Page 273 of Sweet Nightmare

She stares at me.

No eye-rolling.

No comeback.

Nothing.

I grin.

“Well, look at that. I finally found a way to shut you up.”

Her eyes widen.

“Oh, you absolute⁠—”

Before she can finish, I scoop her up and throw her over my shoulder.

“STEPHEN!”

I burst out laughing.

“Put me down, you Neanderthal!”

“Neanderthal? Who the fuck says that? You really need to start cussing better, baby.”

“I don’t like this. This is cringe. Put me down.”

“You’ll survive.”

She smacks my back and I smack her ass hard.

A cough comes from the doorway, making me turn with Artemis over my shoulder.

Mrs. Han appears out of nowhere with a knowing smile.

“Have fun, kids.”

“I’M BEING FORCED TO WEAR UGLY SHOES, MRS. HAN!”

Mrs. Han’s smile widens.“Don’t do anything indecent. We don’t need another scandalous and spicy video circulating online.”

Artemis goes completely still across my shoulder and I bark out a laugh so loud it echoes in the night.

“Oh, that’s low,” I tell Mrs. Han.

“I’m only looking out for you both, dear.”

Artemis lifts her head just enough to glare at us both.

After saying goodbye to Mrs. Han, I carry Artemis to the passenger side and gently set her on her feet. She immediately straightens her coat and glares at me as though she’s mentally composing Mrs. Han’s obituary.

I open the door for her and help her into her seat, then buckle her seat belt before she can argue some more.

I kiss the tip of her nose. She tried to hide a smile but I caught it.

Then I quickly settle a black baseball cap over her white hair, adjusting the brim until it shades her eyes.

She stares at me. “Nope.”