Page 76 of Nothing to Fear

“Nothing untoward,” she said, turning on the spot. “We’re fully clothed.”

“And in our bedroom, which means we can do what we like.”

“It’s daytime,” Astor said like that meant something.

“People have sex during the day,” she said to no one.

Darroch, at least, heard her. “Not when Astor’s around,” he said. “Whatever you want, Ast, it better be good.”

The boy came over, waving paper in the air. “Need you to sign this.”

“Shit, who can tell Breck spent the night out?” he said and snatched it. “Did Caber say no?”

“He’s on the phone.”

“Oh, he’s on the phone.” Darroch went to a drawer to get a pen and sign before coming back to her side as she sat on the edge of the bed. “I was on Sav.” She socked his thigh. “You’re more important than a call, baby, was my point. He wanted to just happen upon me undressing you, that’s the truth.”

A teenager wandering in…? Could be completely innocent… or not.

“What are you signing?” she asked.

“Good point. Why am I signing a gym pass on a Sunday?”

“Mom will know if I do it in the morning.”

“And Breck’s not here. You’re freaking he won’t be here in the morning.”

“Is he with Sequoia again?”

“I don’t know, buddy,” Darroch said, handing the paper back. “Ask Mom.”

“He’s never here.”

“That’s nothing new.” Darroch dropped onto the bed by her. “Call him.”

“Dad has my phone.”

“Sending dick pics to the seniors again?”

“Darroch!” she chastised.

Color rose in the teen’s cheeks.

“High school seniors,” Darroch said. “Not senior citizens… If you shock someone to death, is that murder?”

Poor Astor just stood there making fish faces.

“I don’t listen to him, honey. It’s okay.”

“Yeah, don’t worry, she’ll be around long enough to tell your future wife about this.”

“I would never—why would you—”

Silenced by Darroch scooping the side of her head under her hair to pull their mouths together, oh, she’d take it. Mm, his tongue slid along hers and her hand rose, hanging there in midair, unsure where to land with a teenage spectator.

Darroch broke the kiss but stayed so close his lips caressed hers as he spoke. “Scram, kid, you’re not getting schooled by my girl.”

After some muttering, the bedroom door closed.

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