Page 19 of Eternally London

“Yeah. I went up to Michigan with Pete a few times to visit Loïc during your infamous break. Loïc’s a good guy. I like him. Glad to see everything worked out for you two.”

“Um, thanks. Me, too.” I put on a smile, but just talking about the year that Loïc and I were apart makes me uncomfortable. I hate to think about that time. And I know it’s silly, but I feel a pang of jealousy that Mr. Hottie Pants got to spend time with my man during that year when I didn’t.

“And you are?” he asks Paige.

“Not married,” she exclaims abruptly.

He lets out a chuckle. “Well, that’s good.”

I hold in a smile.Where is the sultry temptress from a moment ago?

Paige is clearly affected by this guy, and I feel guilty because I find it slightly humorous.

“This is Paige, my best friend. She knows both Dixon and Sarah as well.”

“Ah, gotcha. Well, nice to meet you both.” His gaze goes from me to Paige, where it lingers.

“You know what?” I say. “Ethan, would you mind keeping Paige company? I want to go check on Loïc.”

“Of course,” he answers.

I shoot Paige a smile before turning to head toward the house.

Inside, I hear Loïc’s voice coming from the bathroom. “It’s okay, buddy. It happens. Weddings are fun. Sometimes, we can’t think clearly when we’re so excited.”

I step inside the bathroom to find Loïc kneeling in front of the bathtub as Evan splashes a plastic dinosaur in and out of the water.

Evan notices me and blurts out, “Yondon, my brain had too much fun and made me pee my pants.”

“Aw, that’s okay, Ev.” I stand beside Loïc and run my fingers through his short hair. “I was wondering what you two were up to in here.”

Goose bumps pebble my skin as Loïc slides his hand up and down my bare calf. “Babe, can you please go find Evan something to wear? I didn’t get that far.”

“Of course. I’ll be right back.”

A minute later, I’m back with a pair of khaki shorts and a cute little short-sleeved button-up shirt. It’s the closest ensemble I could find to Evan’s previous outfit. Loïc and I have Evan out of the bath and dressed in a couple of minutes.

I’ve just finished combing Evan’s hair when Dixon enters the bathroom.

“Thank you so much, guys. You’re awesome.” He focuses his attention on Evan. “You ready to go eat?”

“Yes!” Evan exclaims cheerfully as he takes Dixon’s hand.

After Dixon and Evan leave, I look to Loïc’s shoulders. “Do you need a new shirt? Did he get ya?”

Loïc chuckles. “No. Thankfully, it all started flowing right after I put him down.”

I grin. “That’s good.” Stepping toward Loïc, I run my hand under his shirt and up his back, feeling his warm muscles under my touch. “You turn me on so much when you’re all fatherly. You’re going to be the sexiest dad ever.”

Loïc closes the bathroom door and presses the lock button. “Oh, yeah?” he asks, taking a step toward me. He gently brushes a lock of my hair off my shoulder before he leans down and presses his soft lips against the skin at the base of my neck.

I swallow. “Yeah.” I breathe out heavily. “I’m going to have to guard you from all the horny PTA moms at school.”

I lean back against the bathroom counter. My head falls back as Loïc’s hot breath and kisses light a fire against the sensitive skin along my collarbone.

“Are you getting jealous of future imaginary moms?” he whispers.

“I can’t help it. You know jealousy is one of my faults.” I pant as Loïc’s kisses become harder, more demanding.

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