Page 64 of Stolen Kiss

Jensen

I was puttingthe salmon in the oven when the doorbell rang.

My chest flitted, and I took off the oven mitts before making my way over to the door.

I could see Elodie in the family room, sitting on the couch and watching Peppa Pig. The house had an open concept that let me see into the family room and living room from the kitchen, which was perfect considering how much trouble Elodie could find if I turned my eyes away from her for too long.

Right now, she was holding on to a juice bottle, completely enraptured by her show. I had a feeling an earthquake could happen and still she wouldn’t turn away from the TV. I didn’t understand the addiction, and I was sure Elodie didn’t understand the jokes half the time, but the show still brought a smile to her face, so I was happy.

I heard her let out a soft giggle, as if echoing my thoughts, just as I made it over to the foyer and unlocked the door. Emilia stood there bundled in a huge olive-green coat, a black scarf hiding her delicate neck and a matching beanie on her head.

Her hair was down in a mass of dark blond waves, the lighting around making them look brown, and if she had on makeup, I couldn’t tell.

Emilia was a natural beauty, and though I saw nothing wrong with putting on makeup, I liked that she didn’t change any of features with it.

I was fond of her features.

“Are you getting ready for a trek to Antarctica?” I joked.

She grinned at me. “It’s cold outside. I’m sorry you don’t understand, being cold-blooded and what not.”

I laughed. Always so feisty. She gave as good as she got, and it was one of the many reasons I lo—

Liked her.

“What?” she asked, when I was just standing there, looking at her.

I shook my head. “Nothing. Come on in.”

She made a move through the door. I gave her just enough space for her to pass through, and she eyed the gap with a suspicious look. I held in a smile when she let out an exasperated sigh and moved close to me. She surprised me when she wrapped her arms around my neck and pulled me down close. Then she planted a hard, swift kiss on my lips that left me reeling before moving into the house. I stood there for a while, staring after her.

Fuck, that was hot.

She looked back at me. “Coming?”

I came to my senses then and followed her, smiling a little when I heard her light chuckle. The little minx knew what she was doing. She moved toward the family room, but I veered toward the kitchen to make sure the food was ready. It was only four, but we would be having dinner a bit early since Elodie’s bedtime was seven thirty.

I could hear Elodie’s excitement in the next room, and looked up in time to see Elodie jump off the couch and into Emilia’s waiting arms.

Something like a grip tightened in my chest, making it hard to breathe as I watched them. I knew they had gotten close since Elodie attended those dance classes with Emilia. I knew Elodie considered Emilia to be one of her best friends, but Emilia was harder to read.

I noticed Emilia was fond of Elodie. I just didn’t know the extent of her affection, and a part of me was afraid Emilia wouldn’t be able to form any genuine bond with Elodie.

My fears seemed ridiculous now, with the way Emilia was holding onto my little girl, smiling so brightly her cheeks must have hurt.

“What are you doing here?” Elodie asked, moving her hands up to Emilia’s hair and playing with the strands.

“I am here to play with you, of course.”

Elodie perked up, happiness radiating from her. “Really?”

“Yes,” Emilia answered, leaning down and kissing Elodie on the forehead. I looked away then, not wanting her to look up and catch the emotions in my eyes. I busied myself with the dishes.

Distantly, I heard Elodie asking Emilia if she wanted to see her room. They walked up the stairs and I focused on the task at hand, feeling the weight of the world on my shoulders just a little more prominently.

It didn’t take me long to clean up, and a quick check on the salmon told me it wouldn’t be long until it was cooked, and Elodie’s dinner had already been cooked beforehand.

I went upstairs to check on my girls.

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