Page 132 of Only Ever You

“You can, but you’re not going to.”

“That’s—”

I press my finger to her lips, silencing her. “Let me take care of you. Please.”

That does the trick. Her shoulders drop, all the tension leaving her body, and, finally, she nods. “Okay.”

“Good girl.” I peck her lips and go back to making our breakfast. Taking care of her might be my new favorite thing to do.

Hours later, I pad out of Isla’s bedroom and pull a glass from the cabinet. I fill it with water, and when I turn around ready to take it to her, I come face to face with Blake.

“Going somewhere?” I ask.

“I have a date,” she replies, lips twitching.

“That’s great. Um, I hope it’s okay that I’m staying here.”

“I don’t mind.” She lifts one shoulder. “Isla hasn’t stopped smiling all morning.”

Warmth spreads over my skin. “Yeah, she hasn’t.”

Blake fixes her ponytail, narrowing her eyes on me. “But for a record, if you make her cry, I’ll help her hide the body.”

“My body?”

“Undoubtedly.”

I snicker. “That’s fair.” I head back to Isla’s room. “Though, if I hurt her, I’ll probably beat you to it.” At the door, I glance over my shoulder. “Good luck on your date, Blake.”

“Thanks, Thompson.” She winks at me.

Asher:

you alive?

Me:

Asher:

coming home today?

I take a picture and send it to him. Isla is sitting between my legs, her laptop in front of us with Spy x Family playing.

Asher:

you’re unbelievable

Me:

you would’ve done the same

Me:

see you tomorrow

I silence my phone, toss it onto the covers, and wrap my arms around her waist.

She leans her back on my chest, sighing contentedly. “I don’t think I’ve ever been this lazy in my life.”