Page 66 of Ella Gets the D
If looks could kill, Morgan would would have Erica in the ground. Erica prattled on about the fancy dinner with Jovani and his cousin. There’s no way in hell I’d give Carlisle or his ego the time of day again, but it’s not enough for a certain art dealer.
The tension in her body matches her tone. “If Charles finds out you’re going out on dates, he’ll paint this like you’re the unfaithful one who broke up your family.” Morgan’s head bows with a heavy sigh. “Promise me you all will tell me about your bright ideasbeforeyou do them. Is there anything else I should know?“ Her stare turns wide once realization hits.
Shit.
I tilt my head, finally catching on.Double shit.
This is different.
Does that matter?
“Are you two done yet?” Erica glances between us. “Your little back-and-forth isn’t fooling anyone.”
Morgan takes a deep breath. “You know how El had to find a place to live that wasn’t my house?”
“Yeah.”
She swallows and looks at me. “When I said Ella could live in this family home, technically, I never checked with its owner. Julian.”
Erica speaks at the highest octave. “Girl, you live withthatman?” She bounces with a squeal. “That fine Lance Gross look-alike eyeing you at the barbecue?” Her butt hits the counter with a graceless thud. “I knew you two were fucking.”
I rush to cut Erica off. “I amnothaving sex with anyone. Julian lives in London. He came back the night of my divorce party, and it was a surprise. We agreed he would stay in the bedroom in the basement while he’s here.”
“Back up one second.” Erica looks between me and Morgan. “You know I love you and good ding-a-ling, but won’t it be a problem if your ex finds you’re sharing a home with one of DC’s most eligible bachelors?”
Morgan shifts onto a barstool. “If they don’t publicize it, maybe could it work?” She gives me a shaky smile.
“I asked Grier about it before I moved in. She’s not thrilled, but since Julian is away and I’m leaving by the end of the year, she advised to be extra careful.” The good news is he purchased the townhouse through an LLC to conceal his identity.
Erica pulls a strawberry off the remnants of the charcuterie board. “I’m no lawyer, but that might work—if his fine ass stays in the basement. It would be like she’s a tenant in his building. Only you share common areas, and you don’t pay rent. How do the kids handle him when he’s here?”
When I tell you what a battle it is to bite back a smile…I swallow the warmth rising in my chest, tempting my lips to curl. “They treat him like Duke’s uncle when they see him. Jackson is getting in on the Japanese action.”
My kids adore Julian and always ask when he’s coming back. Their connection happened organically, but it gives me pause. I’d never introduce Jackson and Haile to another man—not so soon, at least.
You aren’t together.
“Julian is on the other side of the ocean,” I say. “He’s graciously allowed me and my kids to stay here while he’s away for the rest of the year. I have time to save for my own place, and he has someone to pick up his mail.”
“We just have to be extra careful,” Morgan says. “The spin if your ex finds—”
“He won’t,” I say. I pick up and drop off the kids at his parents’ house. Neutral territory that keeps me from visiting the scene of his crime. “Who would believe that Julian would entertaina woman eight years older with two kids, and going through a divorce?”
Erica sizes me up. “I’d do you.”
I roll my eyes and laugh. “Not helping. The point is, it doesn’t make sense. There’s nothing to worry about here.”
When I glance at Morgan, I startle at her probing gaze. She opens her mouth to say something but thinks better of it.
“At least I can cross off a date, a sleepover, and a sex toy party from my divorce bucket list.”
“True,” Morgan says. “It’s getting late. I should turn in.” She wraps me in a hug and squeezes. “I love you.”
“Love you back.”
“Aww.” Erica comes in for some love. “This was fun.” She backs away toward the main hall. “Since El can’t date, I think I’ll sleep downstairs.”
I frown. “There’s no one down there.”
