Page 104 of The Forever Play

He was standing too close.

He was thinking we were something that we’re not!

How do I say that to Zander right now? His eyes are bright with this intensity that I don’t feel strong enough to handle.

My expression buckles, my chin trembling as Zander closes his eyes with a soft sigh. “Just tell me he didn’t do anything totally inappropriate. Give me a reason not to go over there and slay his ass for touching you.”

I bite my lips together and sniff. “He just spotted the edge of it under my shirt. These pajamas don’t exactly hide much.”

Zander looks pained as he opens his eyes and stares at me. “Do you have to wear them around him?” He cringes. “And I know I’m a total dick for saying that. You should be able to wear whatever the fuck you want, but the idea of that asshole looking at you makes me see red, baby. I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay.” I shake my head, the right side of mymouth curling up. “I’d never let him touch me that way. I’ve only ever been yours.”

He grunts, reaching out to tug the edge of the blanket and pull me against him again. “I don’t want him making you uncomfortable. He drove you out of the house wearing only this, and you look completely wrecked. And freezing.”

Tucking me even tighter against him, he rubs my back vigorously, pressing his warm cheek against my cold one. I snuggle into his cocoon and murmur against his shoulder, “I knew it was going to be hard to tell him about us, but he was…” I sniff and rest my head into the crook of his neck. “I’ve never seen him like that before. He was soangry.”

“He didn’t hurt you, did he?”

“No, he wasn’t physical. He was just vile with his words, telling me that I was making a huge mistake and that you weren’t allowed in his house ever again. He doesn’t want me seeing you.” My voice starts to flail. “And that I’m a terrible mother because you’re going to hurt me and Zoey.” The words break apart as I let out another sob.

“That’s bullshit.” Zander leans away so he can look me in the eye and swipe my tears with his thumbs. “You’re not a terrible mother. You’re amazing. That’s got nothing to do with me and everything to do with you.”

His voice is so assertive. So sure.

“And as for me… I’m not going to hurt you, and I’d rather die than do anything to hurt Zoey. I love you. I love her. I know I haven’t known her that long, but seriously, Sen. I love her, because she’s part of you and part of me. And I mean, she’s adorable. It took her all of two seconds tosteal my heart. I thought she was the cutest kid I’d ever met, and that was before I knew she was ours.”

I sniff, smiling at his sweet words. “Thank you.”

His swallow is thick as he gazes down at me like I matter. “Russell’s wrong. And I’m…” He clenches his jaw. “I’m so fucking riled that he treated you that way.”

“It’s o?—”

“No, it’s not okay, Sen. He yelled at you. He bossed you around. He disrespected you. He scared you enough that you felt you had to rush out the door. And that isnotokay. No one treats my woman like that.”

My heart gives a happy little squeeze until worry starts to override the pleasant sensation.

“I just don’t want you getting into it with him. I… that’s…” I shake my head. “Please promise me you won’t. I can’t worry about that too. He’s a staff member and you’re still a student, and you’ve got your career to think about and…”

“I won’t do anything stupid,” he assures me. “I’m just telling you I want to.”

Closing my eyes with a relieved smile, I nod and then get a pleasant surprise when his lips land on mine.

“Mmm.” I lean into the kiss, the blanket dropping off my shoulders as I wrap my arms around him and let myself get lost for just a moment.

My tears melt away as he brushes his tongue along mine and holds me close.

I love this man.

I love him so much.

“Pancakes!” someone shouts in the entryway.

It gives me a fright and I jump in Zander’s arms, thenstart laughing when Grady walks out in sweats and an apron.

“Stop making out and come eat!” He uses the spatula to whack Zander on the ass, then jumps away with a grin when Zander chases after him.

I wrap the blanket back around me and follow them into the kitchen, smiling at Wily, who has Zoey on his knee. He’s feeding her small pieces of pancake while explaining the rules of football.

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