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“Okay, Dad,” Savannah huffed, and I forced myself to back away from Elle. “We’re ready.”
A short drive later, we pulled up to Liam’s house. I kept having to remind myself it was Penny’s home now too. After months of back-and-forth between New York and California, she’d moved to the AV for good. Liam seemed more at ease since he’d met Penny. As if her presence calmed him. She was good for him—and his writing. Tessa would’ve loved her.
I smiled, still surprised I could think of Tessa without pain. It was such a relief. It wasn’t always the case, but it had happened more and more lately.
As soon as the car was in park, the kids unbuckled their seat belts and ran up the sidewalk to the old Victorian house. Asher, Bennett, and I had helped Liam with countless home renovation projects over the years, and I pointed some of them out to Elle as we approached.
She asked questions, and I wanted to linger in this space—alone with her. We made our way to the white picket fence at a much slower pace than Maddox and Savannah. My alone time with Elle was always limited, but now that school was out for the summer, the kids were home more during the day.
I couldn’t wait to take Elle away for a long weekend, just the two of us. Nowhere to be. Nothing to do but each other.
A breeze ruffled her hair, and she turned and smiled at me over her shoulder, music floating to us from the backyard.Fuck me.
I placed my hand on the small of her back, sliding it beneath her tank top. “Do have any idea how sexy you are?”
She dipped her head and whispered, “Tristan.” Though I got the distinct impression she wanted me to continue, based on her tone.
“My cock is hard just thinking about later and all the ways I’m going to make you come.” I made sure no one was around and then slid my hand down to her ass.
She grinned but kept her eyes trained ahead. “Were you always this dirty?”
“Only with you.” I gave her a squeeze then released her completely, even though I was reluctant to do so.
We continued through the gate to the backyard. The kids were playing a game, and River’s grandma, Debbie, was leading the fun. Elle was quickly pulled into a conversation with Penny and Wren.
“I think Enzo’s inside with Asher and some of the others,” Wren said to me, rubbing a hand over her stomach. Her dress really showed off her growing baby bump.
“Thanks. Can I get you anything?” When Wren shook her head, I placed my hand on Elle’s lower back and leaned in. “Elle?”
“I’ll grab something in a little bit.” Elle smiled, and only then did I feel Penny’s and Wren’s curious gazes pinging between the two of us. “Thanks.”
“Before you run off,” Wren said, linking her arm through mine. “I want to introduce you to someone.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Elle frown. But she smiled as soon as Penny asked her about some makeup technique.
“That’s Miranda,” Wren said, and I followed her gaze to a tall redhead. “Isn’t she gorgeous?”
I cleared my throat. What was I supposed to say? The woman was attractive, but I was only interested in Elle. Though I couldn’t exactly tell Wren that.
“She’s super sweet. Loves animals and kids.” She waved Miranda over and made the introductions before leaving us.
“So, you’re Tristan.” Miranda grinned. “Wren didn’t exaggerate when she told me about you.” She gave me an appreciative glance.
First Annie, now Miranda. I loved that my friends wanted me to be happy, but we really needed to have a talk. I wasn’t interested in being set up with someone, and I had a feeling that if I didn’t say something, it was going to keep happening.
Miranda and I chatted about the kids and our pets, made polite conversation. Until she said, “I’d love to hang out sometime and get to know you better one-on-one.”
Aw. Shit.
I couldn’t exactly tell her the truth, so I settled for something that was true. “My wife passed away last year.”
“I’m sorry.” She placed her hand on my arm. “I lost my husband a few years ago, and it can take a while to feel ready to take that next step.”
I nodded, grateful she understood. Grateful I didn’t have to say more.
“I’m sorry for your loss,” I said.
She smiled and removed her hand. “Thanks. And if you change your mind, or you want to grab coffee sometime just to talk, call me. I get it. We’re in the same shitty club.”
