Page 31 of Hide and Sneak
We’re still chuckling a couple of minutes later when she returns, a satisfied look on her face. “It’s gone now.”
CHAPTER 12
LILA
The text yesterdayfrom a lady I’ve house sat for in the past came at the perfect time. She only needed me one night, to keep an eye on her place and keep her dog company. Sutton accused me of avoiding him and of course I was. My hope was that he wouldn’t bring it up. Because what am I supposed to say?
He caught me at a weak moment, halfway to an orgasm. It didn’t mean anything. Neither of us touched each other or even saw anything. No big deal. I’m a little annoyed that I can’t use any of my toys when he’s home since they make too much noise. It’s time for me to find a fuck buddy. With all my plans this year, I’m not interested in anything more than that. Maybe at the bar tonight.
“What the hell, Lila?”
Sutton’s shout draws me out of my bedroom. I know what he’s just seen and nothing could wipe the smile from my face. He bullied his way into my game with his mod nonsense. Two can play that game.
Sutton sits at the kitchen table with his laptop, and Amos stares at me from the couch.
“What?”
“How is Stone pregnant?”
“Oh, that.” I sit beside Amos on the couch. “Male pregnancy mod. Surprise, you’re having my baby, bitch.”
Amos jumps up and goes over to look at the screen. “Your stomach is huge! Look how you’re waddling and holding your back.” He can barely get the words out as he’s laughing. “Game over, dude. Liles won.”
Yes, I did. Amos comes over and high fives me while Sutton types frantically, probably trying to find a way to undo what I’ve done.
Sutton looks up at me. “Lila, why is there a nanny in a dungeon under the backyard?”
Sitting back, I don’t try to disguise the satisfaction I’m feeling. “For when my baby is born.”
“You’re going to lock it in a dungeon? You’ll get arrested.”
“Not if all its needs are met. The dungeon has everything the nanny needs to take care of it. I’ll let it out when its grown.”
Amos has tears from laughing at our conversation. “That’s brutal.”
“I can’t believe you’re allowed to work with actual children,” Sutton says, shaking his head with a grin. He cracks his knuckles and goes back to his keyboard. “Alright, let’s straighten some things out.”
I’m not sure what he’s doing but half the fun of the game lately has been logging on later to see what he’s done.
Maren texts me to let me know that our neighbors are going to meet at nine o’clock at the bar, then asks if she and Cooper can stop by for a few minutes now. I’m sure she wants to discuss the offer she made me. I’m still struggling with the decision, but I text her back telling them to come on over.
Amos strolls out, all cleaned up, his backpack over his shoulder. “Mandy doesn’t want to go to the bar. I’m going to her place for the night.”
If he’s passing up another chance to party, Mandy must be one hell of a good influence on him. He pauses by the door. “Oh, here. I got my first paycheck. I know Sutton covered my part of the rent but you can put this toward food or utilities or whatever.” Two hundred dollars is dropped into my hand before he makes a quick exit.
If there’s ever been a time Amos handed over money without a lengthy argument, I can’t remember it. He’s usually made of excuses. Maybe he really is getting himself together and growing up.
Maren and Cooper show up a few minutes later. Sutton excuses himself to get ready while they join me at my kitchen table.
“Have you been thinking about taking the building?” Maren asks.
“I’ve been thinking about it. I called to see what the average utility bill runs, how much the insurance would be—both on the building and on a business dealing with children. Trying to get a good idea of the math, you know?”
“Absolutely. How are you feeling about it now?”
“I…I think I could do it. Given enough time, I think it would be successful. A fuck ton of work, especially at first, but I’m not afraid of that.”
“What are you afraid of?” Cooper asks.
