Page 116 of Three Pucks and a Baby

“It’s not because I don’t want to, Mom. I have to feed my cats,” Vivian argued.

Her mother waved a dismissive hand. “They won’t starve overnight.”

Miles chuckled. “Especially not that extra chunky one.”

Vivian huffed indignantly. “Gybbs has food insecurity from being rescued out of a hoarder situation.”

“He’s a fat bastard,” Walker mused from the doorway.

“Don’t you start!” Vivian warned as she wagged her finger at her brother.

As Laura began saying goodbye to her grandchildren, Vivian turned to me. “Are you sure about staying?” she questioned under her breath.

“Absolutely.”

“You don’t sound sure.”

With a laugh, I replied, “It’s more I’m in shock than anything. I mean, if we were at my house, hell would freeze over before my mother would offer for the two of us to share a bed when we’re not married.”

“Just don’t mention it in front of my grandmother. If anyone is going to freak out about our sinful cohabitation, it would be her. I’m thankful for the small mercies of both her forgetfulness and her hearing aids going in and out because I don’t think she realized we weren’t married.

“Seriously?”

“Sadly, yes.”

“It’ll be our little secret.“

We ended up staying up and talking to Vivian’s parents until almost midnight. By the time we fell into bed, I was too exhausted to move. But when Vivian snuggled against my side, my cock made it plain that he was up for some action.

After resting her head on my chest, Vivian peered up at me. “Can I ask you something?”

“As long as it isn’t anything remotely sexual.” After she tilted her head up and peered curiously at me, I grinned. “I’m trying everythin’ within me not to ravish you under your parents’ roof.”

She laughed. “You’re noble to a fault.”

“Don’t knock me for tryin’ to stay on your parents’ good side.”

“You’re in luck because my question isn’t sexual.” Wrinkling her nose, she said, “Okay, maybe a little bit.”

With a groan, I replied, “You’re killin’ me smalls.”

After propping her head on her hand, Vivian’s expression became serious. “How long have you been in love with Theo?”

Every molecule in my body shuddered to a stop at her question. Oh God. How the hell was I supposed to answer that question? Could I even answer it? I mean, I didn’t want to fuck things up with Vivian, and I was pretty sure confirming the guyshe had feelings for actually had feelings for another guy wasn’t solidifying in a relationship.

The fakest laugh I could muster bubbled from my lips. “What are you talking about? I’m not in love with Theo anymore than I am with Grayson.”

Vivian rolled her eyes. “Don’t lie to me, Bennett.”

Since I hated lying to her and myself, I replied, “Jesus, is it that obvious?”

“Only to me.”

“Was it something I said to him?”

“It’s the way you look at him,” she replied softly.

My eyes bulged in horror. “Fuck. Do you think anyone else ever noticed?”

---