Alexis was already halfway up the stairs when she called, “I’ll do my best!”
Sophia and I had cleaned up the dishes and were winding down toward bedtime, but there was still no sign of Alexis.
“What are three things you’re thankful for today?” I asked, going through our nightly ritual.
It was something my parents had always done with me, and it was a nice way to close the day. A reminder to be grateful and to appreciate everything, even the smallest things. Sophia’s answers were always insightful and amusing, and I never knew quite what to expect.
“My mom.”
I nodded. “Always good to be thankful for your mom. You should definitely tell her that.” I knew Alexis would appreciate hearing it, considering how hard she worked to build this life for the two of them.
“The flamingo float,” she said, and I laughed.
“It is pretty awesome.”
“Can we go swimming tomorrow?”
I lifted a shoulder. “I don’t see why not. What’s your third thing?”
I spotted Alexis, leaning against the wall just outside the entrance to the kitchen. She’d changed into yoga pants and a T-shirt that hung off one shoulder. Her waves were piled in a loose knot, tendrils falling near her face. A soft smile played at her lips.
“Artists like your girlfriend, Kate,” Sophia said.
“What?” I jerked my head back. “Kate isn’t my girlfriend.” How the hell had she gotten that idea? I needed to correct this and fast, because judging from the look on Alexis’s face, she wasn’t pleased.
Sophia frowned. “She’s not? She lives at your apartment. And you bought all those candles for that romantic dinner.”
“Yes,” I said. “She lives there for the summer.” I turned to Alexis. “Kate is Hunter’s sister. Her apartment is being renovated after a fire, and she needed a place to stay. Since Hunter is in New York and I’m living here, it seemed like the perfect setup.”
Alexis lifted a shoulder. “Sounds like a great compromise.” She spun away from me. “Soph, time for a bath.”
“Already?” Sophia whined. Fortunately, she hadn’t realized that I’d never answered her question about the candles.
“Yes, already. It’s nearly eight thirty.”
Sophia dragged her feet, pausing at the entrance to the kitchen. “But I didn’t get to hear Preston’s three things.”
“You, your mom, and spaghetti sauce,” I rattled them off.
Sophia rolled her eyes. “The first two are always the same.”
“Because they’re always true.” I grinned.
Sophia finally slunk up the stairs. Once she was out of sight, I slid behind Alexis, wrapping my arms around her waist.
“I missed you today.” I pressed a kiss to her neck, but she didn’t sink into me like usual. She was stiff. Distant.
I knew she was tired. I knew she’d had a long day. I wanted her to look forward to coming home at the end of it all, knowing she’d see Sophia and me. Instead, it seemed like she’d rather be anywhere but here.
“I have to go do bedtime,” she said, walking out of my arms.
“Hey.” I tugged on her hand, pulling her back to me. “Are you upset with me?”
“Nope,” she said. “Everything is fine, Preston.”
Yeah, that was a sure sign everything was not fine.
“Can I see you…later?” I didn’t care if we had sex or not, not that I’d complain if we did. I just wanted to be with her, hold her.
