Page 64 of Just a Distraction

I really love my family. Fiercely.

But Milo and I are worlds apart. And now, instead of this fact giving me the resolve I need to avoid falling for him, I’m filled with sadness. And when I feel the claw of bitterness overtaking me, I start to pace again.

“Well, I’m not used to it,” he says. “I think you’re incredible, and to have your family not appreciate you? I’m sorry, but I got a little heated about that.”

“I can take care of it, though.” I fan my face and then yank a water bottle off the table. I swig a drink of water. “It reminds me of how you went rogue during our little prank on Blaine. How you made it about me without warning. Like I was incapable of defending myself.”

Milo’s brows go low over his eyes. He frowns. “I didn’t mean to.” He brings his hand to his chin. “I know our relationship is . . .” He swallows. “Temporary. But it’s a relationship still, right?” He raises his voice, the conviction behind it, giving me alittle chill along my neck and shoulders. “And that’s how things work. We take care of each other like that!”

I let out a strangled groan. “I’m just embarrassed, Milo. I wasn’t prepared for them to stop by. All ten of them! They’re opinionated and, and . . .”

“Gritty?” he offers quietly, with a bit of a smile.

I laugh despite myself. “That’s a nice way of putting it. My upbringing has taught me that only the strongest survive. And I’m glad it’s that way because if I’d been a big softie, there’s no way I’d be where I am today. I’m going to nursing school! So I’m glad. But that strength can come across as brash.” I shrug. “The Tates aren’t like that.” I snort at the thought. I’ve seen the family photos at the resort, in their perfectly coordinated outfits under professional lighting. I’ve read the plaque that talks about their origin story. They might as well be from another planet.

“Like I’ve said before, we have so many of our own problems, Rose.” He’s frowning, not making eye contact.

“I’m sure that’s true. But it wouldn’t be too far off to say I wish I had your family problems instead of mine.” I smile faintly and shake my head. “Want to trade?” Of course I’m not expecting him to answer that, so I keep going. “And while I greatly appreciate the support from you . . . Can I ask you to maybe tone it down a little? They’re going to think that . . .” I bite my upper lip. “They’re going to think we’re a lot more serious than we are. They’re going to be on my back constantly. ‘He’s going to break your heart, Rose. Here are the red flags to watch for, Rose.’”

Milo’s mouth bunches up, his jaw ticking.

But I keep going. “I didn’t know they were coming, and I would have texted you telling you not to come, but I literally couldn’t with all that was happening. Callum gets so wound up with his cousins around, and he was hungry, so I fed him, and next thing I knew, you were at the door.”

“I’m sorry if my coming was a problem.” His retort startles Callum. He doesn’t wake up, but he stirs, rotating his head to the other side. Milo gives me a look of regret and mouths, “Sorry,” patting Callum’s back.

“I wish you hadn’t met them under these circumstances,” I mutter.

“I’m glad I met them. They’re great people, they’re just really protective.”

I nod. “Yep. It didn’t help my emotional state that Blaine’s mom came to see me at work.” I remember her sad eyes. I think I’ll always remember them. Still, I have little patience for her unhealthy insertions into my life.

“Why did she come?” His forehead creases and his jaw is rigid. “Is everything okay?”

“Honestly, she needs to work on boundaries. Her own and respecting others.” I shake my head and massage my temple. “It’s not too much of a problem, but she’s having a hard time accepting reality. I just told her for the hundredth time that Blaine and I are not getting back together.”

“Best news I’ve heard all day.” Milo’s face is wistful.

“You knew that already, Milo!” Impatience flares within me. I set my water bottle back down on the table.

“Hey.” Milo’s tone is guarded and defensive. “I mostly did. Can’t say it’s never not worried me. I really do not like Blaine, especially since finding out he’s Callum’s father . . . and that you had the kind of relationship you did with him.” He shoots out a quick breath. “I gotta be honest. I sorta hate him.” He tilts his head to one side. “It’s okay, but I don’t exactly like it. And I’m sorry if I came on too strong with your sisters. I don’t want them to try to talk you out of . . . this.” He motions between us, his gaze settling on me. His expression has a touch of hope across it, along with frustration and caution. He sits down on the couch, but his posture is rigid.

“Blaine means nothing to me. I have to protect my privacy when it comes to

my sisters. What you and I have is . . . temporary. And I’m sorry I can’t make it be more. But that’s all I can do.” I throw my hands in the air, and they fall back down onto my thighs in a satisfying slap. “That said, I do really, really like you, Milo. I want to spend as much time with you as possible, and I want Callum to enjoy his time with you, too. Randall, my former stepdad? He was in my life temporarily, but I’ll never forget all he did for me, his kindness and positivity. I don’t want to deny Callum that.”

He glances at the floor, chewing on his bottom lip, before looking back up at me. I still can’t stop my pacing. “And I said it before and I’ll say it again,” he assures. “A temporary relationship is not what I want, but it’s better than nothing. I’ll take whatever time I can get with you and Callum. As far as your sisters are concerned, I’ll try to not come across as a love-sick crusader next time.”

That garners a laugh from me.

“They’ve already made assumptions about us, and I can’t control that,” I insist. “And the Hawkins family is used to high-energy situations, so they’re going to forget the tension soon enough.” I give up a bitter laugh. “We play hard, we fight hard, we love hard.”

He meets my gaze, a smile of wonder playing across his lips. There. That’s one of my favorite things about Milo: his sense of wonder. And to think that it’s directed at me?

Mind-blowing.

“My family being like this has it perks but definitely its downsides, too,” I admit, sinking down next to him, sharing the same cushion and facing him. My voice has managed to calm down some. “I am glad you came.”

“Me, too. I’m sorry if they left because of me.”

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