Page 158 of Dark Love

Not even a little bit.

“Sometimes Fire and I get to train with him.”

Guns. Knives. Training. Ack. It kinda sounds more and more like they are in the mafia. Who else would teach their kids all that?

“So, why aren’t you ready to kiss him yet?”

It’s too early in the morning for this. I lift my cocoa to my lips and take a long swallow. “We need marshmallows.”

Hope giggles as I walk into the pantry to get some.

A couple of marshmallows bounce off my whipped cream. So I pop them into my mouth and let them melt. “You know I was roofied a short time ago.”

“Yeah, but still. There’s a scary hot man sleeping with you… you are at least ‘sleeping’ together. Or is he staying in your guest room?”

“Hope!”

“Fine, I won’t ask, but you should ask yourself. This is important.”

That comment was way too mature for her tender age. “When did you turn thirty?”

“When you turned eight.” She nods at my cup full of sugar.

“Touche.”

“I better get back. Dad is waiting for me to start being grounded.” Hope hops up off the chair, setting her empty mug down on the counter.

She could pretend to be a little more upset about being grounded. “Thanks for checking on me.”

Hope pauses. “If you change your mind about my dad…”

“Even if things don’t work out with Vex, I’m never going to be more than friends with your dad.”

Her shoulders sag for a brief moment. “I know. It was worth a try. See you later.” Hope bounces off.

That child… almost adult is going to run some man in circles. Hopefully, Max doesn’t kill him first.

“Is it ever quiet around here?” Vex steps into the kitchen. His hair is wet from the shower and his chin lacks any stubble.

Don’t think about how terrible you look. Bedhead and morning breath are part of the package if he plans to take this any further. “Sometimes.” I shrug and take another sip.

Vex walks over and takes the cup out of my hand, setting it on the bar.

The intensity of his gaze makes my heart thrum.

He slides a hand up into my hair.

This is it. He’s going to kiss me.

My breath catches in the back of my throat.

“Good morning, Dahl.”

Good morning. But all I can do is think the words since there’s no way I’m going to start breathing let alone speaking until he kisses me.

His hands slip away. “We’ve already started on the sugar this morning, I see.”

If he had to talk to Hope, he’d understand the need for sugar and caffeine.

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