In the living room I am set up on the couch with my laptop searching for a job. My mother will threaten to close my bank account next I am sure. Her and Theo think they can play me by being good cop bad cop, but it isn’t going to work. They aren’t going to convince me to breakup with Killian. I love him and I’m happy. I haven’t spoken to them since they ambushed me last week.
“Whatcha doing?” Killian’s rough voice grates in my ear and shivers course up and down my spine and fan down my arms, leaving a trail of chill bumps.
“I’m job hunting.”
“Why?” He comes around the couch and takes a seat, placing my feet in his lap.
“Because I want one.”
“Is that the only reason?”
I chew on my thumb. “Well…if I know my mother, she will switch gears and cut me off financially. I don’t know if Theo will follow through with it, but it is better to prepare myself and to show them I can do this without them.”
“You don’t have to get a job, Liri. I can take care of you.”
“I love that you want to, but we are equal partners, and if something happens and they do cut me off, that could mean my tuition doesn’t get paid. I don’t have that kind of money put back in my savings account.”
“That’s what financial aid is for.”
“Which I will apply for if the need arises, but a job could be good for me. I only want part time.”
“My dad would hire you.”
“I wouldn’t want to put you in the position to ask.”
He shrugs. “We have his birthday party tonight. I can talk to him about it then.”
With an arched brow, I ask, “We’re going?” That’s a surprise to me.
“It’s stupid. I shouldn’t want to go, but I figure if my mom can suck it up and go I can too.”
“You’ve spoken with your mom?” I was under the impression he doesn’t talk to her either.
“Dillan mentioned it.”
“Gotcha. What time is this party?”
He looks at his watch. “In like three hours. We should leave in four.” He grins.
“You aren’t showing up late. I gotta get moving. I’m going to run to the mall and get him a gift. What do you think he’d like?
“You don’t need to get him anything.”
“Who shows up to a birthday party—their boyfriend’s father’s birthday without a gift? No way.” I put my computer on the coffee table and start to get up when Killian hooks an arm around me.
“You’re not going anywhere.” He yanks me into his lap and bites the shell of my ear.
“Stop. It tickles.” I squirm, but he only tightens his hold.
“Oh, baby. Keep bouncing on my lap,” he teases.
“I’m serious. I don’t have anything to wear.”
“I am all for you being naked.” His teeth rake down my neck.
“Killian,” I say his name in protest, but his hand moves over my lower belly, his thumb teasing at the waist of my pajama bottoms. “You don’t fight fair.” I twist around to straddle him, my lips meeting his for a kiss.
“Ten minutes. Give me ten minutes then I will drive you to the mall myself.”