Page 395 of The Tempted

She threw a pillow at me and I fell in love with her temporarily again.

We both burst out laughing.

When the pizza arrived, we had a picnic on the floor. I was kind of glad we didn’t have a table yet because I had never been on a picnic before, outside or inside. Pea needed to go on picnics. I’d take him or her to Central Park and we’d have a picnic, just the three of us. Wow, two hours playing house with Lauren and I was turning into a bitch, making plans and dreaming of a family. What the fuck was wrong with me?

Time to go.

Run.

I grabbed my empty plate, moving to my feet and nodded toward hers.

“You done?” I asked.

“Yeah, thanks,” she said, handing me the paper plate. I dropped them in the garbage as she packed up the rest of the pizza and brought the box into the kitchen.

“I’ve got to head out,” I said, turning around to face her.

I saw the disappointment flicker in her eyes, kicking myself again because I was the reason behind that sad look in her eyes.

“It’s better if I go,” I explained.

“Yeah,” she agreed.

Who says you can’t bullshit a bullshitter? We fucking aced that shit.

I leaned forward and pressed my lips against her cheek, nuzzling my nose along her jaw because I was a greedy fuck and wanted to smell her. I wanted to go back to the compound with her scent on my face and pretend it marked me because of all the naughty things I did to her.

Her hand traveled the length of my arm and her fingers laced with mine, forcing me to pull back and look at her.

“Thanks for the pickles and ice cream,” she said with a smile.

“Thanks for not cutting my balls off for missing the appointment,” I replied.

“No problem, but next time you do, I might,” she warned, dropping my hand and taking a step backward.

“Duly noted,” I said with a laugh. “I’ll call you tomorrow.”

She nodded, following me toward the door and as I reached for the knob I remembered the guy who bought her car. I turned around and looked at her.

“Why’d you sell your car?”

She shrugged her shoulders.

“There are other things more important than a car,” she explained.

“Like?” I probed.

“Riggs, I don’t have a job. Anthony offered to hire me at the gym but let’s be serious who would you rather see at the front desk Brittany or me? I’m going to start showing soon. I’ll have a big belly and swollen ankles, not your ideal eye candy,” she huffed. Besides, I lost my medical insurance after I dropped out of school, so for now I need to pay for my doctor’s visits.”

“Stop,” I said, lifting my index finger to her lips. “I’m dead fucking serious, Lauren. I don’t want you taking some job at the gym, and I don’t want you selling your shit worried about paying for a doctor. I’ve got you,” I said, then leaned close and repeated my words. “I’ve got you,” I drawled. “That means whatever you need, I will make sure you have,” I declared. “You should’ve told me about the insurance,” I said, dropping my hand from her mouth.

“Why? What does it matter?”

“You’re fucking car would still be parked on the street if you had just told me what you needed,” I hissed.

“Riggs…”

“Nah, Lauren. I get you’re uncomfortable with this shit, leaning on me and all that, but suck it up because we’re doing this together. No more secrets,” I ordered. “I’m serious, if you and Pea need something you come and tell me,” I stressed.

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