I smile brightly at him. “Alright then. I’ll shoot a quick text to Theo, and we can go.”
Just like I figured he would, Theo texts back quickly to tell me they’re good whenever we are. He also said not to worry about food because Millie was excited to make lunch for everyone.
That’s a subject I’m not sure I’m ready to broach.
When we get in the car, I glance at Salem. “So, Millie—Hunter’s mom—is gonna make lunch today. Is that okay with you?”
He shrugs. “It’s gonna have to be.”
Expecting him to be respectful and act like he has some sense used to be something that was a given. Now, I’m not so sure. I sigh. “Make sure you’re respectful to everyone, okay?”
Huffing, he side-eyes me. “Iwillbe.God,Arlo.”
I nearly roll my eyes. He’s literally proving my fucking point. “And no cussing.”
This time I get a scoff, but nothing else.
Jesus fuck, I hope this gets easier soon. And I really fucking hope we’re the only lucky people who get to be on the receiving end of his teenage angst and ire.
Chapter 30
Jasper
Arlotookthekidsto school by himself this morning. We had a great weekend. Or at least, it seemed like it. Salem was a little snarky, but being at the farm really did seem to help him. He wants to go back, and Hunter even talked to us about offering him a summer job since he’ll be sixteen.
I think it’ll be good for him.
It’s hard to watch him struggle. It’s hard to watch Arlo struggle. They love each other fiercely, but I’m not sure either of them knows how to handle their new dynamic.
I push away from the counter, dumping the last bit of my coffee down the drain before rinsing my cup and putting it in the dishwasher.
A knock at the door surprises me. Who in the hell is coming by this early? I know damn well Austin isn’t out and about on a day off.
I peek outside, and a smile spreads across my face when I see that the only other vehicle out there is Arlo’s. Instantly, I know what he’s doing.
Opening the door, I come face to face with the love of my life. “Arlo.”
His lips twitch in the start of a smile, but he manages to hold it back. “Can I come in?”
I step back, gesturing to him.
He’s careful to avoid touching me as he steps into the house. He takes a look around like he doesn’t live here, and I have to bite the inside of my cheek to keep from laughing.
He walks toward our bedroom, and I watch him as he grips the hem of his shirt, then pulls it over his head, leaving it on the floor where it falls. His jeans are next, slipping down and exposing his ass as he clears the bedroom door.
Shaking my head with a laugh, I follow him into the bedroom. He’s standing naked in the middle of the room, waiting for me.
“You didn’t say hello to me.”
He grins. “I wanted to keep the same vibes as before.”
“Yeah?”
“Mhmm.” He groans. “Turns out, both times I’ve been stressed about Salem, so it’s funny how it’s basically the same but still different.”
“Itisdifferent now, huh?” I say, stepping closer to him. His chest rises and falls rapidly, his eyes falling to my swelling cock.
He’s so fucking gorgeous I just can’t help it. Hell, I don’t even want to.
