Page 15 of Hollyhocks

I nod, taking one more look around down the road, then the other direction, but all I see are patrons coming in and out of the quaint shops around us. No one is watching me.

I’m paranoid for no reason. I need to relax.

“I’m fine. I just thought I saw someone I knew. That’s all.”

“You’re lying to me, but I’ll let it slide since we are at work.” He narrows his eyes at me. “You’ll tell me later when I help you move the rest of your stuff into your new house.”

I frown when I see the less-than-enthusiastic expression on his face. When I came to Rhett a month ago saying I found the perfect house for me, he seemed taken aback and surprised. He didn’t want me to move out and to be fair, I didn’t want to either.

But Mickey and Rhett are starting a family. They deserve their space, their privacy, and time with their children. I know he understands. We have had a great time living together.

“I’m only across the lake, Rhett. You could swim to me. I could swim to you.” I sit down in the driver’s seat and finally pull the car forward onto the lift.

He leans on a support beam and crosses his arms. “Yeah, but you know it won’t be the same.”

“You and Mickey are about to have two kids running around the house. You need the space. Isn’t she due any day now? That will be wild even with me around. It’s best that I have my own house, and you know it.”

He runs his fingers through his long blonde hair before tossing it into a messy bun. I still can’t get over his features. Reptilian eyes, stone skin, crocodile scales, fangs, and sure he appears to be scary but all I still see is my best friend.

He grins when he thinks about Mickey. “Yeah, she’s due next week. We weren’t sure how long the pregnancy would be because—well—” He roams his hand down his body to finish his sentence. “And we are curious if every pregnancy will be like this or if each pregnancy will be different based on my beasts? We aren’t sure. I’m so excited. I never thought I’d have this chance, you know? Not when I’m like this. I got lucky. Unlike some of the other people that were in that facility.” His tone changes from happiness to borderline guilt.

I slap him on the shoulder and give him a reassuring squeeze. “Don’t feel bad for surviving, Rhett. Don’t go down that road.”

“You could have stayed in the house, you know. We have room and the kids would love their Uncle Fitz there.”

“You and I both know it’s best that I got my own place. You’re having twins. Whenever you need me, I’m there. Even when you don’t need me, I’m there. I’m always here, Rhett. I’m not going anywhere.”

“So fucking cute. Why don’t you two kiss now?” Creed sneers at us before going inside and slamming the door.

“Why is he so fucking grumpy?”

“Eh, don’t mind him. He is due to see Demi in an hour. His mood will be better then.”

I press the button on the lift that raises the car so I can get under it and change the oil. “He hates everyone but her. Hell, I think he might tolerate you. I wouldn’t even go as far as to say he likes me.”

“No, he likes me. He tolerates Mr. Pete.”

“What’s that make me?”

“Someone he tolerates,” Rhett tosses his head back and chuckles, his laugh echoing in the garage.

“Great. I’ll need to sleep with one eye open.”

“You’re fine. You’re my friend. He isn’t going to touch you.”

“Okay, but if I end up being skinned and my body chopped into pieces, you better feel really guilty.”

“I wouldn’t let that happen, Fitz. He’s a monster, but I am too. We have a mutual respect for boundaries. He is just ornery.”

I stand under the car and immediately notice that Ms. Livingston needs new tires. Her tread is too low, and it won’t pass inspection. I begin with the oil first, twisting the valve so it can drain.

“You could move into the house next to me. It’s for sale. I know you guys just finished that renovation. I don’t expect you to move when you have your home the way you want it.”

“Yeah, sorry, Fitz. Mickey is proud of that house and what she’s done to it. She healed herself there. I won’t be the man to take that away from her.”

“I know and I’m glad you are. Stop acting like I’m moving back home, okay? I’m going to be here at work, going to come over for dinner, going to go to the bar to have a beer with you. None of that will change.”

He leans in and whispers, “But who is going to watch Grey’s Anatomy with me?” Rhett glances around to make sure no one can hear him. “You know how much I love that show. We are only on season four.”

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