“He loves you in a way I never could.”

She shook herself, trying to wake up.

“Give him a chance, sweetheart. He’ll love you and take care of you and the boys. He’ll make you happy.”

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