Page 74 of The Rogue

She folds her arms. “That’s supposed to scare me? It’s your funeral, buddy.”

“Alright.” I peer down the street, considering something that would make it her funeral. “I’ll ban coffee in my house.”

Her eyes widen, and she hops out. “I could use a new pair of boots.”

17

Levi leaves my shoppingbags by the den when we walk into the house.

I hear Jackson’s favorite cartoon playing in the other room as Chase comes around from the living room and into the hall. “I’ll only be an hour, tops.”

“I said two,” Levi argues as he passes his brother with a grunt to check on his son.

Chase eyes the bags on the floor and a small grin forms on his pretty face. With a perked brow, he puts his arm around my shoulder as we walk toward the kitchen. “Could this mean you’re staying past your term?”

I glance at Levi. “No. But did your brother enjoy playing with dolls when he was younger? Cause he sure enjoyed dressin' me today.”

He flicks off the television, and I follow his gaze to a sleepy little boy on the couch.

“You picked out herclothes?” Chase teases.

“Well, she wasn’t doing it,” Levi says defensively. “Besides, it wasn’t hard.”

“Oh, this isgoldfor Pepper.” He clasps his hands and moves backward toward the patio. “Alright, I’m heading home to my wife. She sentdinner. It’s on the counter. The kid ate. I don’t do the bath thing—that’s all you. Goodnight.”

Levi walks him out and I move to Jackson in the living room, feeling guilty for abandoning him tonight.

I swipe his hair from his face, wondering how many times he must have felt second. Second to Levi’s work. Second to the slew of nannies this man has had that were clearly more interested in their boss.

That kind of misplaced attention could do a number on a child. But hell, does he have a bright spirit.

It’s no wonder at all. Jackson’s surrounded by love. It’s natural for him to give it and expect it in return.

I sit beside him, blowing softly against his sweaty forehead. I don’t know if I’m in a position to undress him, but he’s definitely overdressed for sleep.

I pull the throw blanket off him and stand to set it aside, finding Levi watching me —his hands in his pockets.

He’s not scowling this time.

He’s…thoughtful.

I let Levi take over, carrying Jackson upstairs while I set the table for us. Pepper had sent back some fancy eggplant dish I can tell was from a recipe book but clearly missing or replaced ingredients.

Levi returns, finding me lightly spooning and tasting the lopsided dish. “Oh good, I’ll wait a few minutes to see if you drop dead before trying some.”

I laugh. “It’s not that bad and I’m going to tell her you said that. Here.” I take a forkful of the warmed meal. “Try.”

He grunts, making a face before opening for me, and I shove the eggplant in his mouth. “Mmm. Not… terrible.”

I nod, moving back to the stove. “I’m going to add some garlic salt. Oh no…freshgarlic. Sauteed.”

He steps behind me, watching me as I toss pieces of garlic into the hot oiled pan. “Where’d you learn to cook?”

“Bessie.”

“How do you know Bessie?”

I stiffen but continue to stir. “She was my boss at the diner I worked at.”

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