Page 36 of A Little Twist

Alex has been drifting around watching us most of the day, and I can’t tell if he’s checking on us or if he doesn’t know what to do with his free time.

The stacked boxes of my belongings in the garage apartment are on my mind, and I consider letting him take over while I unpack. I don’t, because the truth is, I like spending time with Pinky. She’s cute and funny, and she’s teaching me a lot about her dad.

It’s a complete contrast to the controlled, all-business side he projects in his element at the distillery. He’s never unsure or at a loss there.

Even last night at the reception, the way he took charge, putting his arm around me and holding my hand as if daring Drake to challenge us. It’s hot.

When I return to the kitchen, he has three plates of roast chicken and scalloped potatoes, shrimp and grits, and assorted rolls prepared for dinner.

“I’m impressed.” I can’t help teasing him.

“Like I said, I’m an excellent re-heater,” he teases right back, placing one plate in the microwave and hitting the start button. “Mom made us all plates from the reception last night. She asked us to have the kids over at seven.”

“I’ll unpack while you’re gone. When you get back, do you want me to bathe her? Get her ready for bed?”

“We usually read a book together at bedtime.” A small dimple I’ve never noticed appears in his cheek when he smiles. “She really likes you. Maybe you could take over bath time, and I’ll keep the book?”

“Sounds like a plan!”

“Then we need to talk.” The shift in his tone tenses my stomach.

I’m sure he means we need to talk about the fake engagement I’ve roped him into, and standing here in front of him, in broad daylight with no alcohol or adrenaline mixing in my veins, I want to crawl under a rock and hide. How could I do that to him? He must think I’m completely insane.

Embarrassment burns in my cheeks, and I’m not so hungry anymore. “I’ll go ahead and start unpacking. Just let me know when you’re back.”

The garage apartment is the same style as the house, with smooth pine floors and ceilings. It reminds me of a mountain cottage, and it smells like wood and books and crisp air-conditioned air.

Walking to the small bookcase, I peruse the titles. He has two biographies of Alexander Hamilton, one of John Adams,The Roadby Cormac McCarthy,The Human Stainby Phillip Roth, and one lone title by Barbara Kingsolver,Prodigal Summer.

“Hello, how did you get here?” I pull the lush green hardback from the shelf, turning it in my hands.

I prefer romance and happily ever afters—the spicier the better. Still, it’s nice to see he’s a bit well-rounded.

A queen-sized bed is across the room against the wall, and beside it, a door leads to a large, full bathroom. Flipping on the light, I exhale a happy sigh when I see a garden tub situated in the corner.

I’m already planning long soaks with fizzies and candles—after Penelope is tucked in for the night, of course. Opening the music app on my phone, I cue up the soundtrack forMamma Mia, Here We Go Againand get to work unpacking my few belongings to the sounds of Cher singing “Fernando.”

I’ve moved so many times, I’ve become a pro at fitting all my things in one suitcase and a few collapsible crates. It doesn’t take long for me to arrange my clothes in the closet, my personal belongings on the shelves, my Kindle on the nightstand, and my toiletries in the bathroom.

I go ahead and take a quick shower while I’m waiting for Alex and Pinky to return, and I slip into black yoga pants and black sports bra with a long-sleeved, tan sweater on top. I’ve just finished brushing my hair when I hear the sound of the garage closing below.

Damn electric cars. I’ll never get used to how quiet they are.

I step into a pair of black Birkenstock sandals before heading out the door and trotting down the stairs. He stands out of the car, and his full lips twitch with a near-smile when he sees me. One eyebrow rises, and a thrill flashes to my toes.

It’s the same look as when he kissed me, and I kind of hate working for him now. I’d like to trot down the stairs, walk straight to him and put my arms around his neck. I’d like another of his underwear-igniting kisses. I’d like his hands under my sweater, sliding across my skin. I’d like to touch the thick cock he’s hiding in his pants…

He hesitates, his eyes never leaving me, and my skin heats as I wonder if he can read my mind, if he’s thinking the same thing as me.

“Daa-daay!” Pinky shouts from the backseat, breaking the spell.

I snort a laugh, and he grins, turning to open the door as I continue down the stairs.

He lifts the little princess out of her booster seat, and I stand back, waiting. “I’m going to have to get used to your silent car.”

“Did we sneak up on you?” He lifts Penelope in an arc before placing her on her feet in front of me.

“The garage door gave you away.” I reach out, and she grabs my hand, skipping beside me. “How was your dessert?”

---