Page 54 of The Off-limits Grump Next Door
“Babe, this is Eve. The woman who… gave birth to me.” I forced the words out, the bitterness unmistakable. “Eve, this is Kendra, my girlfriend.”
“Excuse my son’s attitude,” Eve said with an airy wave. “He’s too shy to call memother. Charmed to meet you, my dear.” She extended her hand, eyes gleaming with interest.
Kendra’s hand slipped out of mine before she hesitantly took Eve’s. “Nice to… meet you… ma’am,” she stuttered.
Eve turned her gaze back to me, the faintest hint of triumph in her eyes. “I see you’re still as welcoming as ever, Antonio.”
My jaw clenched. “What do you want, Eve?”
Her smile widened, all innocence and mock sincerity. “Oh, I’m just here to discuss...” She glanced at Kendra, choosing her next words carefully. “Businesswith your father. Is he in?”
Before I could reply, Eve’s gaze shifted past me, locking onto someone behind us.
“Ah, George,” she purred, stepping forward with the grace of a predator closing in on prey. “We have a lot to talk about.”
The air seemed to thicken around us, heavy with old grudges and unresolved tensions.
As Eve’s gaze flicked between Kendra and me, a sickening unease twisted in my stomach.
This wasn’t going to end well.
Chapter Twenty one
Kendra
My night was restless. I couldn’t get Antonio’s mother’s evil smile out of my head. And I couldn’t shake off the feeling that I had seen her somewhere around Mr. Thompson before. I had to tell Antonio the truth about what was going on.
It was just a few minutes past 7a.m., but I strolled over to Antonio’s room either way. He was an early riser, so I was almost certain he’d be awake. And if not, then I’d catch his sleeping form just as he did mine the day before.
I knocked twice before letting myself in.
He was still asleep.
His strong features seemed relaxed, almost boyish, in sleep. I watched, transfixed, as his thick lashes—so much longer than mine—rested softly against his cheeks.
Maybe our daughter will inherit his lashes and his rich, dark hair,I thought wistfully.
Wait, what? A daughter? Kendra, slow down! When did I go from stolen kisses to imagining us with a child? How fast is this relationship moving?My mind scrambled to regain control.
“Longer than you know,”I murmured quietly to myself, a smile tugging at my lips.
I reached out, hesitating, and just as I was about to brush his hair, his eyes fluttered open. I froze, pulling my hand back, but he caught it mid-air and pressed it against his cheek, his gaze softening.
“Good morning, beautiful. What’s going through that pretty head of yours?” Antonio’s voice was a low, raspy murmur that sent tingles racing down my spine.
“Good morning.” I took a breath, letting myself savor the moment. “I was just imagining how beautiful your child would be if she had your lashes.”
He arched a brow, clearly amused, then pulled me closer until I was nestled against his chest. “You’re serious?” His voice was a warm rumble against my ear.
I shrugged lightly. “Maybe.”
He lowered his face towards mine, our lips a whisper apart. But just then, his phone rang, shattering the quiet intimacy of the moment. Antonio groaned, his expression darkening with frustration.
“Where were we?” he muttered as soon as the ringtone died, leaning in again.
Then it rang once more.
I couldn’t help but laugh softly. “I think you should take that.”
