Page 39 of Passing Ships

She grasps the doorknob and pulls the door shut.

Lennon’s amused eyes dip to me. My hands are still planted on his bare chest.

“You’re not going to wear that, are you?”

“No.”

“Good, because if you did, everyone would know you were a naughty girl last night.”

I growl at him as I drop my hands and run to the bathroom and shut myself in.

I can hear his laughter, and then the door opens and closes a moment later.

I peel off my dress and jump into a hot shower.

Once I’m clean and dressed in an off-white linen pantsuit, I walk out to find Avie and Eden sitting at the island, drinking coffee.

Leia is on her knees at the coffee table, coloring and chattering away to Lennon, who looks as cool as a cucumber, lounging on the couch in a pair of jogging pants and a gray T-shirt.

Avie makes a show of looking at her watch.

“I know we’re late. I’m sorry,” I say.

Leia looks up at the sound of my voice. “You look pretty, Auntie Miya.”

I glance at her. “Thanks, kiddo.”

Eden takes their mugs to the sink.

“Sebastian will pick her up in an hour,” Avie says, and Lennon throws his hand up.

“You girls have a good breakfast,” he calls as we file out the door.

“Is something wrong?” Eden asks from the back seat.

“No,” we say in unison.

“Are you sure? You guys aren’t mad about the dance lessons, are you? I could choose something besides the waltz. A tango maybe?” Eden continues.

I turn and look at her over my shoulder. “The dance was beautiful. Avie’s just peeved at me because she found Lennon in my bed this morning after I promised her I wouldn’t sleep with him again,” I explain.

Eden’s eyes go wide, and she sits back. “Oh …”

“I’m not mad. I’m just not thrilled,” Avie sputters.

Eden leans back up and pokes her head between us. “Not that you asked, but I think it’s great. Lennon’s hot, and Wade thinks the world of him. What about it bothers you, if you don’t mind me asking?”

Avie’s eyes dart to the rearview mirror, and she answers, “I just think it’s a bad idea. What if things don’t work out and they end up hating each other? Lennon is going to be a part of my and Leia’s family soon.”

Eden nods. “That’s fair.”

“Why would we hate each other? I’ve never hated anyone before—besides your ex-husband. I get along fine with every man I’ve ever slept with,” I defend.

“This is different. Plus, there’s the whole Anson thing,” Avie says.

“Anson thing? What Anson thing?” I ask.

“Didn’t you and Anson …” She leaves the incomplete question hanging in the air.

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