Page 56 of Danger Close
The Ridge felt full.
Whole.
And for the first time in a long time, Ricky let himself believe they were safe.
But somewhere deep in his chest, something stirred.
Not fear.Not yet.
Just awareness.
A shift in the wind.
The kind of quiet that came before the storm.
Chapter Eleven
“Window seat or cornernook?”Blake asked, holding up two rough sketches of the future kitchen.
Ezra looked over the plans, a steaming mug of coffee warming his hands.Outside, the midmorning sun bounced off the lake, casting light across the deck.The kids were over at their classroom with Ricky, who had decided the three of them needed to burn off some steam with a little Uncle time that included paints and crayons.It had been such a pleasure watching him blossom into the natural nurturer he was with the kids.And if the truth be told, Ezra found that hot as fuck.
Ezra smiled softly.“Corner nook.She’ll want to sit there and draw.You know she will.”
Blake nodded, scribbling something.“With under-seat storage?”
Ezra lifted a brow.“For what?The entire crayon industry she’s hoarding?”
“Exactly.”
The soft clatter of a boot on wood made them both turn as Bateman stepped up onto the deck, nodding in greeting.“Morning.”
“You want coffee?”Blake offered as Bateman kissed him on the temple as he walked past.
“Always, my love.”
As Blake ducked inside, Bateman leaned against the railing beside Ezra.“So.Word is you’re sticking around.”
