AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I’m not sure there was anything gentle about what we just did. I think I heard a screw pop loose on your bed frame.”
I laugh and tug her across the sheets until she’s pressed against me. I bury my face in her hair and sigh happily. “I don’t just mean the sex.”
“I know.” She rubs her hand up my arm and she kisses my cheek. “Thank you for trying with me. Thank you for trusting me.”
“There’s no one else I’d rather try with.”
We’re quiet for a minute, catching our breaths and letting our heart rate slow down. I think I drift off to sleep, but then Maven runs her hand through my hair, and my eyes flutter open.
“I miss June,” she says softly. “Do you think we should tell her about us?”
“I’m not sure. It’s not like she’s meeting you for the first time; you’re a constant in her life. But I think it’s probably for the best to keep this between us for now. I don’t want to put any more risks on the table, including a kid who doesn’t know what a secret is.” I pause and stroke my thumb down her throat. “I hate that we have to hide this. If your job wasn’t on the line, we’d be out in the open. I’d show you off to the world and let everyone know you’re mine. You know that, right?”
“I know.” Maven smiles. “But sneaking around is going to be fun, and I’m glad I get you all to myself.”
“You never struck me as the selfish type, Mae.”
“I never was. Then you came along.”
Later that night, long after rounds two and three and while the rest of the world sleeps, I feel the change.
I have nothing to base it off of. No experience to measure it against. But when I hold Maven in my arms as she drifts off to sleep, it feels a lot like those books she reads.
Like the start of falling in love.
THIRTY-SEVEN
MAVEN
“I don’t wantto be a snowman.”
“At least you’re not a fucking reindeer. I havehooves.”
“It makes sense that I’m a carrot. Out of all of us, I definitely have the biggest?—”
“Boys.” I snap my fingers, and three heads turn and glance at me. “Are you allreallystill complaining about the costumes your daughter and goddaughter picked out?”
“No, but?—”
I put my hands on my hips and give them a disappointed look. “June has been so excited for tonight, so you know what we’re going to do? We’re going to wear the outfits. We’re going to smile and take pictures with all the kids who want one, and when June asks if you had fun you’re going to answer with a resoundingyes. Do I make myself clear?”
Reid, Maverick and Dallas hang their heads. “Yes, Maven,” they say in unison, and I smile.
“Great. We’re leaving in ten minutes, so put on your happy faces.” My attention bounces to Dallas, and I bite back a laugh. “Your tail is messed up, Dal. It’s off center.”
“Because this onesie was made for people who are under five feet. It’s so tight, you can practically see my dick,” he says,and he adjusts the gray fabric. “If I get arrested for indecent exposure, y’all are paying my bail.”
“Bold of you to assume your dick is big enough for people to see,” I say. I toss my hair over my shoulder and leave the living room and Maverick and Reid’s cackling laughter behind. “Might want to bring a magnifying glass with you. It’ll help.”
I push the door to June’s room open, and I lean against the wall. She’s fixing her pigtails, and she lights up when she sees me.
“Mae Mae!” She darts over with her purple cape trailing behind her, and she motions for me to pick her up. “Look at the new crown Daddy got me.”
“Hi, Princess June.” I lift her and spin her around. “Your new crown is so pretty. I love the jewels. Are you ready for some candy?”
“I want a Kit Kat,” June declares. “And a Snickers.”
“What about some Reese’s?” I ask. “Those are my favorite.”
