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“Danny,if this were a normal week, I’d be at work.”
We’re lying on the couch together, Danny’s lying behind me with his arms around me, tracing those magical circles on my arms. We just watched an episode ofBridgerton, my choice, obviously, but he accepted it with good humor. We’re both drinking a Moment of Truth. It’s fucking delicious, if I do say so myself. I’m relaxed. I’m happy.
I don’t want it to end.
He runs a hand over my hair, tucks it behind my ear. “I know.”
“I’d be at work for another two hours.”
“Yes, I’ve looked up the hours for your bar.”
I look back at him, wanting to know what he’s thinking, but his face is unreadable. “And?”
“You work late,” he says flatly. “That’s indisputable.”
“Don’t you think—”
He pulls me closer, speaks into my ear, his breath sending warm shivers through me. “I’m going to sell this game, Mira. Then I can finally quit my job.”
“Are you going to do it in person?”
I can feel him smiling more than see it.
“Of course. I’d punch Jarrod in the jaw after I deliver my resignation, but I don’t actually want to end up in jail.”
I’m tempted to remind him that we don’t know why Big Mike is interested in him or what the weird lady across the alleyway wants, and either or both of them could disrupt our plans—could disruptus—but I know he remembers. Danny isn’t the sort of man who forgets important things.
“When that happens, I can set my own hours,” he adds.
“You like mornings,” I object weakly, because I canseeit—Danny and me, sharing a life together. Listening to our podcasts and making lunch. Driving up the mountain to see the leaves. Hanging out with our friends, even if that means he needs to spend part of the night out on the balcony.
He presses a kiss to my cheek, his lips warm and firm. “I likeyou. I’d like you to meet my sister.”
I feel tears pressing against my eyes. They’re happy tears. He thinks it can work. He’s thought through possible solutions. He wants me to meet his sister, who is obviously the single most important person in his life. Maybe it’s okay to hope. “Good. I can already tell we’re going to have a lot to talk about.”
He grins at me. “I can take it. I’m used to both of you giving me shit. Might as well do it together.”
Ruthie’s taste in glasses aside, I know I’m going to like her.
Still, I’m worried life will pull Danny and me apart. I’m worried the dream will end, and I’ll be alone again, holding up the mountain I put on my own shoulders.
ChapterTwenty-Six
Danny
Conversation with Ruthie
Do you want to meet Mira?
OMG, yes. 100 x yes. And before you change your mind, there will be no takebacks whatsoever.
We’re bringing breakfast.
Ruthie responded to my invitation so quickly I’m convinced she would have shown up this morning whether I asked her to or not. If anything, I’m surprised she didn’t swing by yesterday, while we were busy installing the new lock. I’m glad she didn’t. Whenever possible, I’d prefer for my little sister not to worry about me.
Mira’s asleep in my bed—and the sight of her in there, tucked up beneath my brown duvet fills my heart with joy. After we finished watchingBridgertonlast night, I wasn’t ready to let her go, even if it was only down the hall to her own bedroom. So I asked her to stay with me. She yawned and said, “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I don’t think I can have another orgasm today. It might tear apart either me or the space time continuum.”
“I wouldn’t want to be responsible for something like that,” I said. “But I was thinking we could just sleep in the same bed. I want to be close to you.”
