Fortuity (Transcend 3)

And I feel terrible about the broken tile.

Gabe puts his cereal bowl in the dishwasher, a skill I showed him very quickly after he became my responsibility. I’d like to say it’s because I’m naturally an awesome parental figure, but it’s not. He’s not a toddler. I shouldn’t have to pick up after him. I have enough issues picking up after myself some days. Emily may have coddled him. I’m not a natural coddler. If I’m completely honest, I’m harder on him because he’s a boy. I’ve been with too many unskilled men. Gabe won’t be one of them, if I have anything to say about it.

“Ask Morgan’s dad,” he says.

Hmm … I’m not sure how I feel about that. It’s been five days since I sucked him off in his kitchen—not true, he didn’t get off. I just sucked him; licking and stroking was involved too.

Shit … my face feels hot just thinking about it.

Morgan has refused to hang out with Gabe, which I suspect is because of her period. I remember being her age and thinking that somehow everyone knew when I was having my period. I worried they could see the outline of my pad or smell the blood like vampires. It’s such an awkward and confusing age.

No Morgan time has meant no Nate time either—unless I count him unabashedly watching me strip each day. Perv …

Perv that I really like.

“Maybe. I need to get dressed. I’ll see if they’re home when I’m ready to leave. If so, I’ll ask. If not, just make sure you’re ready to go.”

“Fine,” he mumbles, heading upstairs.

I don’t usually wear makeup to work, but knowing I might see Nate this morning makes me want to look my best. He’s clearly seen my worst. I feel the need to remind him that I don’t always resemble a rag doll that’s been mauled by a dog.

“Ready?” I knock on Gabe’s door as I head downstairs in my rolled-up skinny jeans, white canvas shoes, and black fitted tee—makeup on and my hair still down. I’ll put it up when I get to work.

Without waiting for Gabe, I walk next door, surprised to see Nate and Morgan on the deck with the two rockers facing each other and a table in between them, playing chess.

“Who’s winning?” I ask.

“Me,” Morgan says, studying the board.

Nate glances over his shoulder at me, his smile touching every inch of my body. “Morning. Off to work?”

“In a few minutes.” I climb the steps and stand next to Nate’s chair, gazing at their chessboard.

“Does Morgan always win? I can see her being the better player.”

She giggles, taking Nate’s bishop with her queen. “Yes. I usually win.”

“She’s lying.” Nate’s hand falls to the side of the chair.

I stiffen when his fingers ghost along my calf.

“I’m not lying. You say you let me win, but I think you just don’t want to admit I’m better.”

“Can I get you a cup of coffee?” Nate asks.

“No. I’ve got to get going. I don’t know what you guys have planned for today, but Gabe is not wanting to go to his friend’s house because Tyler has a dental appointment. And I hate to ask Mr. Hans, so—”

“Oh! He can hang out with us today! I’m better now.” She winks at me.

Yep. She was on period lockdown.

Morgan continues, “We’re going to lunch and then a museum because it’s supposed to rain later. Right, Dad?”

“That’s right. We’d love to have Gabe join us,” Nate says without hesitation.

“Hey, Gabe!” Morgan glances past me. “You get to hang out with us today.”

I turn toward Gabe as he walks up to the deck. “Looks like you get your wish today.” I slide my handbag from my shoulder. “I’ll leave you with some money, in case you end up at a museum or out for lunch.”

“I’ve got it,” Nate says, standing.

“No. Here.” I hand Gabe thirty dollars.

“Let’s get you a to-go cup of coffee. Gabe can take over for me. You know how to play chess, buddy?”

Gabe shakes his head.

“I’ll show you. I’m an expert.” Morgan smirks as Gabe sits in Nate’s chair.

“I had coffee,” I say.

“I’m sure you did.” Nate gives me a look and jerks his head toward the door. “But it could be a two-cup day. Better play it safe.”

I glance at my watch. Since I don’t have to drop Gabe off at Tyler’s, I have a few spare minutes.

“Thanks for letting him stay with you and Morgan today.” I follow Nate to the kitchen, but he doesn’t stop in the kitchen.

He turns right to the hallway with the laundry room and half bath.

“Where are you—” As soon as I turn the corner, he grabs me, pinning me to the wall and pausing a breath away from my lips.

“Good morning,” he whispers with a wicked grin forming along his sexy mouth.