Olivia peered around Trace, who seemed to stand in front of her like a bodyguard, to see Trent. “We’ll get out of your way.”
“You didn’t have sex in front of my kid did you? That would be traumatizing for him,” Trace asked Trent. I knew he was teasing, but I couldn’t help the blush that only kept getting redder.
“Fuck, no.”
“Oh, so you only cuss in front of him? Good to know. Uncle of the Year award right here,” Trace pointed at his brother.
“Get out of my house,” Trent grumbled, reaching down to grab the remote and turn the TV off.
“Who pays the bills? Oh, I do, that makes it my house,” Trace retorted.
Olivia rolled her eyes and looked at me. “They argue all the time. I think they find it fun.”
I didn’t really know what to say to her. She was a stranger, and I wasn’t the type to make friends easily.
“Come on, Trace,” she put her hand on his muscular arm and lightly tugged. “Let’s go home. I’m tired.”
“You better not be too tired,” he grinned, letting her lead him towards the front door, “I’m not done with you yet.”
“Trace!” She scolded, looking back at Trent and I with an embarrassed smile. “See you guys another time,” she waved, pushing Trace out the door.
As soon as the door was closed and the headlights of their car fanned across the front window, Trent whistled, giving me a funny smile. With his hands shoved into the pockets of his jeans, he said, “That was awkward.”
I couldn’t help but laugh. “You could say that again.”
“That was awkward,” he grinned impishly.
Noting the time, I frowned. “I have to go.”
“I know,” he headed for the kitchen, grabbing up the plastic containers. “I’ll walk you out.”
He didn’t bother putting on a coat, and as soon as the cool air greeted us Goosebumps broke out on his skin. He jumped up and down trying to keep his body moving. I unlocked my car and he handed me the food. I leaned inside to set it on the passenger seat. When I straightened, I could’ve sworn his eyes had been glued to my ass.
I raised a brow at him and he smirked, not at all ashamed at having been caught.
“I’ll see you soon,” he said, leaning in to press his lips to mine. He ended the kiss quickly, before things could progress to a dangerous level, but I was no less affected.
I got in my car and watched him jog back i
nto his house. With a shake of my head, I forced myself to back out of the driveway and return to reality.
chapter ten
I woke up early, determined to make the kids a hearty breakfast and spend some time with them. I scrambled eggs and made some of that microwave bacon. I popped three slices of toast into the toaster and gathered the plates. After I’d placed everything on the table I looked up to find Tristan standing there rubbing his eyes.
“Good morning,” I told him cheerily.
“That smells good,” he pointed to a plate.
“I hope it tastes just as good,” I bent, kissing the top of his head. I wrapped my arms around him and held him close. Tristan and Ivy were the only people I’d ever truly loved. Something told me though, that if I let myself, I could love Trent too. I didn’t know if I’d ever be ready for that though.
I released Tristan and he climbed onto the chair. Ivy came out of the bedroom next, sniffing the air. “Mmm,” she hummed.
Based on their reactions, I was glad I had taken the time to make them a decent breakfast. Most mornings, I either didn’t have the time, or we didn’t have the ingredients.
I sat down with them, taking the time to talk to them. Tristan was excited about learning the Alphabet, and Ivy kept mentioning a boy’s name. I was going to have my hands full with that one.
I loved these moments I had with them where we were like a family. I really hoped I didn’t have to wait much longer before I could take custody of them away from my mom.