Page 32 of Restrictions

“You sure about this, Viv?”

She looks so fucking frustrated, and I don’t blame her, but seriously, who is this douchebag? The doorbell rings again, and her heels click on the wood floor as she heads in that direction, looking back over her shoulder at me. “It will be fine.”

She opens the door, letting in some frat brother, linebacker-type motherfucker with a smile that’s way too fucking bright. I don’t trust him at all as he looks her up and down, grinning like a fool. “Wow. You look amazing.”

Viv smiles nervously, gesturing for him to come in. “Thank you. I need to grab my jacket, and then I’ll be ready to go.”

He nods, walking inside, his eyes locking with mine, and then his grin fades instantly. “Oh, hello.”

Viv looks back at me. “Oh, this is um...” She has no idea how to describe me. “This is Asher.” She turns back to her date, and I roll my eyes, annoyed by this shitshow. “He’s...”

I walk over to the guy and hold out my hand for him. “Asher Sterling.”

He nods his head, still clearly confused as he shakes my hand. “William Stanley.”

I see his surprised expression as Sebastian runs over to his mom, grabbing her leg as she pulls her jacket from the hook. “Mommy! Are you leaving?”

Here we go.

William looks down at Baz and then back at Viv. “Mommy?”

Vivienne is clearly anxious as she slips her arms through her jacket and brushes her hand over the top of Sebastian’s head. “Yes. This is my son, Sebastian.”

He nods to Sebastian and gives him a weak wave. Baz just holds onto his mom, eyeing the stranger. William then looks back at me. “You’re his father?”

I shake my head. “Uncle.”

“It’s a really long story.” Vivienne fluffs her hair and zips her jacket. “I’ll tell you all about it over dinner, if you still want to go.”

William looks over at her again, his smile back. “Of course.” But I don’t miss the hesitance.

Does she?

“Great.” She kneels down in front of Sebastian. “I’m going out to eat with my friend William. Will you do me a huge favor and watch Sawyer and Asher? I’m not sure they should be left home alone.”

She’s good.

Sebastian nods his head with determination. “I can do it.”

“Good boy. Mommy won’t be gone long, okay?” She kisses his nose and gives him a great big hug before standing and joining this William asshole.

“Okay, Mommy. Have fun. I stay here.”

She smiles, and I know it’s hard for her to leave him. Especially for something she wants to do for herself. I shouldn’t make it any harder on her.

I walk them to the door. “He’ll be fine.”

She smiles at that, and I see her take a nervous breath. “Thank you. I won’t be out late.”

I don’t look at her date. “Have a good time. You deserve nothing but the best.” I eye this new fucker, giving him a silent warning as he motions for her to go with him.

“Shall we?”

She nods, and I watch them go out to his BMW, closing the door and joining Sawyer and Baz on the couch.

“Pizza?” Sebastian asks hopefully, and I laugh, pulling my phone out of my pocket to order some.

My mind on Viv on her date.

---