Page 60 of Beyond Repair: Part One

"Sure thing darling," Dad replies easily without taking his eyes off my guys. My face is on fire and Ridge winking at me does nothing to cool me off.

"Alright, spill," Mom demands once we're on the patio and she settles onto the couch.

Instead of sitting where she is, I start to pace. When my lip wobbles, Mom catches my forearm in a gentle grip and stops me. "Nina..." she says softly, her eyes shining with something I can't read. "Are you in love with them?"

"Yes!" I rush out, thankful she made it easy for me. I really truly do want to talk to her about this; I'm just terrified. "Are you judging me?"

"Goodness, no." She seems so startled by my question that it sets me at ease. At ease enough to finally sit next to her. "I've read some of the stuff you have on your e-reader and I always wondered."

"Oh my god, you what?!" I'm going to be sick. There's some really kinky stuff on there for when the mood arises. "Mom," I groan into my palms.

"I do see the appeal. But I really have to ask how they ended up moving in here, and if you're okay with everything going on." She plucks my hands away from my face and studies me. "I love those boys, but I need you to tell me if you're feeling pressured into anything."

The breath I release is so cleansing, I feel lighter all the way down to my pinky toe. "They've been so wonderful, Mom. We've had a few bumps and who knows what this means long term, especially because Henry and Kai are engaged, but I really do want this to work."

She's quiet and attentive as I explain how our relationship has come to be. About the conversations I've heard the guys having to keep jealousy and issues between the four of them, then keeping me out of it if they start to bicker.

"They're putting me first and ensuring that keeping my anxiety low is a priority. If there's been an issue about sharing, I haven't heard anything about it." I hadn't really thought of it until now, but I really hope that's a good thing.

"And your birth control? You said they didn't replace it, but how are you going to stay safe, Nina?" Her eyes are narrowed and the tone she uses is stern.

"We haven't had sex, Mom."

She raises a brow. "And when you do?"

"I haven't really thought about it," I admit, feeling anxious again. "It's something we'll have to talk about because my new doctor is hesitant to do anything until I'm back to a healthy weight."

"How much are you eating?"

And so the nervous lecture continues. My mom and I have always been close, but after everything that happened, then me spending an entire year isolated at home with her? We're struggling to be away from each other.

I answer her questions truthfully, with a touch of evasiveness, because she really doesn't need to know how often I wish they would touch me more.

Chapter 48

Ridge

Will is the dad I always wanted, but I have to say, saying bye to him and Meg after two days of them visiting is a relief. Thankfully, he didn't try to kill me or the guys, but there were plenty of threats.

The conversations he had with us weren't the normalif you hurt my daughter I'll make your life hell. No, this was much deeper than that. It felt like he was quizzing us to see how much we've learned about Nina and her triggers.

Basically, Will wanted to know if we could actually take care of her without getting frustrated with the things that make her different. Our assurances bounced off his thick skin, but eventually, our words sank in.

That doesn't mean he made our lives easier while they were here. I'm pretty sure Will didn't blink once. Whether he was staring us down or wide-eyed watching Nina play catch with me outside, he was always watching.

Meg was a little less awestruck than her husband, but she made a point to hug each of us a little longer and even whisperedthank youin my ear a few minutes ago. Knowing Nina's parents approve of our relationship makes me feel freer.

With a deep breath, I enter my room at the back of the house and grab my sketch pad. It feels like time I share this side of me with my girl again. As I'm walking out of my room, the bare walls catch my attention. Nina has her guest rooms furnished, but there are no decorations or personal touches.

We've been a bit hesitant to lay down roots in her home since she's under the impression that this is temporary, but I feel like she needs us to take the lead and stake our claim.

Eyeing the box shoved in the corner of the room, I think about my decision for two seconds, then decidefuck it. I'm here to stay. I'm a permanent fixture in her life, and this is as great a way as any to show her that.

I'm sweating. Since I started this project, I haven't been able to stop. I don't even know what time it is. My shirt disappeared about half a wall ago, yet it feels like I'm outside basking in the sun. Whether it’s excitement or anxiety, I can't really tell.

Truthfully, I'm worried when Nina sees what I've done in her guest bedroom she's going to think I'm a creep. I know a few ways to take her mind off of my stalker ways, though.

So when a choked inhale and a loud thud sounds behind me, I'm glad I'm already half naked. This is going to be much easier if I can distract her with my six-pack. "Nina girl," I drawl, turning around with a panty melting grin.No, I wasn't lying when I said I was reading her books.

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