Page 47 of Bittersweet Redemption

She smiles, and her eyes twinkle with a look of mischief. She knew what she was doing with the skirt, and I’m certainly not mad about it.

“If I remember correctly, you didn’t pick this out for me when it was an option. I didn’t think you even liked it.” She smirks because she knows I like this outfit.

I growl into her ear, and she shivers against me. “That’s because I didn’t want that asshole to see you in this.”

She arches her back into me, making me groan. I take a step back to put some distance between us and grab her keys from her hand. “Get in the car before I turn around and lock you in my bedroom.”

She smiles at me over her shoulder before getting in. I take a deep breath to calm myself and my dick before getting into the driver’s seat.

Riley and Kellan are already at the restaurant when we get there. I informed them at the last minute that Willa and Roman would be joining us and then ignored all of their follow-up texts. Their opinions are clearly written on their faces when we walk up to the table. Kellan looks hesitant and worried, while Riley looks welcoming and excited. These two are so different; it amazes me that they ever got together.

“Hey, guys,” I say, taking a seat in the booth across from them. If I act like this is all normal, maybe they will too.

It’s no surprise when Riley greets us first with a huge smile. “Hi back. It’s good to see you all again.”

Roman scoots next to me, and Willa sandwiches him on the other side. “Hello,” he says in a sing-song voice, making even Kellan smile for a second.

Riley starts the conversation right away. I swear she could talk to anyone about anything. She only stops when the server comes to take our order.

Once everyone has ordered, Roman asks if he can play in the little arcade area.

“Oh, yeah. Let me see if I have any change, buddy,” Willa says as she digs through her purse.

“I’ve got some,” Riley says, turning towards her bag.

I pull out my wallet and hand Roman a ten-dollar bill. “Here. There’s a change machine over there. Knock yourself out, kid.”

“Thanks, Mr. Kai!” The smile on his face almost makes me want to give him my whole damn wallet, but then I glance in Kellan’s direction and see his glare, which makes me tuck my wallet back in my pocket.

“I’m going to take him over there,” Willa announces, probably feeling awkward because Kellan is acting like a giant dick.

I watch Willa walk to the game room because I can’t drag my eyes away from her ass. As soon as they get there, Kellan finally lets me have it.

“Dude, what the hell?”

“What?” I say casually.

“Kellan, watch your tone,” Riley interjects. “So, are you guys like dating now?”

“No.”

“They’re just fucking around,” Kellan tells her.

She turns to him. “So what? Let him live his life.”

“Yeah, except he’s living it with the woman who got him thrown in prison.”

“Well, if he’s ok with it, you should be too.” I sit back in the booth and listen to them argue about my personal life while sitting here. It’s comical, really. I love them both so much, but sometimes they’re ridiculous.

When they finally finish talking, they turn to look at me.

“Look. I don’t know what it is. All I know is she’s moving back into her house in two days, and I’m bummed about it.”

“Awww,” Riley coos.

Kellan shakes his head. “Are you in love with her?”

I scoff. “I don’t know about love, but I like her. I like her kid. I like our situation.”