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Chapter 33 – Dad Bod
Ruby
“The boys had a wonderful day, and Minty approves.” I grinned and threw my arms around Vander. It felt so good to be able to do that whenever I wanted to.
“How did Jace react when you kissed me today? I was afraid to look.” I cringed.
Vander’s face was thoughtful. “Jace looked bemused but not upset.” He winced. “Alex on the other hand, was positively gutted.”
“Levendis mou,” I whispered. Alex reminded me so much of myself, I couldn’t help but empathize. “His parents’ separation has been hard on him.”
“Why did they separate?” Vander maneuvered us to the couch and sat down, pulling me onto his lap.
“I honestly don’t know.” I shrugged worriedly. “Amber would never say. Gus had a horrific health scare, something with his heart. He was incredibly ill for a while. She took care of him, but she became really subdued. I thought it was just because of what happened to him, but as soon as he got better, she left him.”
He nodded. “Relationships are complicated. We know that well enough. They haven’t started divorce proceedings?”
“No.” I shook my head. “She’s not sure what she wants.” I shook the dark thoughts away. “Tell me about your day.”
“I introduced Jace and Alex to George.”
I jumped. “Oh, man. How did that go?”
Vander laughed. “It’s not complicated for them. They all exchanged contact information, they’re planning to play Minecraft online together tonight, and they’re looking forward to meeting each other in person next week.”
“Wow. That’s so soon.” I swallowed.
I had so many feelings, the most predominant one being jealousy. I moved to get off his lap, but he held me fast.
“Ruby,” he spoke firmly, and I chanced a glance at his face. He wore that stern, stressed look, and I hated that I put it there. “You have absolutely nothing to worry about.”
“I hate it that you were with her.” I threw up my hands and tried again to get up. “I know it’s crazy, and I know she’s far from the only one,” I rolled my neck in discomfort, “but you actually married her and started a family with her.”
“We’ve never talked about this, Ruby, because you haven’t wanted to, but George came first, then the wedding. I only married her because of George, and it was a grave mistake.”
“Okay.” I forced myself to settle on his lap, but I could not force the stiffness out of my spine. He ran his hands up and down my spine, over my thighs, his chin tipped down.
“I’m sorry, Ruby. I hate that I did this to you.”
I released the breath I didn’t know I held and melted against his wide chest. “I’m sorry, too.”
His arms tightened around me. “I’m never, not ever, going to let you go. Which brings me to my next point. I want you and Jace to move in with me here.”
I sat straight up again, and he huffed out an exasperated laugh.
“I can’t. We can’t. I can’t leave Yiayia to live on her own, take Jace out of his school, take him away from Alex and everything he knows.”
“So, what do you suggest? We date? Forever? I drop you home every night? Visit with Jace and not live with him?”
“No. Of course not. When you put it that way, it sounds ridiculous.”
“In what way doesn’t it sound ridiculous?” He retorted.
“Okay, Vander,” I snapped. “I already agreed with you. Why don’t you move in with us? I’m already in the master bedroom, it’s not a big deal if you move in. Jace can stay in his school, Yiayia won’t be alone, it’s perfect!”
“There aren’t enough bedrooms.”
“What are you talking about? Jace has his own room, so does Yiayia, and so will we.”
