Page 149 of Mended Hearts

I laughed, tucking my computer into its bag. “The vast majority of the female population can attest to that.”

“Why’s everything gotta smell like sweaty socks? And for the love of God, we’re grown men. Wipe the seat if you make a mess.”

“Ew.” I wrinkled my nose. “Any luck finding a new place? You’ve got more money than God—I find it hard to believe there’snothingin your budget.”

He sighed. “My agent’s shown me a few spots, but nothing sayshome, you know?”

“I’d be more concerned if inanimate objects started speaking to you.”

“Hardy-har-har.”

“You’ll find the right one.” I smiled at him—a smile that narrowed immediately when he opened his big mouth again, dimple flashing like a warning light.

“About that…”

“Paxton.”

“What if I proposed a deal?” He balanced his takeout on his knee.

“Holy guacamole, just spit it out.”

“What if I crash here for a while? Two birds, one stone.”

“If by ‘crash’ you mean ‘move in,’ you better butter that biscuit and present it properly.”

“You are preg-a-nante.”

“Very observant.”

“I am mis-rob-lay.”

I laughed. I didn’t mean to, but the big sap was looking at me with those damn puppy eyes. Six-foot-four, 240 pounds, and America’s sweetheart waspouting.

“That sounds like ayouproblem.”

“You’re gonna need—” He caught the look I gave him and popped his lips, eyes lifting skyward like he was praying for divine guidance. “—what Imeantto say is, I would like to be here to help. Make sure you get enough rest, help with the baby, etcetera.”

“Kaia will be here for that.” Although, the idea of raising this baby in a proper village of people who loved them already had my heart melting.

“Well, then. To replenish the Greek yogurt. That kind of thing.”

“Mm-hmm.”

“Plus, living alone in Chicago was brutal. Thequietdrove me nuts.”

“The worst,” I said, doing my best to keep a straight face.

“And we have fun together.”

“We do.”

“Andyou don’t smell like a jockstrap.”

“Thank you for noticing.”

“So, temporarily, I could rent the spare bedroom. Just until I find or renovate something perfect.”

“I still don’t see the perk for me.”

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