Page 47 of Mr. Almost

Ari’s eyes light up. “I love the snow, but Mommy says I can’t stay out very long or I might get sick.”

I hum as the idea takes root. Someday I’ll take them both to Switzerland or somewhere else and experience a European winter. Spend the day hanging out with both of them, and then the nights will be just for Livvy and me.

“Your mommy is very smart.”

Ari nods. “She is.”

“What are you two talking about?”

I look over my shoulder and feel my heartbeat kick up.

Even in a pair of leggings with an oversized graphic T-shirt and a sweater over top, Olivia looks amazing. I can tell she added some makeup, and she took the time to throw her hair up and put in some hoop earrings.

She’s effortlessly beautiful and mine.

Even if she doesn’t want to admit it yet.

“Daddy asked me if I like snow.”

Olivia’s eyes move to mine. “Ari loves the snow, me, not so much. I’m not a fan of the cold.”

“I’ll keep you warm,” I quip back.

Livvy rolls her eyes. “You’re ridiculous.”

“And you’re beautiful.”

Livvy fights off a smile. “We need to schedule you an eye appointment. Clearly, you need to get your eyes checked.”

“My eyesight is just fine, promise.”

“Chloe is free to hang out tonight if your offer still stands,” Olivia says, changing the subject.

“It is.”

“Cool. Then I’ll only be gone a few hours, and if you need me, I’ll come right home.”

I roll my eyes. “We’ll be fine. All you need to do is worry about having a good time, and when you’re ready to come home, I’ll have my driver grab you.”

Livvy shakes her head. “That won’t be necessary. I can take a taxi or something.”

“It’s either my driver or Ari and me. You choose, but I’m not letting you get in a cab at night.”

Livvy sighs. “Fine.”

I smile. “Great, now that we have that figured out, what do you two want to do today?”

Chapter

Ten

OLIVIA

“I honestly don’t knowhow people didn’t put it together sooner,” I say as the woman on the TV talks.

“Huh?” Chloe mumbles as she tosses more popcorn and Peanut M&M’s into her mouth.

“The guy dressed up as a clown, and everyone thought that was normal. They didn’t find it suspicious at all.”

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