Page 87 of Something Forever

She clicks her tongue, her gaze dropping back to her book.

“What are you reading?” I ask.

She eyes me from above the book. “It’s a thriller. I like all that stuff. True crime, serial killers. Real gory, fucked up stuff. Reminds me to keep sharp.” She taps her forehead with a grin.

Great. My mother-in-law is obsessed with violent murder.

“Cool,” I manage, my throat dry. “I’m gonna bring Whitney her coffee.”

“I’m here,” Whitney interrupts from behind me.

I turn to see her shuffling into the room with a yawn, and I can’t help but smile. She looks adorable in the mornings. Hair strewn everywhere, all sleepy-eyed and tired.

“Morning,” I murmur, handing her a coffee and pressing a soft kiss to the top of her head. Her eyes jump up to mine in surprise, but she covers it quickly, muttering her thanks as she sits at the counter next to Caroline.

“You hungry?” I ask, pulling a carton of eggs out of the fridge.

“Sure. Whatever you’re making is fine,” Whitney answers, then sips her coffee with a soft moan that sends a jolt straight to my cock.

Jesus. How does she make drinking coffee seem sexy?

“Caroline? Would you like anything?” I ask, trying to distract myself.

“Nah. I’ve got stuff to do.” Caroline stands and closes her book.

“Like what?” Whitney asks, turning to her mom.

“Just meeting up with some old friends…”

“So, you’re meeting up with a guy.”

Caroline rolls her eyes. “So what if I am? I’m a grown woman. Your mother. I can do what I want.”

“You always do,” Whitney mutters under her breath.

“You better quit it with that passive aggression. You got something to say? Say it.”

“I think we said everything we needed to last night.” Whitney sighs. “How long are you staying here?”

“Don’t worry. I can see when I’m not wanted. I’ll be out of your hair tomorrow,” Caroline says with a bite.

I see the moment when Whitney’s face falls and the careful way she tries to put it back together.

“Mom—”

“I’ll be back later. You got a spare key for me?”

Whitney sighs but grabs her keys and hands them to Caroline. Before Whitney can say anything else, Caroline struts out, slamming the door behind her. Whitney sits down at the counter, dropping her head into her hands.

Shit. This is just like last night. She’s upset, and as usual I’m ill-equipped to handle the situation.

“I can’t believe we got stoned with my dad,” I say with a smirk, hoping to lighten her mood.

It works. She lifts her head with a soft smile. “Never let me smoke like that again.”

I turn to the stove, cracking a couple eggs into the pan. “That’s nothing compared to you after a few tequila shots.”

She scoffs. “Excuse me? I handle my liquor very well.”

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