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“Aw.”
“You should come watch me, Dad,” Hannah says. “If you can.”
Nick smiles at her. “I’ll do my best, punk.”
At least he’s making a tiny effort. Minuscule, but it’s something.
Dinner is awkward with Nick there, and I’m glad when it’s over. I follow Tess back to my house, the kids all running inside like it’s been their home forever.
“Sorry about Zee inviting Nick,” Tess says when we’re alone.
“It’s fine. I know they don’t get to see much of him.”
She puts her arms around my neck and kisses me. “In case I haven’t mentioned it today, I think you’re pretty great.”
“That’s very observant of you. I am pretty amazing.”
“And so humble. That’s my favorite thing about you.”
“Hey,” I say softly. “I want to pay for Florida. Just let me do it.”
She shakes her head. “It’s good for Hannah to earn the money herself.”
“You guys will have to hawk a shit ton of candy bars to pay for both of you to go.”
“I can put boxes out at the diner.”
“Well, I was thinking...why don’t I just send all of you down there? I can’t swing it during the season, but you guys could make a vacation out of it. Take the kids to Disney World.”
“No.” She looks up at me. “I know you have a lot of money, but that’s not why I’m with you. I don’t want things to get weird from you buying us things.”
“What’s weird about it?”
She sighs softly. “It’s weird to me.”
“Only because no one’s ever taken care of you before.”
“I think a relationship should be a partnership.”
“Exactly. And your partner happens to have a lot of money. What’s mine is yours and all.”
She smiles. “We’re not there yet, though.”
“I think I am.”
Emotions swim in her mossy-green eyes. “Really? I’ll think about the Florida thing.”
I pull her close and kiss her. “Do it for the kids, babe. Say yes.”
“Maybe.”
“What can I do to convince you?”
She laughs. “I think you’re aware of my weaknesses.”
Fuck yes, I am. She comes unglued when I edge her, and she loves dirty talk. I just love turning her on and watching her come. That’s what I fantasize about when we’re apart—getting back to her and getting her so worked up that I have to cover her mouth with my hand as she’s coming so the kids don’t hear.
Her expression turns serious as she looks up at me. “I’m really going to miss our nights together when I don’t live here anymore.”
