Page 58 of Holding You
I didn’t do anything wrong, and I’m not about to sit here and argue with him.
She’s his sister and he has every right to be protective of her. I just need to find a way to show him that he doesn’t have to worry when it comes to me.
“Speaking of”—I grab my pizza and stand back up—“I should get going.”
Luca stands to see me out, but he smacks Miles on the back of the head on the way.
“Sorry about him. He’s … weird lately.”
“It’s fine. If I had a sister, I’d be the protective brother, too. I just wish he knew he doesn’t have to do that with me.”
“You’re a guy and you live with our sister. We’re programmed to be wary, especially with you.”
I laugh.
“I trust you, if it helps.” Luca grins.
“It does. Thanks.”
I limp to my truck and drive the short distance to Ruby’s house.
As soon as I walk in the house, I freeze.
I didn’t expect the kids to be asleep quite yet, but I definitely didn’t expect to see all three of them in the upstairs living room withDespicable Meon the TV, feet up and their faces covered in what looks like wet paper.
Not a single one of them turns to look at me.
“We just put one on, Dad. Do you want one?” Susie says. At least she knows I’m here.
Ruby laughs. She clearly thinks I’m going to say no.
Little does she know, I’m well versed in the life of a girl dad who’s single.
“I would love one. I’ve had a long day, and although I'm very thankful for Ruby, I could use the extra relaxation.”
“Well, come sit here,” Susie says, making me a spot next to Ruby on the couch.
She tears the package open and holds up a white mask that looks slimy as fuck.
“Lay back,” she says, pressing my head into the back of the couch, and lays the mask on my face.
It’s colder than I thought.
“You have to put your feet up,” Max says from his chair. “Really get the whole effect of a spa day at home.”
“Spa day? You’ve been doing this all night?”
“Yep! I told Ruby how you do the masks with me, but then she suggested painting our nails and toes, too. It’s been the best.”
More and more details of their entire day spill from my daughter’s lips, but my eyes remain on Ruby.
She meets my gaze, and my heart beat takes off.
Is it racing because I’m attracted to her, or because of the joy she’s given my daughter in just one day?
Shit.
I relax with my face mask, and within a half hour, both kids are fast asleep.
