Page 107 of A Little Twist

Sitting back hard in my chair, it’s my turn to clench my teeth. “I don’t want to say bad things about Pinky’s mom…”

My voice breaks off, and Alex exhales a short laugh, lifting my hand to his lips. “I love how much you love my daughter.”

His scruffy beard tickles my knuckles, and I finish my thought. “She should’ve said goodbye. She should’ve at least given her that much to remember.”

“I don’t want to defend Jessica’s behavior…”

“Then don’t.” Now I’m really mad.

“My little spitfire didn’t hold back on her behavior.” He gives me a tight smile. “She was a bit of a brat.”

“Jessica deserves it. She didn’t even try to meet her on her level. She just barreled in like Pinky was a grown-up and they’d have an adult relationship. So many times I wanted to say something.” Exhaling a sigh, I shake my head. “But I didn’t. It wasn’t my place.”

“Next time it will be.” His voice is so smoothly calm, it warms my stomach.

“You think there’ll be a next time? She seemed pretty confident in her decision to tap out to me.”

“I’ve stopped trying to predict Jessica’s behavior. I never would’ve expected her to show up here.” He shakes his head, looking out the window. “She almost fucked up everything.”

He adds the last part under his breath as he pulls into a parking space on the square across from the Star Parlor.

Turning to me, his hazel eyes capture mine. “Will you come home now?”

Heat fills my stomach, and I smile, leaning across the console to kiss his lips before answering. “Yes. I can’t wait to come home.”

“You’re sleeping in my bed this time. No more garage apartment for you.”

My hand is on his cheek, and I slide my thumb over his full bottom lip. “Then we are definitely having a conversation with P. I want her to know what’s happening before she catches me sleeping in your room.”

“We’ll tell her tonight.” He catches my arm as I step out of the car. “I’ll come back and help you pack.”

“I’ve got it. You take care of her.” I give his hand a squeeze. “I’ll be home for dinner.”

Saying the words warms my stomach, and a smile splits my cheeks as I trot up the narrow staircase.

* * *

“You’re marrying Alex Stone?”Aunt Carol’s jaw pulls back as if she’s stunned. “How did this happen?”

“Well…” I’m not sure where to begin. “We’ve sort of known each other all our lives, you know. I was friends with his brother Adam.”

“But how well did you know Alex? Marriage is a big step.”

“It’s true…” My thoughts trail off.

I can’t tell her how he saw me naked then I saw him naked, and I guess he saw me naked again.

“We kind of got to know each other better while I was planning Britt’s wedding…” It’s a total lie. I barely saw him that entire month. “Then he hired me to be his daughter’s nanny, and we really got to know each other better.”

She doesn’t need to know how much better.

“You’re marrying him for his money?” Her chin lifts, and I swallow the burn in the back of my throat.

Closing my eyes, I see Pinky and me singing “Paper Rings” at the top of our lungs in the car. I’d marry Alex Stone if he had nothing at all.

“I fell in love with his daughter first. Penelope Stone? I’m sure you’ve seen her around church.”

“I’ve seen her.” My aunt sniffs. “She’s a little terror from what I’ve heard.”

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