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Gracie blows out a long breath. “I really wish someone would spankmyass.”
“I volunteer as tribute,” comes from an obnoxiously loud male voice.
We all turn around to find Maddox and his and Lindy’s cousin, Maverick, walking toward us.
“Sorry,” Grace dismisses Mav’s offer. “I should have been more specific. I really wish I could find amanto spank my ass.”
Maddox gags, and Maverick’s smile grows. “Like I said?—”
“Call me when you’re old enough to buy a beer, Mav.” Gracie shakes her head.
“Don’t give him false hope, Grace.” I stand and grab my bag. “I’ve got to go. I’ll see you guys in the shop tomorrow for your fittings. Don’t forget.”
Ispend the next few hours working on last-minute preparations for the weekend, then contemplate swinging by the condo for a change of clothes but decide against it. When I get back to Cross’s that night, he’s in Jaxon’s favorite spot, swaying on the hammock. Both have their eyes closed, with Cross’s leg hanging down to the ground so he can keep the motion going.
“Hey,” I murmur, not wanting to wake Jax. I fix his blanket and run my fingers along Cross’s arm. “How are you feeling?”
Cross cracks an eye open. “Not bad. I talked to Doc and Brynn today. I’m out for at least another week.”
“I’m sorry, Cross. I know that’s not what you wanted to hear.” I run the backs of my fingers along his face. “Can I get you anything?”
“Nothing I can’t get myself.” His words are soft and probably not meant to sting, but that doesn’t stop the bite.
“Okay. Well, I’m going to get my bag. I’m going back to my condo tonight after cheer practice.”
“You finally running, Everly?”
“Nope. But I don’t live here, Cross. And if you don’t need my help, then I’m just somebody warming your bed.” I kiss his forehead and step back. “I’m not running. I’m going home.”
“Everly...” he groans my name, and Jax whimpers.
“I’ll call you after cheerleading tonight.”
It’s only been a handful of days but walking away feels wrong.
“You leaving already, blondie? You just got here.” Ares shuts the fridge and offers me a water.
I shake my head. “I’ve got cheer tonight, then I’m going home.”
“You are home.” He smirks, but I don’t.
“Sorry, Ares. He’s all yours tonight. This isn’t my home. These aren’t my kids. And Cross Wilder isn’t my husband. If he doesn’t want me here to help him, there’s no reason for me to stay. I might be unsure of a lot of things, but I damn sure know better than to fall into a relationship of convenience. If he wants me here, he needs to use his damn words and tell me, instead of basically telling me to leave, which is what he’s done for days now.”
“I warned you he’d be an ass.”
“Yup. And I’m not walking away. I’m just going to practice and to sleep in my own bed. See you later, God of War.”
If I don’t think about it too hard, maybe I’ll actually believe my own words.
Cross
Ares waits for Everly to leave before he turns around and looks at me.
He could see me the whole time she was basically calling me out for being a dick.
“You done fucked up this time, brother.”
“And you wonder why I say you’ve taken too many hits to the head.” I buckle Jax into his high chair and sprinkle a few puffy snack things on his tray, then glare at my brother. “You wouldn’t fucking understand.”
