Page 53 of Hot Momosa

“I’m thinking about going back home until Robert or my father kick us out.” I put the last sandwich on my plate and joined them at the table.

“Is that a good idea? What about the—” She gave the kiddos the side-eye. “Is it safe?”

Nope. Not at all. “I’ll have Stuart until the end of the week.”

“And then what?” She rolled her eyes. “You’re talking about a short-term solution to a long-term problem. You guys are welcome to stay with me and Enzo.”

“Nothing personal, but Enzo is one step away from OCD when it comes to keeping your place tidy.” I nodded to Gunnar. “I don’t think he’s ready for a toddler.”

“I not a todder.” He pressed his gooey fingers to his chest and stuck his elbows out at his sides. “I big boy. I shower.”

Shanna seemed to think over what he’d said before giving up and poking his belly. “That’s right. You are a big boy.”

“I’ll figure something out.” I focused on keeping the stress out of my voice. The last thing I needed was Gunnar knowing I was upset. “But staying here isn’t going to work.”

“Why not?” She set her chin in her hand and grinned like she knew the punchline to a joke I hadn’t even told. “Doesn’t he want you here?”

“He does, but I’m not sure about his motives.”

“Motives. Schmotives.” She smirked. “You’re over thinking it.”

“I am not.” I flicked a stray lump of soggy bread in her direction. “It’s been a year. The only thing that changed is I finally grew a spine and told him I didn’t want a relationship with him. What if he wants me because I turned him down?”

For once, Shanna had nothing to say. She simply nodded and took a bite of her lunch.

Maggie returned to the kitchen and deposited Ella back in her chair. “What did I miss?”

“We were discussing living arrangements.” I forced a smile and changed the subject to one that would have Maggie talking for hours—the kids. “When did Ella start showing an interest in potty training?”

“A few weeks ago. She’s doing great, but I still put her in Pull-Ups when we go out and at night.” She motioned between me and Shanna. “What about living arrangements?”

So much for that idea.

“Dahl think’s Leo is only interested because she refused him.”

Maggie nodded. “I can see why you’d think that, but you weren’t the only one moping around the past year.”

“That’s just it. It’s been too long. It’s best if we both move on.” Never mind how comfortable I am with him or how good he smells or how it warms my heart to see him with Gunnar. Never mind how my body reacts to him or the fact I’d slept better in his bed than I had in months in my own.

Shanna frowned. “If that’s how you feel, then do it soon. The longer you stay here, the harder it will be on Leo when you go.”

“And the other man in your life,” Maggie mumbled.

I hated that my two best friends seemed so damned disappointed in me. Lately, I seemed to have a knack for letting the people I cared about down. “I’ll talk to Leo this afternoon. Worst case scenario, I’ll rent a place in the middle of Nowhere, USA and hide out until after the election.”

Shanna said, “Just make sure you let us know where you are.”

Rocco’s eyes drifted closed and his head tilted to the side a couple of inches before he jerked awake, only to repeat the process three more times.

“I hate to cut this short, but I should get these two home. It’s naptime.” Maggie stood and cleared the dishes.

“No nap. I not a todder.” Gunnar huffed and folded his arms.

Shanna exaggerated a yawn. “I’m not a todder either, but I love naps.”

He narrowed his green eyes.

Maggie picked up Rocco and settled him on her hip. “Come on little man, let’s go see Daddy.”

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