Page 181 of A Little Broken

“What do you think?” I ask.

“Pax, this is…it’s too much.”

“Hardly,” I argue. “Besides, this wasn’t a home until you stepped in it, Tatum Taylor.” She presses her lips together, and I know she’s debating on whether or not she wants to push the issue, so I add, “It also doesn’t hurt that if you move in, I’d have fewer run-ins with Hades, and will keep my balls intact.”

Mirth dances in her pretty gaze as she gives in, saying, “Now that might be your best argument, yet.” Leaning in she kisses my cheek like she can’t help herself.

Neither can I. Anytime she’s around, I want my hands on her. And not in a possessive or sexual way. Simply put? I like the reminder. That she isn’t a figment of my imagination like I spent years believing before we reunited. She’s here. She’s real. And she’s all mine. For as long as she’ll have me.

“Okay, yes,” she decides. “Yes, I’d love to move in.”

“Yeah?”

“Yup. On one condition.”

“What’s that?” I ask.

“Well…” She looks down into her glass, swirling the red liquid. “While you were grabbing the wine, my sister called.”

Over the last few weeks, I’ve learned a little more about Tatum’s family dynamic, and it’s been interesting, to say the least. Even though the crux of her friction with Ophelia has revolved around Archer, Tatum’s always been competitive with her sister, feeling lost in her shadow long before she developed feelings for Archer. But what’s really fascinating? It’s seeing Tatum mend the relationship. Letting go of her resentment in hopes of strengthening the sisterly-bond she’s missed over the years. They’ve been talking more. Sending texts. Tatum even added me to the family’s group chat, and it’s been quite entertaining. Honestly, I’m jealous of how amazing her family is. They’ve been nothing but welcoming so far. It’s a bittersweet reminder of everything I’ve lost over the years, though Tatum’s had no issue sharing them with me, and I’m grateful for it.

“How’s Lia doing?” I ask.

“She’s good,” Tatum returns. “They finally picked a date.”

“No shit? That’s awesome,” I reply. “When is it?”

“Well, apparently, their wedding venue had a cancellation, so they decided to combine the engagement party with the actual wedding.”

I cock my brow. “Isn’t the engagement party in a few weeks?”

She grimaces. “Yes?”

“No shit?” I repeat. “That’s fast.”

“I know, but Lia said they’ve been ready to take this step for years, they just didn’t know how. And now that they’ve decided to take the plunge and the wedding venue opened up, they decided, why wait? Why put their life on hold for another second, let alone another year, you know?”

“I can understand the sentiment,” I agree, squeezing Tatum’s ass still resting on my lap. “Although I don’t envy your parents.”

“Right?” She grimaces. “Bring on the Red Bull.”

“I’d say so,” I agree dryly.

Tatum takes another sip of her wine before tossing back the rest of it like it’s water.

“You good?” I ask.

“Yeah.” She clears her throat and sets the empty glass next to the bottle and her phone on the side table before giving me her full attention. “I was just wondering if you…you know, if you want to come with me?”

We haven’t talked about it, but I guess I’d always assumed I’d be tagging along despite the lack of official invitation. Watching her squirm at the possibility is adorable as fuck. “You want me to come with you to the wedding?”

“If I say yes, will you run in the opposite direction?” she asks, barely holding my gaze as she steals my own glass and downs the rest of it in hopes of settling her nerves.

With a low laugh, I point out, “You’re the runner, not me.”

“That isn’t an answer, smartass,” she grumbles.

“Of course, I’d love to come. Although, now that you mention it, I do have a few of my own conditions.”

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