Page 70 of Playboy’s Purgatory

“Were you bitten by a mutant spider or something?” I huff, “Slow your ass down.”

What the fuck was I even thinking inviting him upstairs? My palms are sweating. When I try to take a step back, Playboy’s hand lands on my hip. He doesn’t hold me in place, not really.

But his touch tells me that he would rather me not move.

For some reason, I stay put.

I clear my throat, but my voice still comes out as a rasp, “I should call Rumble.”

“You need to understand why I hesitated,” I feel his words just as much as I hear them, the low resonance of them, “and it’s not because I don’t want you. I want you,” each word is slow and holds weight. “This matters to me, Lara, and I want to be very upfront about it with you. No games, no guessing, just the truth.”

My mouth opens and closes a few times. Honestly, I’m a little lost for words. And thoughts. And the certainty that I’m going to make a smart decision here.

His chocolate brown eyes find mine and hold. Every movement is slow and deliberate as he pulls his phone out of his pocket. Whoever he calls, he puts the phone on speaker immediately, the ringing of the phone filling the space around us.

“Hey boy,” Rumbles voice comes down the line when the call connects. “I gotta say, you’re missing out on a fun time. Dinner was delicious and the ladies made sundaes.” He huffs slightly, “I don’t know how they can stand to cover their scoops in all that junk. Just give me a scoop and a spoon.”

I cover my mouth to hide my giggle.

“How’s everything your end?” Rumble keeps going. “Did you go and spy on your woman? See what you needed to see?”

“Dad,” Playboy cuts in, his voice filled with admonishment and warning, “I’m with Lara right now.”

“Oh, hell,” Rumble mutters and I hear a giggle come from his side of the line. He clears his throat. “If you’re calling to find out if there’s room for Vanessa to stay here for the night, then the answer is yes. She can stay in your old room, or if she’d rather go to the guest rooms of any of the Old Ladies then that’ll work too. You know we’ve got her and she’s always welcome.”

Tears fill my eyes and I struggle to stop them from falling.

“Can you put us on speaker?” Playboy asks without me needing to prompt him.

Vanessa’s bright voice comes through, “Hi Mama. Hi Jettson. Did you have fun?” She giggles and then her voice drops like we both can’t hear her. “Did you know he was gonna show up, Mama?”

“I didn’t know and I was quite surprised.” I keep my eyes on him as I speak, my gaze full of challenge.

He doesn’t look the least bit ashamed.

Maybe he shouldn’t be.

“I want to stay here tonight. Can I?” Vanessa pauses and something tentative enters her voice, “Is it okay?”

My heart clenches. There haven’t been many nights when we haven’t been under the same roof since she was born.

“Are you sure?” I ask, not because I doubt her or Rumble, but just to confirm.

“Of course. Gramps said he’s going to show me how to rebuild a carburetor in his garage,” she throws it out there so damn casually.

Rumble makes a choked sound, his voice rough with affection and emotions, “From the mouths of babes.” After a beat he adds, to me, “She’s safe here. I swear it on my life.”

“I know,” I whisper. “As long as she wants to stay, I don’t have a problem with it.”

“If she changes her mind, I’ll call you and bring her home. No questions asked, no judgement,” Rumble promises.

My shoulders relax.

“Great,” Vanessa exclaims. “Gotta go. Love you, Mama.”

“Love you, too,” I murmur.

I’m not even sure she heard since the call ends at almost the same moment. Playboy chuckles and shakes his head.