Page 73 of Royally Benevolent

“What if I’m backsliding, and this is just mania? Like what if I am reading things in and he doesn’t like me or?—”

“Stop,” Rick said. “Does your therapist think it’s mania?”

“No. She said these are normal emotions for me, and I should give it time.”

“I’d agree with her, Odie.”

I groaned and slammed the keys angrily.

“I know it’s not just you thinking things up. The way that man looks at you doesn’t strike me as ‘platonic’.”

“Okay, but what about something else.”

“Like?”

I looked at my hands. “I don’t want to get into it. It will gross us both out, but things were… done. And now... what if he’s finished?”

“As a reformed slut,” Rick said, “let me assure you that isn’t it. Men who want nothing but nefarious things do not show up with their sons at a girl’s family’s house for dinner. He wouldn’t pick up the phone if that were the case.”

I glanced at Rick, doubtful.

“Kid, he lost his wife. I would bet money he hasn’t been with anyone else since then.”

True.

“And because of that, maybe it is taking him some time to ease into it. Give him space. Forcing it will only backfire. He will come around.”

“You can’t just say that.”

“I can.” Rick rubbed my back. “And that is because, Odette, you are like a fucking ray of sunshine. That man needs more sunshine. He won’t want to miss out on you.”

I rested my head on Rick’s shoulder. “Are you sure?”

“Kid, I am sure as shit he will not run. He needs time. I’ve known him longer than you have. He’s an honest guy. I would have tried to scare him off if he weren’t.”

42

WRITTEN OFF

WYATT

“Motherfucker!” I shouted.

I dropped my travel mug, dumping coffee over the kitchen floor. The nanny stared at me. Theo glared.

In French, he said, “Papa, that is a bad word.”

“Yes,” I agreed. “Don’t repeat it.”

I looked over to see Mom glaring with her hands on her hips.

“What?”

“Your temper has been too short since you returned from Germany. What is going on with you?”

“I… I dunno. I’m fine.”

“I’m so sorry, Mr Worthington, but I must take Theo to school now,” the nanny said.

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