Page 56 of Laws of Love
“You have a couple of months to decide, and it’s only one shoot apiece.”
“Let me think about it, and I’m not single.”
“Uncle Ezra!” Yasmine exclaimed before the mentioned man could respond as she came down the hall.
“Hey, Yas.”
“What are you doing here? Do you know it’s almost my bedtime so you won’t get to hang out with me?” she informed.
Knox refrained from chuckling because anytime his friends stopped by and his daughter was home, they clearly had done so to see her in the five-year-old’s mind. Ezra, on the other hand, chuckled.
“I know. I’ll have to come earlier next time.”
“I’m going to pick out a bedtime story. I’m tagging along with Daddy on an adult playdate tomorrow and I want to get a lot of sleep,” Yasmine announced before disappearing down the hall just as fast as she came.
“I’ll be there in a few minutes,” Knox called after her.
“An adult playdate, huh?” Ezra questioned when they were alone.
“I did not call it that, but I’m assuming she put two and two together from a previous conversation.”
“Probably. She’s too smart for her own good. It’s with your lawyer, right?”
“Aiva isn’t my lawyer anymore, but yes.”
“And you think you’re ready to date again so soon after your divorce?” Ezra inquired.
Knox knew his friend was asking to make sure he wasn’t jumping into another relationship as a rebound. Until he and Mia separated and he moved out, he hadn’t let anyone in on all the things that happened behind closed doors. Once they separated, he gave them some details since couples didn’t usually live apart for the hell of it.
“I am. My marriage was over long before the divorce was finalized. The last year in the house with Mia was me trying to stick it out for our daughter, but part of me knew even then that our marriage was over. Separating for a year before filing was my way of trying to see if she would come around. If things would change and we could somehow miraculously work it out. Mentally and emotionally, I’ve been single for two years.”
Ezra nodded. “As long as you’re enjoying spending time with Aiva, then I say go for it. Mia might not be too happy when she finds out, but as long as her potential wrath is worth it.”
“It is,” Knox responded. “How she feels about it is her problem.”
“I should get going. You have a bedtime story to read.”
Knox walked Ezra to the door and locked it after his friend left. He turned off the lights and television before heading down the hall to see what book his daughter had chosen for bedtime.
26
Aiva met Knox and Yasmine the next Saturday morning at the park close to Knox’s condo. She had Tara’s bike in tow, which she’d borrowed, but was sure her sister hadn’t ridden it since she got it a couple of years ago. She’d had to clean it up and air the tires, but other than that, it was in perfect working condition.
She was a bit early, standing at the head of the bike trail, but she didn’t have to wait long for the two to arrive.
“Ms. Aiva!” Yasmine called excitedly as she stopped beside her. The little girl was decked out in Scooby Doo elbow and knee pads, along with a matching helmet.
“Hey, Yasmine! I like your helmet.”
“Thank you. Scooby is one of my favorites.”
Aiva shifted her attention to Knox with a smile. “Hey.”
“Hey there, gorgeous,” he responded, kissing her temple. Aiva was surprised, but she didn’t show it on her face. “You weren’t waiting long, were you?”
“No, I wasn’t.”
“Ms. Aiva, Daddy said that we can ride around the trail for a while, and then we could get lunch together if you want.”
