Page 48 of Perfectly Complicated
“Ballpark.”
I sigh. “Around fifteen hundred. But…”
“Done. Plus groceries and utilities. That’s another five hundred.” He pulls out his phone like it’s already decided.
“That’s two thousand dollars!”
“Janie, if I stayed in a hotel for a month, do you know how much that would cost?” He gives me a look that says I won’t win this argument. “Let me do this.”
I bite my lip. The extra money would help so much. Nick hasn’t been paying child support, and between Aria’s daycare and everything else, I’m drowning in debt.
“Fine,” I say. “But really, you’re helping me out.”
“How?”
I pause, feeling slightly embarrassed. “Well, the neighborhood watch sent out an email saying a few people have noticed someone walking around at night. Probably just teenagers cutting through yards, but with Aria and me alone in the house…” I shrug, trying to pretend it’s no big deal. “It would be nice to have someone around. Just in case.”
His brow furrows. “What do you mean, someone walking around?”
“Nothing major,” I say, downplaying it. “Just footprints in a few flower beds, someone peeking in windows. The police said it’s probably kids being nosy, nothing to worry about unless something actually happens.” I roll my eyes. “Very reassuring.”
“That settles it,” he says firmly. “I’m definitely staying. At least until you feel safe again.”
By the time we reach my house, I’m already unbuckling my seat belt before he’s even put the car in park.
He laughs. “Someone’s eager to get home.”
“I haven’t been away from Aria this long since she was born.” I’m already halfway out of the car. “I know Scarlett sent pictures, but it’s not the same.”
Inside, Scarlett is on the couch with Aria, who smiles the second she sees me.
“There’s my girl!” I scoop her up, covering her face in kisses and breathing in her baby scent. “Did you miss Mommy? I missed you so much, baby girl.”
Scarlett stands, but instead of gathering her things, she’s focused on Rourke, who’s just stepped inside. Her eyebrows rise slightly.
“Well,” she says. “How was the trip?”
“It was…fine,” I say vaguely, turning my attention back toAria.
Her gaze swings back to me, full of curiosity. “Oh really?Justfine?”
“Some parts were actually good,” Rourke tells her.
I shoot him a look that saysdon’t encourage her.
He ignores it. “I really liked that coffee shop,” he adds with a playful smirk that makes my whole body heat.
The coffee shop—where we kissed under the mistletoe in front of half the festival.
“A coffee shop?” Scarlett’s eyes widen. “That sounds…”
“It was nothing special,” I interrupt.
“Well, I can’t wait to hear all about it.” She gathers her purse and coat and then whispers, “Text me later tonight.”
“Goodbye, Scarlett,” I say, practically ushering her toward the door.
She stops just in front of Rourke, patting his arm. “Nice seeing you again. Thanks for taking care of our girl.”
