“You are. You’ve been good all month. Don’t lose that streak.”
“What happens if I do?” I quizzed, tapping my cheek.
“Neither of us should find out.”
A laugh popped out of my mouth that made him frown at me. I couldn’t help it. He had big dick energy but I knew better. Even if he was blessed, he more than likely had no idea what to do with it. I’d seen it happen so many times. It was a tragedy really.
“Something funny?” He tipped his chin down a little and his gaze snared me.
“Nothing,” I said softly.
Neither of us spoke again. We let the silence inch in on us like murky water closing over our lips and creeping toward our noses. We stood still, facing each other. Determined not to budge.
If I leaned in just a little, my lips would brush against his.
Would his big hand crush the small of my back, pressing me against him? Would his morals sober him enough for him to shove me away?
Would I get fired?
I couldn’t afford that shit. I had to stop playing with fire. No matter how fun it was.
I cleared my throat and took a few steps back. “Go downstairs,” I instructed him.
“Yeah…that better had been your response.” His spine went straight and he strode past me. Indignation flared to life, hitting me hard like a bee sting on the forehead.
“Excuse the fuck out of me, Evander Freeman? Are you a playground bully now or something?”
“Maybe.” I watched his broad back sway to a silent drumbeat as he went downstairs. I wanted to run down the steps on his heels and curse him out but once again, I was trying to act like I had some damn sense.
I stormed into my room with a thumping heart and a pulsing clit. I wanted a few minutes to rub one out before I had to be a presentable human being. I knew I didn’t have time for that because if Frankie wanted her dad there eating her food, then she wanted me there too. She did give me all the perfectly round pancakes.
I looked at myself in the mirror after plugging my phone in and ran my palms over my waist and hips.
Don’t let darling dick get under your skin, Xari.
“Okay, so we’re eating now.” I sat down and rubbed my hands together, ready to dig in. I stole a glance at Frankie’s face and she was beaming. That’s the look I loved seeing. She was glowing. I reached over and squeezed her hand as I finished the pancakes on my plate.
“They’re so good, Frank.”
“Are they?” Her shoulders dropped like the expectations were so heavy.
“They are phenomenal, Frankie,” Evander chimed in.
“Thanks, guys.” She paused. “Hey, Daddy do you think Mom wants a plate?” She was already up and on her feet.
“I’m sure she’d love a plate,” Evander smiled. I kept my words locked behind clenched teeth.
Alexis didn’t deserve all the love Frankie poured into her. Maybe that was harsh but I hated how secondary she made her daughter feel. If Frankie were my kid, I’d be there for her whenever she needed it.
Hell, Evander wasn’t the world’s best father because he was busy at work most of the time but he made sure he saw Frankie every day. He had conversations with her. He listened. He was open and honest with her about everything. I couldn’t say the same for Alexis.
When the doorbell rang followed by incessant knocking, I knew filter face had arrived. I wondered if she had her injections touched up or did that only happen every six months?
“I’ll get it,” I sang, hopping up with an extra bounce in my step. Evander was hot on my heels and I knew he would be.
“Xari, let me open the door.”
“Why? Aren’t I the help? Shouldn’t I be the first person she sees?” He wrapped his strong fingers around my bicep and squeezed.
“Move,” he said in a low tone. I ignored him and pulled free, making my way to the foyer.
Ding dong!
Knock. Knock. Knock. Knock.
Evander pushed me against the wall in the foyer, pinning me beneath his hulking tall frame. My clit throbbed and my nipples tightened. I’d never been so close to him.
Not where our bodies touched and I felt his heat. This was new. This was heady and full.
My arms wanted to be draped around his neck. My legs wanted to constrict his waist. My tongue wanted his mouth.
“I said move. I don’t need y’all going at it in front of Frankie. Got it?”
“Fine,” I gritted out, pushing against him as much as I could. I knew my one hundred and six-pound body couldn’t budge his. A smirk popped to life in his eyes but it never reached his lips.
Ding dong!
Knock. Knock. Knock.
“Kitchen.” He let me move and I threw a mental tantrum on my way back.
“Everything okay?” Frankie quizzed, taking in my fuming expression and tightly drawn features. “Mom didn’t say something to you, did she?”
“No, everything is fine,” I assured her, sitting at the island. She watched me for a few more seconds before nodding and setting a breakfast plate at the table for her mother.
“Francesca!” Alexis smiled and held out her arms for Frankie. “Why aren’t you ready to go? Where is your stuff?”
“Mom, look. I made you some breakfast. Come on, sit down for a minute.”
“Please, sit, Alexis. You did say you’d talk with all three of us.” Evander walked into the kitchen buttoning his shirt up. I didn’t miss the way Alexis’s hungry brown eyes ate him up.
He was a damn snack though.
“You can’t cover yourself while Frankie’s here?” She barked at him. Her demeanor turned from warm and open
