Page 31 of Just My Luck
“I’ll walk out with you,” Sylvie called to Bug. My sister wrapped me in an awkward hug. She shook her head and smiled at me before shaking my shoulders. “What am I going to do with you?” Her playful tone helped to unfurl the knot of dread in my gut.
I watched the twosome leave as Sloane stepped up beside me and leaned her head on the side of my arm. I stiffened at the subtle, carefree gesture. “Wow. We actually did it.”
I looked down at her. “We sure did.”
Sloane sighed. “Well, I should get going. I have work today, and my boss is a real pain in the ass.” She shot me a pointed look over her shoulder as she took a step toward the door. I forcedmyself to not look at how her ass filled out those tight black jeans.
“I think if you asked him, he’d give you the day off. I mean... since it’s your wedding day and all.” A tiny spark that our playful banter remained intact warmed my chest.
Her face scrunched. “I don’t know. He’s a real grouch. He’ll probably dock my pay.”
“Go home, Sloane,” I demanded. “Pack your shit. You and the kids are moving in.”
I didn’t miss the sly smile that tugged at the corner of her mouth. I also didn’t miss the way my cock enjoyed the flirty bat of her lashes.
“Yes, boss.” She offered a playful salute. “I’m going to tell the kids this afternoon and break the news to Granddad. We’ll be at your place around dinnertime, if that’s okay?”
I nodded and stuffed my hands in my pockets.
Tonight couldn’t come soon enough.
“Whoa! Are you freaking kidding me?”Ben’s voice echoed from the end of the hallway when he opened the bedroom door.
“Benjamin. Language,” Sloane admonished. She sheepishly glanced my way and mouthed,I’m sorry.
I shook my head to let her know it was fine. After following her down the hall, I stood in the doorway to Ben’s new room. The space was painted a soft green. It was open and bright. A large window provided a view to the side yard, and there was more than enough for the bed, dresser, and room in the middle for Ben to spread out with his belongings. It was a far cry from the cramped quarters of the cabin.
His butt bounced on the bed. “This is all mine?”
Sloane smiled. “Mr. King is letting us stay here for a while. Isn’t that kind of him?”
Ben flopped on the bed. “It’s amazing!”
Sloane reached out to pat Ben’s knee. “What do we say?”
Ben sat up and smiled. “Thanks, Mr. King.”
I crossed my arms. “Abel. Just... call me Abel.”
“Mom! You have to see my room!” Tillie burst past me and into Ben’s room. She grabbed Sloane’s hand and tugged her past me and out the door.
Sloane laughed. “I’ve seen it. Isn’t it nice?”
I followed as Tillie stood by the bedroom window that faced the backyard. “The yard is sobig. I can see the garden and the open grass and the trees, and there was a little squirrel that ran right up that tree!”
Her excitement was infectious. I assumed it would be strange and uncomfortable having Sloane and her two kids move in with me, but in the few minutes they were there, I found the noise and chaos a welcome break from the unrelenting voice in my head.
A soft thud against my leg jolted me back to reality. Tillie had slammed into me, hugging me tightly. “Thank you so much.”
I awkwardly patted her back. “You bet, kid.”
She giggled and flounced back into her new room to unpack. Sloane exited, and I followed her to the kitchen like an obedient dog. “They love it, Abel. Thank you.”
My throat was dry and tight, so I only nodded. “I’ll show you to your room.”
Sloane stopped and stared up at me. Her eyebrows pitched down as her face scrunched. “My room?” When realization dawned on her, she shook her head. “No, no, no. I’ve got the couch. It’s more than fine. I promise.”
I shook my head, ignoring her ridiculousness, and headed to the primary bedroom. I wrenched open the door but stayed inthe hallway. “My clothes are still in here, but the room is yours. You’re not sleeping on the couch.”