Page 5 of Restrictions

What the hell did I just do?

3

ASHER

Ipull up to the address given to me by Viv and stare in awe for just a minute from my windshield. No way this is the right house.

I mean, shit, I grew up in a bigass home like this one, but we were a family of six in the ‘burbs. This is supposed to be where we live to attend college.

Jesus.

I check the address again just to confirm, and yep, this is the place. It has to be worth close to a million, but the Crenshaws are worth far more. I guess Viv’s dad spared no expense on setting his baby girl and grandson up.

The house is on the outskirts of town and about five miles from campus. I lock my car and grab the duffle bag from my passenger seat, slinging it over my shoulder as I walk to the front door and ring the doorbell.

A moment later, Vivienne answers the door. I expect her to invite me in, but instead I’m met with her hand on my chest shoving me backward as she walks outside with me and closes the door behind her.

“Sebastian is napping. Luckily, you didn’t wake him with the bell.”

She’s wound so fucking tight. “Sorry. You should have sent a text.”

“He just fell asleep. Our day started at six this morning to meet themovers.” Her eyes slide to my bag, and she looks confused. “Is that all you brought?”

“Nah. The rest is out in my car, but I don’t need much.” I nod behind her at the house. “This is really the place your dad got?”

She looks slightly uncomfortable now, crossing one arm over her waist and grasping her other elbow. “Yeah, it’s a lot.”

I shrug. “Nothing we aren’t used to, I suppose. And Sebastian.”

“Yeah. I guess.” She’s gnawing on her bottom lip now, and I can see the worry ever-present on her face. “I just don’t want him to grow up spoiled.”

I laugh. “Kinda too late for that.”

She rolls her eyes and huffs. “That’s nice.”

“He’s a good kid. You have nothing to worry about.” I adjust the bag on my shoulder again. “So, can I come in or what?”

“Not yet.” Shit. “Since you’ve been conveniently busy since the wedding, we still need to go over some ground rules.”

Fuck, I was hoping she was kidding about that. Now it’s my turn to huff as I drop the bag on the stone porch and take a seat on the top step. “Let’s hear it.”

Even though it’s moving day, Viv isn’t dressed in sweats or even a t-shirt like normal people. She’s dressed in a black and white button-down and jeans, complete with heels. I wonder if she wakes up this way—with her makeup and hair polished perfectly, manicured nails. She takes a seat next to me, pulling her knees up and wrapping her arms around them. “I want this to work. Baz loves you, and I think it will be good for him, but...”

I turn to look at her, wearing my very casual aforementioned sweats and tee. Ready for a day of rearranging shit where she wants it and unpacking my own stuff. “But what?”

“He’s little, and he looks up to you.”

“It’s a little too late to worry about me rubbing off on him, isn’t it?”

She looks out in front of us and away from me. Definitely has a problem being authoritative. “It’s not that. No parties.”

I try not to laugh at her but fail. “Got it. I know it’s not a fucking frat house.”

“You’re a young guy in college, I’m sure there will be an urge to throw a party.”

“I actually never understood that. Why the fuck would you want to trash where you live?”

I see her process that and then seem to accept my answer. “Okay.”

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