Page 122 of Restricted List

“Fun is good, don’t you think, Matt?”

What the hell is up with Ari right now?

“Uh, yeah. Work is stressful, so I think it’s good to let loose and have some fun.”

Ari rolls his eyes while the rest of the table tries to get to know Matt.

With Rory joining that conversation, I turn to Ari, whispering lowly. “Dude, what the hell was that?”

“Nothing,” he says flatly. “Just asking questions.”

“You literally just met Lucia. Why are you grilling her… whatever he is?”

“Just trying to get to know him. I’m evidently going to be seeing him around.”

I eye him curiously. “You’re acting really fucking weird. You into Luc or something?”

He scoffs. “I don’t even know her. I’m not into her.”

“So then, why are you acting so goddamn weird?”

Ari sighs. “It’s nothing, man. Nothing important. But you can get the idea that I’m into her out of your fucking head. Honestly, I’m way more into that blonde making eyes at me over at the bar.”

I just sigh and shake my head.

Ari’s right—he just met Lucia. And as long as I’ve known him, he’s never been interested in anyone, let alone someone he doesn’t even know.

So, if that’s not why he’s acting so weird right now, what is?

thirty-eight

Rory

“There’s my favorite littledinosaur!” I say, stepping into Lane’s penthouse as Sage stalks her way to me in her newest dinosaur outfit.

“Wory!”

“Ah, Sage’s favorite nanny,” Lane says, walking into view.

I lift Sage off the ground, wrapping her in my arms as she nuzzles into my chest. “I’m her only nanny.”

“Even if we had a dozen nannies, you’d still be our favorite.”

I bring my hand to my chest, resting it over my heart. “Goodness, you do know how to be nice to me.”

He points at me. “Better not get used to it, Fisher,” he laughs.

I set Sage on the ground, bending down to her level. “Why don’t you go play for a bit, Lovebug? I’m going to help Daddy set up for your birthday party!”

Sage toddles off to the living room, grabbing a stuffed T-rex and roaring around.

Once she’s preoccupied, Lane leans back against the wall, letting out a breath. “God, I can’t believe she’s two. Where the hell did the time go?”

“They do say the days are long, and the years are short,” I say, walking over and standing beside him.

“It’s true,” he replies, shaking his head before running a hand through his hair. “But Sage seems to be happy. I think.”

I rest my hand on his arm to reassure him. “She’s thriving, Lane.”

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