Page 86 of The Enemy Face Off

"Are you sure?"

"I am. You can't get rid of me that easily." I look her in the eye. "What about the kids?"

"What about them?"

"Well, I'm kind of a package deal. Three for the price of one. That's a lot. Some women might?—"

For a moment, I think we're having an aftershock only to discover it's actually Beth clearing her throat. "Some women?"

I laugh. "My bad. You're notsome women."

"Thank you."

"I just wanted to raise this because we haven't spoken about it yet. I'm a father, and I take that responsibility very seriously. Josie and Jonah are a huge part of my life, and they always will be. I hope that's not a dealbreaker for you."

"It isn't."

"Really? Because I remember you saying you weren't thinking about kids since they weren't in your immediate future, which is totally fine?—"

"Milo." She curls her soft fingers around mine. "I think Josie and Jonah are great."

"Yeah. They are."

"So let's just take it one step at a time, okay?"

I nod. "I'm sorry. I don't know how to navigate this or what to tell them."

"Neither do I. But we'll figure it out. For now, tell them we're neighbors."

I grin. "Neighbors who give each other cards with hearts on them."

Her eyes twinkle. "Exactly."

Having kids totally takes over your life. It changes everything—including dating. But Beth is giving me all the right signals that she's cool with it. It's not like we're getting married or anything, so I should probably just chill a bit.

"I love how you are with them," she says, looking me right in the eye. "Seeing you in dad mode is heartwarming and…"

"And?"

"And a little sexy."

I grin. "You realize my dad bod era is getting closer and closer by the day."

She giggles. "Stop it."

"So we're cool? About this? About everything?"

Her head bobs. "We are. And if things change, we'll talk. Right? I hate miscommunication."

"We'll talk." I switch hand positions and give her fingers a protective squeeze. "No miscommunication."

"Okay. Good." Her gaze meets mine, her eyes clouded with introspection. Something is still playing on her mind, I can tell. "I do want to have sex," she says softly after a beat. "I'm not waiting for any other reason other than…Well, I haven't met the right guy yet."

Could I be that guy?

Can't help it. It's the first thought that pops into my head.

A surge of hope courses through me, but I do my best to tamp it down. She's being vulnerable and alluding to the horrible way guys have treated her in the past, something that fills my vision with red rage whenever I think about it. My only job right now is to be here for her.

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