Page 71 of Faded Rhythm

Her smile feels like a hit of ecstasy.

She mouths, “We made breakfast.”

I nod, turning back toward the house.

In the kitchen, there’s a plate waiting on the counter.

Scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, a neat pile of grapes on the side, and a tall stack of pancakes topped with strawberries in the shape of a heart.

I stand there staring at it for a beat, then sit at the counter and scarf it down like it’s the first meal I’ve had in weeks.

Maybe it is, in a way.

A few minutes later, I hear the girls running through the hallway. They come barreling into the kitchen, barefoot and smiling.

I look up from my plate. “Thank you, little ones. This is delicious.”

They smile and jump up and down, making me laugh. Sable walks in and gives them a look, which causes them to scurry off, probably to clean up.

For the first time all morning, I let myself get a good look at that fine ass woman. Her pink yoga pants hug her hips perfectly. I lick my lips, mad that I’m jealous of some fucking fabric. Hermatching tank top isn’t leaving much to the imagination. Her skin is glowing. Her face is pretty without any makeup on it.

I take a deep breath.

“You look…” I stop, because it’s too early in the day for what I really wanna say. “Cute,” I finish.

She smiles. “Thank you. I’m a mess.”

“A pretty mess.”

Now, she’s blushing. “Do you have any ideas for something to do around here? The girls are getting restless. They’re not used to being cooped up in the house. We’re always on the go.”

“Where do you normally take them?” I ask.

“Parks, museums, the skating rink, Six Flags, the spa.”

“The spa?”

She chuckles. “They’re high maintenance just like their mommy.”

I down the last of my orange juice, then wipe my hands on a napkin. “I know a place.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah.” I meet her gaze. “It’s safe. Kinda out of the way. I think they’ll like it.”

She nods. “What should we wear?”

“Something comfortable. Be ready in an hour.”

“Yes, sir,” she says, giving me a silly salute.

I shake my head, but inside, I’m cracking up.

I watch her leave, because I can’t resist her ass in those pants. I’m shaking my head again, but for a different reason this time.

I put my empty plate in the sink and make my way back down the hall.

I’m showing my girls a good time today.

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