“Fine. All I’m saying is that it was one thing for Atlas to show upand take Cora; she’s not their daughter by blood. Mila istheirkid, you know? And you’re a six-foot-something ladies' man with a top knot and tattoos.”
Heat curls in my gut. I hate that he’s partially right. I know the Morgans love Cora as if she’s their own, but Milaistheir daughter. They’re definitely going to care about who she spends her time with. I have to make them see that I’m serious about her. When I met them at Noah’s game, they seemed nice enough, and I’ve talked with them a bit in passing at holidays. Her dad seems okay with me. I think. I’ve never been around long enough for the meet-the-parents stage of a relationship.
When Mila and I have kids, and they eventually date, I hope we don’t have daughters because I’ll string up any kid who dares come near them. Her dad is going to hate me on principle alone. Shit. I have to make a good impression.
“Congratulations, you’ve broken him.” Seth sighs.
“He’s not broken. The man is thinking,” Atlas supplies.
“Kash can do that?” Rhett laughs.
“Kashis about to bust you in the kneecap and eye. Keep it up,” I grit out. Although Atty boy is right. I am thinking.
As he finishes up my tattoo, I have an idea. It’s a bit drastic, but I think it’ll turn out okay. The wedding is coming soon, and I have to be prepared for when I see them again. I need Mila to be mine, and I need them to take me seriously. Mila’s family means a lot to her, and if I want her, I have to make sure I stay in their good graces.
“Alright. You’re all set.” Atlas wipes down my neck one final time, then applies some ointment to it. “Best of luck to you, brother,” he says, clasping my shoulder as he cleans up.
Tuning out the guys as they continue to bicker, I admire my new tattoo in the mirror. There’s no color to it, just some black lines and script, but that’s okay. I know the importance of the moment, and it’ll be ingrained in my brain for as long as I live. Every time I look in the mirror, or someone sees me, they’ll know who I belong to.
I have a feeling Mila is going to freak out, but what’s life without a little excitement?
Chapter Twenty-Four
Mila
Opening the door to my temporary home, I listen for any sounds to indicate whether or not Kash is home. It’s pretty quiet, so I take a chance and push the door open and step inside. Tossing my keys on the entry table, I slowly walk in.
I’m glad I’m alone. It gives me some time to think. Going back to my construction zone of an apartment isn’t going to work. My back is killing me, and I just want a hot shower, or maybe a soak in the tub. The spare bedroom doesn’t have one, but it makes me wonder if Kash’s does. That wouldn’t be weird, right?
Walking back toward our bedrooms, I find my door shut still, and Kash’s door wide open. Peeking inside, I’m pleasantly surprised to see how neat it is. I was picturing clothes everywhere, or an unmade bed, but in fact, his room might be cleaner than mine. I still hate making my bed. There’s no point when I’m just going to crash into it later on.
Kash’s bedroom smells just like him. It’s masculine and fresh, like cinnamon and laundry soap. There’s a large bed along a wall with navy bedding. He has artwork hanging everywhere, along with a few photos on a tall, dark dresser. Picking up a frame, I see a much younger version of Kash and a man that could be his twin. Two happy faces are sporting the same broad grin—one that’s full of trouble and mischief. Their hair is shaggy and unruly, matching brown eyes full of happiness. It has to be his dad.
“I look just like him, don’t I?” a deep voice rumbles next to me.
“Damn it, Kash! You can’t sneak up on me like that.” Scolding him, I try to get my heart back to a normal rhythm. “You scared me.”
“I said your name when I came in and saw your keys, but you didn’t answer. If I had known you’d be in my bedroom waiting for me, I would have been here sooner, Sunshine.”
Rolling my eyes, I set the photo down and focus on the picture. I ignore his comment and choose to pretend I didn’t just invade his privacy. “You guys look alike. It’s uncanny.”
“We do. Where have you been, Mila?”
I see we’re not beating around the bush.
“I needed space.” There. I said it. Honesty is always the best policy.
When his hand reaches for mine, I ignore the way my body lights up in excitement at his touch.
“From what?” he asks, pulling me over to sit on his bed. His leg is pushed up against mine as he cradles my hands in his.
“Kash. I don’t think we’re a good match.”
“I agree.”
“Wait. What?”
“I think we’re a great match. Aperfectmatch actually,” he tacks on with a smile.
