Chapter 32 #2
She gives me a quick wave before disappearing down the aisle.
Once I grab the last few things I need, I head to the register.
I’m still floating a little, caught somewhere between nerves and excitement, so when I notice Candyce watching me again, her smug expression in place, I just smile.
A real, genuine, unbothered smile. Let her think whatever she wants.
By the time I get home, the scent of slow-roasted beef and caramelized onions hits me the second I step inside. It’s the kind of smell that belongs to old family recipes, ones I’ll never be able to recreate, no matter how hard I try.
Hazel has set the table, plates and silverware neatly arranged, a small vase of flowers in the center.
I narrow my eyes. “Mom, what else do you need help with?”
Before she can answer, the doorbell rings.
I freeze, heartbeat skipping, and when I turn to look at her, she’s already moving past me with a smile.
I swallow my nerves, opening the door.
Adrian stands there, looking effortlessly good despite the long shifts he’s been pulling. Dark gray top under a black worn leather jacket, blue jeans, hair slightly messy. His blue eyes land on mine, and that familiar heat sparks low in my stomach.
His lips curve. “Hey, Trouble.”
Before I can answer, he steps forward and presses a kiss to my lips. I kiss him back, not caring who’s watching. He already has my family’s approval, so I don’t need to hide.
Inside, the energy shifts. The moment he steps in, conversations pick up. Mom moves around the kitchen, her voice light and full of something I haven’t heard in a long time.
Adrian turns to her. “It’s really good to see you feeling better, Ms. Richards.”
She smiles, setting down a dish. “Thanks to you and the hospital team. I feel amazing.”
He nods, settling back in his chair as his hand finds my thigh under the table. His fingers graze my skin before sliding down to grab my hand. We lace them together, hidden from view, and something about the quiet little touch between us makes me giddy.
For a while, it was nice being a secret. Having him all to myself. But this? Being open, being here, being his? It’s even better.
Hazel immediately starts telling Adrian about Mr. Gideon, while Sofia glances at us. Felix was chatting about Spiderman with Jasper, who’s ready to retreat to his room.
Mom moves back to the kitchen, and I sigh, squeezing his hand before standing. “I’ll be right back.”
“Where are you going?” he asks.
“Helping Mom,” I say.
“I’ll help too,” he offers.
I shake my head. “No, you stay here and—” I nod toward the younger kids at the table. “Watch the kids.”
“They seem fine to me,” he says.
“That’s exactly why you need to watch them,” I say with a quirked eyebrow.
His smile is amused, and as I walk away, I feel the ghost of his touch lingering against my skin. Somehow, I already can’t wait to get back to him.
I step into the kitchen, and Mom is whistling softly, the familiar sound tugging at something deep inside me.
“Tell me what needs doing.” I roll up my sleeves.
She grins. “Grab the plates. Let’s get this moving.”
We fall into an easy rhythm, moving like we’ve done this a thousand times before. Before I even realize it, the food is served, and everyone is sitting down, eating.
For once, dinner is surprisingly civilized.
Maybe it’s because everyone is too excited for snacks and game night to waste time bickering.
Plates are cleared faster than usual, conversation flowing between bites.
Hazel throws in a sarcastic remark about being the car in Monopoly tonight, and Atlas fires back with he’ll be the shoe to kick her butt, making the whole table burst into laughter.
Even Felix helps clean up, his tiny hands eagerly stacking plates and packing away leftovers. The house buzzes with energy, the kind that only comes from a full house, a warm meal, and something fun to look forward to.
By the time the last dish is put away, Hazel strides over to the coffee table, Monopoly board in hand. “Are you ready?”
Adrian leans back slightly, looking between her and the box. “Uh, for what, exactly?”
“Our family,” I tell him, dead serious, “is very competitive about Monopoly.”
“Really?” he says.
“You haven’t seen us in full brawl mode,” I say, leaning in, trying to keep a straight face.
He chuckles, but there’s a wary edge to it. “I’m slightly scared.”
I start unpacking the snacks I bought earlier, spreading them out across the table. Chips, popcorn, candy: all the game-night treats. I grab new drinks, passing them around, before sinking back into my spot next to Adrian.
Leaning in close, I whisper, “Now, I know we’re together and all, but when it comes to game night, you’re on your own.”
He laughs at that, his breath warm against my ear.
“Amelia, don’t scare our guest away,” Mom scolds from across the room. “I’m sure you’ll have beginner’s luck, Adrian.”
“Ah, yes, you’ll need beginner’s luck if you stand any chance of winning,” I tease innocently.
She just shakes her head, taking her spot as the banker. I watch her for a moment, my heart squeezing as I take in the way she looks tonight. Sitting up, rosy cheeks, the exhaustion of the past weeks nowhere to be seen. Seeing her like this, truly happy and healthy, means the world to me.
The game starts off light-heartedly, but it doesn’t take long before the competitive streak in everyone, especially Adrian, kicks in.
He moves forward, eyes narrowing every time someone lands on his property.
It’s hilarious seeing him so into it, considering a few hours ago, he didn’t even know what he was signing up for.
Mom disappears after a while, taking Felix to bed. When she’s gone, I glance at Adrian, smiling. “Looks like you’re officially part of the family now.”
He leans in, and his lips brush my ear before kissing my temple softly. “I’m honored to be.”
I shiver, biting back a grin.
As the night stretches on, more of my siblings drop off, tapping out of the game and heading to bed. Eventually, Adrian glances at the clock and sighs. “It’s getting late. I should head out.”
I try not to let my disappointment show, but I feel it in my stomach. “I don’t want you to go. I missed being in the same room as you.”
His gaze softens. “It’s the weekend. Can I see you tomorrow?”
“I’d love that.”
“Good. I want to take you on a real date.”
A real date. The words send a thrill through me. My heart thumps wildly, my pulse loud in my ears.
“More than okay,” I whisper.
He nods. “I’ll let you know what time I’ll pick you up.”
I melt at the thought of him going to that much effort for me.
Anticipation bubbles in my stomach as I walk him to the door. When we reach the porch, he cups my face and kisses me.
I grab his head softly, pulling him closer.
He groans as his hands slide around my waist, bringing me against him, and for a moment, it’s just us lost in a moment.
My body presses flush against his, our tongues tangling.
I hold on to him tighter, and a whimper leaves my lips when his teeth drag over my bottom lip as we break apart.
I’m breathless, and my heart races. It’s more than a kiss; it’s a promise of everything.
He steps back, his eyes lingering on mine as he flashes a lopsided grin that makes butterflies swarm my stomach.
I lean against the doorway, watching him walk toward his car, jeans hanging just right, the dim porch light casting soft shadows across his face. He pauses before getting in, blowing me a kiss.
I catch it, grinning as I blow one back.
“I’ll see you tomorrow,” he calls.
I wave as he gets in, watching until his taillights disappear down the street.
With a sigh, I close the door, my cheeks aching from smiling so much. I move to start cleaning up, but before I can, Mom reappears.
“He’s taking me on a date tomorrow night,” I tell her, failing to contain my excitement.
Her smile widens. “I’m so happy for you, love. He’s a good man.”
He is, and it’ll be nice to spend some more time with him. Because after all the secrets and uncertainty, this finally feels right.