Page 88 of Tattered (Lark Cove 1)

I set down Charlie’s suitcase by the wooden dresser and wandered around the room. “My assistant Sean is going to come over tomorrow while I’m at work. He’ll take you shopping for anything that’s missing or you want to change.”

“Logan—”

I held up a hand, stopping Thea’s protest. “I want this room to be just right for her. Please.”

She closed her mouth and nodded.

“Besides that, I’d like you to get to know Sean. He spends a few days a week here working and I think you guys will hit it off. And if you ever need anything from me but can’t track me down, he can take care of it.”

My phone buzzed with a text in my pocket, so I pulled it out. “Speak of the devil. Sean wants to know what we’d like for dinner.”

Charlie climbed up on her bed, jumping once, then landing on her back. The comforter billowed at the sides as she giggled. “Snacks!”

Thea and I shared a look, then she smiled and jumped on the bed with Charlie.

The two of them laughing together gave me hope.

My plan was going to work. After a few days, Thea would relax and feel comfortable here. She’d feel at home.

Then I could ask her to stay.

“She’s out.” I walked up behind Thea, wrapping my arms around her shoulders.

She relaxed, leaning into my embrace, and brought her hands to my forearms. “Thanks for tucking her in. Though, I’m getting jealous that she doesn’t want my bedtime stories anymore.”

“Tough. I’m stealing bedtime.” I kissed the back of her hair, inhaling the soothing lavender scent.

We’d spent the evening lounging in the liv

ing room. Charlie had taken over my remote for the television and found some Lego movie for us to watch. Sean had come over hefting bags of every snack available and my favorite Chinese.

After we’d done introductions, he’d excused himself and we’d enjoyed a quiet dinner. Charlie had eaten her snacks, plus some required chicken tenders, and Thea and I had decimated the takeout.

If the rest of the week went like the last three hours, I had no doubt that I could convince her to move.

“Is this your family?” She reached out and touched a picture frame. We were standing in front of a bookshelf in the living room. Mostly it held books from law school, but there were a few pictures too.

“Yes. That was for Mom’s holiday card last year.”

“I feel bad.” She sighed. “All the time we’ve spent together and I haven’t once asked about your family.”

I often had to remind myself that we’d only been a couple for a week even though it felt like much longer. Thea had been hiding deep in my heart for years.

“Don’t feel bad. We’ve got time to learn all about one another.”

“Do we?” she whispered. “Do we have time?”

She tried to step away, but I held her tight. “There’s no clock on this, Thea. I’m not going anywhere.”

“But I am.”

I closed my eyes, forcing my mouth to stay shut. I wanted to tell her she was staying. To declare this was her home now. But I knew exactly how that would end.

With me sleeping on the couch.

“Let’s not worry about geography tonight.”

She relaxed again, then pointed to the picture. “Those are your parents?”