“Did you hide your Momma’s perfume?” I question him, but he shakes his head. I file the idea away for later to buy her a new bottle.
“It’s the strangest thing. I can’t find my perfume. I could swear I left it on my dresser yesterday. And my favorite black heels are gone.”
“Maybe you left them at the club,” I suggest.
She taps her finger on her chin in thought. “No. I don’t think so. Oh well, though I will check the dressing room tonight.”
“Who is watching Jimmy tonight?”
“Carmen’s daughter, Marcella, was supposed to, but I haven’t heard back from her since I canceled for last night.”
“Why don’t I keep him in my office?”
Melissa arches her brows at me in disapproval. “You keep Jimmy in your office in the back of a strip club?”
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I shrug. “You got a better idea? I mean, if you’re ready to quit dancing and move in with me we can talk.”
“Shawn.” I can tell she is fighting the urge to smile.
“Lissa, you know you’re going to be with me. So say yes. You and little man move in with me.”
Her darkened gaze narrows on me and her a hand goes to her hip. “Where? At the clubhouse?”
“Nope, I bought a house. Got a good deal on it.”
“You did what? When?” Excitement flickers in her eyes as a grin crosses her face.
“A few weeks ago. Bought it with the two of you living there with me in mind. Merry Christmas!” I pull her into me and claim her lips. Her tongue brushes against mine and I start to get hard feeling her tight dancer’s body pressing into mine.
“You’re crazy,” she says a bit breathless.
“Crazy about you. We can go by the house if you want to check it out after we take Jimmy to see Santa Claus.”
Her brows knit together. “You’re serious?”
“I wouldn’t lie to you. I told you that I won’t stop until we’re a real family and I meant it.”
“I don’t know what to say…”
I spin her around and start slow dancing with her. Jimmy is giggling. “See. Even he thinks it’s a good idea. Say yes.” I kiss her again before she can say no.
—–—
Taking Jimmy to see the big fat man was a nightmare. Not because he was bad but because of the other kids. They were like little fucking monsters kicking and screaming. Being mouthy rude little fucks to their parents. I need a drink and a fucking joint after that whole scene. We’ve just pulled up to the house and I am hoping that Melissa can see herself living here with me. I repainted all the walls to cover the ugly ass paint Cupid’s ex had done the place up in. Melissa has a fresh canvas to work with. I am going to get with some of the guys that work for Reaper to redo the kitchen. I’m going to have it completely gutted after the holidays. I know it’s where Mandy killed herself and Cupid had a cleanup crew come in before putting the house on the market, but I know that Melissa would feel more comfortable having everything replaced.
Jimmy races from the car and runs around the yard. “I think he likes it already.”
“He does like having a yard to play in.”
“We could get him a swing set. Maybe a trampoline.” She rolls her eyes at me, wanting to hate the idea but unable to. “Come on.” I grab her by the hand and pull her toward the front door.
Melissa and Jimmy walk through and the kid has already claimed his room. I am glad he picked the second bedroom because I would hate to disappoint him by telling him the bigger one is for his Mom and me.
“So, what do you think?”
“It’s great. But what’s that weird stain on the kitchen floor?”