Page 36 of Wicked Little Secret

“How about this—you agree to stay with me while we figure things out. That way we can get to know each other, and I’ll be able to help take care of Sawyer so you can rest and take it easy.”

Having help did sound appealing. She knew that was the advice she gave new mothers—take whatever help was offered. She usually added the caveat, unless it was going to cause more work down the road.

She narrowed her eyes at him. “I have two cats.”

“I have a big house and am not allergic.”

“Will I have my own room?”

He shrugged and casually replied, “Sure,” like it didn’t matter to him one way or another.

She still hesitated, so he added, “I think we should get to know each other better, don’t you? And we both need to bond with our son. Living under the same roof solves that.”

She picked some lint from her blanket and nodded. “You’re right, we do need to get to know each other, since it seems we’re going to be in each other’s lives for at least the next eighteen years, whether we like the idea or not.”

He looked her in the eye, his mouth twitching like he was fighting a grin. “On the contrary, I very much like the idea.”

****

Maverick

“Whyyourhouse?” she demanded.

“It doesn’t have to be my house, but I’m willing to bet mine is bigger.”

She rolled her eyes. “I’m not exactly poor, you know.”

“No, I’m sure you’re quite comfortable. But I purposefully bought my place to accommodate two rambunctious adolescent boys at the time.”

“How many bedrooms do you have?”

“Six. Plus eight bathrooms.”

“Six? Why do you need six bedrooms?”

“I don’t. But I liked the property and the neighborhood, so having a few extra guestrooms wasn’t a dealbreaker.” He flashed her a cocky smile. “It seems like it worked out for the best.”

She put Sawyer over her shoulder to burp him, not taking her eyes off Maverick. At least she’d stopped arguing about moving in.

“You won’t be mistreated. Scout’s honor.”

“So, can I have my boyfriend over?”

He felt the blood rush from his head, but fought not to react, since he knew that’s what she wanted.

“No.”

She raised her eyebrow at his cold, one-word response, but didn’t argue. She better not have a fucking boyfriend.

“What about you? You’re not going to have your girlfriend over?

“What makes you think I have a girlfriend?”

“Of course you do.”

That made the corner of his mouth turn up. “Why do you say that?”

“I mean,” she gestured toward him with her free hand. “Look at you. I’m sure women are lining up to—”

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