Page 167 of One Big Little Secret

“The boy’s right,” Patton cuts in. His voice is tight, and when I look at him, his eyes glitter with that sharp, suppressed anger. “And you’re damn lucky you hung up when you did, or I’d have been tempted to tell her what I think.”

“Patton, no—”

“It wouldn’t happen with her in a thousand years, even if I was single and dry as the Sahara.” He strides forward and kneels beside me. The sight of him kneeling by my chair is enough to make my heart flutter. “Never, Salem.”

I stroke my hands through his hair.

I’m not oblivious to the little eyes watching us.

We haven’t told Arlo everything, but after weeks together at Patton’s house, he’s pretty much figured out we’re dating. Kids deserve more credit than they get.

Thankfully, he just told me I’m cool for dating Patman, and that was the end of it.

A little anticlimactic after everything.

Still, Arlo retches at the sight of us kissing.

“I prefer flowers,” I remind him.

“And that’s why I let you finish the conversation. But you already know I’ve found my woman, right? She’s sitting right infront of me.” His voice softens. “And she looks like a knockout tonight.”

This time, I don’t let myself question it. I just press my lips to his while his hand finds my waist, nudging me closer.

“Ewwww, you guys!” Arlo screeches. “Gross! Mommy, stop. He can’t kiss you unless he beat a bad guy.”

His movie logic makes me break away with a laugh. I beam Patton one more quick smile.

The warmth in my chest unfurls as I replay his words.

You already know I’ve found my woman, right?

We haven’t spoken about forever, but at times like this, it doesn’t feel like an impossible dream.

Not today, maybe, but in a matter of months or years…

“Don’t bother with Kayla what’s-her-face anymore,” he says, standing. “I know you think she’s your friend and you owe her for this job, but all she does is trample you.”

“She doesn’t mean to. I guess.”

“Doesn’t she?” He lets the question hang in the air. “Salem, she knows exactly what she’s doing. The more you feel like you’re not good enough, the more you rely on her tomake yougood enough. It’s toxic as hell.”

I want to tell him he’s wrong, but he isn’t.

Truth be told, Kayla Persephone shouldn’t scare me.

It’s all in my head, and it has been for so long, this feeling I’m just not good enough.

As Patton picks up a squealing Arlo and carries him from the room, I find my bag. I just wish I wasn’t feeling down going into the family dinner.

How will a broke single mom look like she’s remotely good enough for him?

I hold in a massive sigh.

The trouble is, I want to give Arlo and Patton everything they deserve. If I could reach up and catch the moon with my barehands and offer it to them so they know how much I care, I’d do it in an instant.

But everything good takes time, and good things come to those who wait.

In the meantime, let’s meet the fam and knock their socks off.

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