Page 74 of Just My Ex

Chapter 30

Henry

Navie’s fallen asleep in my old bedroom and Quinn and I are hanging out in Gabriel’s old room on the other side of the bathroom. I’ve changed out of my dark-green plaid linen shirt and into some comfortable shorts and a T-shirt.

The room’s decorated in blues and golds and there’s a love seat in the corner. A love seat we’re both occupying and, yes, I’m aware of her being so near to me.

I’m trying to enjoy these moments with her and not worry too much about our future. What I can’t tell her, for security reasons, is that my assignment in Bern is temporary—only three months—and then I’m moving to Orange County. I’ve already put down a deposit on a new-build condo ten minutes away from Quinn’s place, and it should be ready around the time I’m finished in Bern.

Regardless of what happens with Quinn and me, I want to be closer to Navie, to be there for her every moment I can. I can’t stand the thought of her resenting me like I’ve resented my father. I want her to never doubt she’s important to me.

I’ve wanted to say something to Quinn about moving many times, but I can’t. If word gets out that Evangeline’s security detail is changing, that will leave her vulnerable.

Quinn glances down at her phone. “Oakley just texted saying they’re watching a movie downstairs if we want to join. We can listen for Navie on the monitor.”

I hesitate. Selfishly, I want Quinn with me. But I can’t ask her to stay. “If you’d like to, go ahead.”

“It’sChariots of Fire.” She sticks out her tongue. “I’m not really in the mood for that.”

“What are you in the mood for?”

“Just … maybe talking with you?” She shrugs. “You know, we could figure out the logistics of how to make your stay in Bern work with Navie’s schedule. She needs to spend more time with you.”

“Are you suggesting she come stay with me?”

“For a visit,” she clarifies. “Maybe.” She shakes her head and waves me off. “For a little while. I don’t want her to be away from you for that long. It’s unfair … to both of you.”

I shift in the sofa, trying not to get too excited at the thought that she’d be willing to have Navie come to Bern for a visit.

“I’d love to have her come. That would be amazing.” I blink rapidly. My eyes sting. I clear my throat.

“Except, you’ll be working so much, I don’t see how that would be possible. I wouldn’t want her to have to be in childcare most of the time she’s there.”

“The Ostlins could connect me with a trustworthy nanny. We could choose, though. You could interview her through video chat or something. Or—” I lift a shoulder. “Or you could come, too. I would be honored to have you there. And we could take turns taking care of Navie. We could see the sights, sample the food …”

I trail off because there’s an openness in her face and I’m mesmerized by it.

Or just hold on for a few months and then I’ll be living practically next door.

But I can’t tell her that yet.

“It’s … something to consider,” she says.

I think about how she’s leaving soon. The need to work on my secret wood carving project is merely a blip on my radar because Quinn’s here, now, and she won’t be for very long. I’ll stay up the rest of the night to finish it if that means I can spend more time with her.

I drink in the sight of her. Her hair in a side braid, one of those twisted, complicated things she’s so good at. Her feet, casually crossed at the ankles, her jeans, loose at the bottoms of the legs, tight in all the right places.

“Wait. Is your shirt wet?” I lean forward and pluck up the hem of her fitted, tan T-shirt.

She cringes and traps my hand in hers. Then the giggles start. “No one was supposed to notice that. I spilled the soup.”

“And tried to wash it off?”

She bites her bottom lip and nods. “I’m such a hot mess.”

“I love your hot messiness.”

At her scoff, I press a hand forward. “I mean it, Quinn.” I hesitate, but then correct myself. “Queen,” I say quietly.

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