Page 57 of Moth to a Flame

“Maybe two.” He turns pensive, stares at the ceiling, then Mom. “What do you think, Tiff?”

“I think whichever way you take this will be…” She curls both hands into fists, lifts them, and makes an explosive motion. “Poof. Dynamite.”

Her adoration is nothing new. They’ve always loved each other fiercely.

I never thought I’d get that. Or want that.

Things have changed.

My phone buzzes in the pocket of my hoodie. A message.

Landon:I’m coming over.

Butterflies. Butterflies and fireworks everywhere.

Also.

No. Yes. No. Yes.

Yes. When everyone’s gone. There’s so much to learn about him, and this kind of conversation can’t happen here. We’ll both jump each other’s bones.

Me:I’ll wait for you outside.

When my eyes snap up, I realize that I’ve been staring at my phone for too long. My family’s done with plotting for the time being. Dad’s getting his keys from the table where we had dinner, Mom is washing her wineglass in the kitchen sink.

I want Landon here. With us.

“Well, that was nice.” Dad helps Mom push her arms into her gray cardigan. He aims his warm smile at Rosemary and me. “As always.”

They hug Rosemary and me, and then he places his hand on the small of Mom’s back and ushers her outside. Her cheeks are rosy as if they’re eighteen again and he’s taking her to prom.

Landon and I could have that. He’s already proved he could be the lover I’ve been dreaming of. And I made him come too. We’re sexually compatible, there’s no denying that. He’s also hot and possessive. I’m as drawn to him as he is to me.

But there has to be more.

Mom and Dad are gone, and Rosemary is halfway out the door, Mojo glued to the slippers on her feet.

“Don’t forget to lock up,” she says over her shoulder. When she sees the excited smile on my face while I text Landon to meet me outside, she does a full turn. “He’s here, isn’t he?”

I nod.

She cuts her gaze to Mojo, who yaps. “I love you, doggo, but you’re useless. You like that giant.”

My smile tears at my lips. “He really does.”

Another sigh, except now her lips curve. “Take Jigsaw then? Please?”

My phone buzzes in my hand.

“I wouldn’t dare to leave home without it.”

As soon as I close the door behind Rosemary, I read Landon’s message.

Landon:You will absolutely not wait outside. It’s too late to stand out there by yourself.

Me:I have Jigsaw.

Footsteps echo in the hallway. A knock on my door.

---