They wave to me, and I wave back, feeling unspeakably awkward.I’m wearing Will’s clothes and I look like I just rolled out of bed, because Idid.
I rush to the door.They’re already walking away, one agent on either side of the twins.“Have a good day!”
“Okay, Bristol!”Ben doesn’t turn around.“What car do you guys drive?I like to ride in SUVs, but I’m not one of those kids that’s picky about everything.”
“I am.But not cars,” Mia adds.
Will pushes the apartment door shut and locks it.
I stare at the closed door until he turns me around, kisses my cheek, and leads me to the kitchen.
“Do you need a nap?”
“No.I’m just in shock that they went to school.And I didn’t have to nag them into it.Did they eat?”
Will rolls his eyes.His kitchen looks cooked-in.Bowls on the counter.A half a plate of bacon.An empty box of Eggo waffles.“Yes.And I gave them lunch money, too.”
“But—”
“I also packed Mia her emergency sandwich.”
“She told you about the emergency sandwich?”I cover my cheeks with my hands to tamp down the guilt.“I forgot all about it.Everything with my dad and the temp agency and Hughes—”
“It’s fine.I packed it.”
“She didn’t say a word to me.”And she definitely should have.Mia’s taken an emergency peanut butter sandwich to school with her since the twins started kindergarten.I always filled out the forms for free lunch, but at least half the time, she wouldn’t eat it.
Will’s hand slides under my chin and tips my face up to his.“Mia is fine.The sandwich is also fine.What about you?”
He’s inappropriately beautiful.“Am I dreaming?”
Will leans in and kisses me.He finishes with a gentle nip on my bottom lip.“Does that feel like dreaming?”
“Kind of, yeah.”
He shakes his head, a little smile lighting his face.“You flatter me, Ms.Anderson.”
“Oh, are you my boss again?”
“I don’t know.Do you think it’s hot if I’m your boss?”
I’d think it was hotter if he was my boyfriend, but…is he?“Kind of, yeah.”
He huffs in mock offense at my joke, then leans against the counter and pulls me close.Will’s wearing jeans and a long-sleeved T-shirt.Normal clothes, but they’re expensive.The fabric of his shirt is soft under my palms.The body underneath is hard.I wouldn’t mind if he took all of his clothes off right now, but…
“So, you just took over everything and sent the kids to school.Did anything else happen while I was asleep?”
“Not really.I spoke with a nurse at the hospital.Your dad is still in stable condition.”
“Good.”I hadn’t let myself think too much about it, but it’s easier to breathe now.“That’s good.”
“I also stationed a security team outside the twins’ school.Heather and Drew will escort them inside, then meet them at the front steps after school.”
“What kind of car do they drive?”
Will laughs.“An armored SUV.Ben will be thrilled.”
“An…armored?SUV?”