Page 129 of Illicit

Teagan turns to me. “What appointment?”

I look to Annette. “We’ll be back. Let me know if there’s anything you need while we’re out.”

“Just some sleep and peace and quiet,” Sammie calls.

“We’ll be here settling in,” Annette adds. “You’re going to miss the girls. Landyn and Goldie are bringing dinner soon. I can’t wait to tell them about you two!”

We need to get out of here.

I grab Teagan’s hand. “Don’t wait on us to eat.”

“Don’t worry,” Sammie deadpans. “I’m eating for two. I’m not waiting on anyone.”

I’ve got Teagan in my car and we’re pulling out of the drive. “I don’t want to be here when Annette learns she was the last to find out about us.”

“She’s got too much to think about to hold it against us for long.” Teagan buckles up and turns to me. “Where are we going?”

I turn south. “I want to show you something.”

“Are we going to Brax and Landyn’s?”

“No. In fact, I’ve had about enough of everyone. I’d kill to get you alone. Which is why this can’t happen soon enough.”

“What can’t happen?” she demands.

We’ve been driving for almost fifteen minutes, which is nothing in this city. It’s not far from Tim and Annette’s. It’s also only twenty minutes from the DEA.

I pass the BMW parked on the curb and pull into the drive.

“Are we visiting someone? Because it would’ve been nice to know so I could mentally prepare for more socializing. It’s been a long few days.”

“Don’t worry, Teag. You can put your social battery on hold. It’s just you and me.”

She meets me at the back of the car and whispers. “Then who’s that?”

“My realtor.” We watch a woman walk to us who’s around the same age as Annette. Her heels click on the driveway as she makes her way to us. I take her hand. “Thanks for arranging this, Sarah. I know you’re busy.”

She flips off her sunglasses and shoots us a smile. “No problem. I’ve already unlocked the front door. I have to make some calls. I got an offer on one of my listings. Since the house is empty, I’ll work in the car while you do your thing. I just called the title company. We’re all set to go for next week.”

Teagan tugs on my hand as she takes a better look around. “This is your new house?”

“Not yet,” I say.

Sarah smiles, probably thinking about her commission. “It will be next week.”

“Come on.” I lead Teagan to the front door. “I’ll show you. Though, it won’t take long. It’s not big.”

I push the door open and hold out a hand. Teagan enters first. The lights are out and the place echoes when I shut the door behind us. I stand back as she looks around and moves from the small family room to the smaller kitchen.

She says nothing as she looks around on her own. There’s no reason for a tour. It might be bigger than anything I’ve ever had, but it’s nothing compared to the home where our bedrooms are across from each other. She peeks in each room, the guest bath, and finally the primary suite.

The floors aren’t in bad condition, but the kitchen and bathrooms have seen better days. There’s not one thing modern or new or fancy in the place.

She pulls back the faded curtains and peeks out to the backyard. It’s nothing but grass. And that’s not thriving either.

“I have no idea how to take care of a yard other than to mow it,” I say. She turns back to me and crosses her arms. “But I’ll figure it out. I’m sure the agents will be more than happy to tell me how to do everything. Other than Micah. They’ve got gardeners and shit.”

She motions to the window. “It’s a big yard.”

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