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“Yeah,” I said, biting down on my lower lip. “I think. It’s time I spread my wings, you know? Go to college. Even if it’s hard, it’llgive me and Grav a better future. And it’ll teach her to chase her dreams.”
“I’m so fucking proud of you.” Row’s voice cracked. “But I’m still going to kill Rhy, FYI.”
Cal squealed. “I’ve always wanted a doctor in the family! I have so many shady spots on my body. And I could really use a monthly boob check for lumps.”
“I check your boobs for lumps twice a day,” Row protested.
“Um, no, honey. If you did, you wouldn’t be concentrating solely on the nipples.”
“Way too much info.” I cringed. “Besides, I haven’t been accepted for anything yet.”
“You will be,” Cal said confidently. “You’re the smartest person I know.”
“Da fuck, Dot?” Row protested.
“You’re the hottest, sweetie.”
“So…” I stood up and padded out to the hallway, dropping my voice so as not to wake my daughter. “Are you guys…not mad anymore? Because I didn’t really give you much of an explanation, just told you to screw off.”
“You’re off the hook in my eyes,” Cal confirmed. “Of course, I owe you from that time I banged your brother behind your back when we were teenagers.”
“Too true. You did that too, Row.”
“I’m aware. I was there,” he allowed grumpily.
I entered Grav’s room. Pressed a hand to her forehead while she slept. It was cool and dry. Thank you, Jesus.
“As I said, you’re off the hook, but Rhyland isn’t,” Row lamented. “He broke the code and deserves a good beating.”
I sighed. “Can you please refrain from ruining his face? He’s too pretty.”
“Clearly. That’s what got us into this whole mess.”
No. What got me into this mess was the fact that he had an amazing personality on top of being handsome.
“Any other requests?” Row asked.
“Yeah.” I toyed with a lock of my hair, putting it between my lips and chewing. “Protect the crown jewels, Row. I really like them.”
“Too late. I’m going to dethrone the motherfucker.”
Rhyland: We need to talk.
Dylan: Please don’t tell me you’re pregnant. I’m really not ready for this kind of responsibility right now. I can’t even commit to a gel manicure.
Rhyland: Okay, rude. For one thing, I don’t chip after, like, five seconds.
Dylan: Do I want to know how you got all this manicure knowledge?
Rhyland: I made a career pretending to be an attentive boyfriend. I know all about women’s woes.
Dylan: I’m guessing it’s about our leaked sex tape.
Rhyland: There’s a video too?!
Dylan: A reel. But Row tells me Tucker only shared it with friends and family.
Rhyland: He has neither.