Page 127 of Kiss Marry Kill

“I’mveryhappy,” I admitted. “Relieved.”

“Excellent.” Her smile was gloating. “Jerry Fleming was fit to be tied. He thought for sure Reginald would accept River’s bid. Serves him right for trying to derail our offer.”

“I thought Reginald would accept River’s offer too.”

“So did I.” She elbowed me.

I grunted, rubbing my ribs. “But he didn’t. Thankfully.”

“Surprising, really. Money usually talks in situations like these. I’m proud of Reginald for not giving in to greed.” She batted her eyelashes as Sergio set two caramel-colored martinis in front of us. “Those look delicious.”

“Oh, they will be.” Sergio grinned. “I made them.”

“You’re a very talented mixologist, Sergio.” Mrs. Numi slid one of the drinks in front of me. “Beware, Dr. Thornton. These taste like candy, but they pack a punch.”

“I’ll be sure to pace myself.” I took a sip, nodding my approval as the sweet coffee flavor bathed my tongue. The glass had an orange sugar rim, which balanced the potentially bitter coffee perfectly.

“It’s good, is it not?” Mrs. Numi watched me.

I set the glass down. “Delicious.”

Sergio looked pleased. “I make a mean gingerbread martini as well.”

“Oh, yes.” Mrs. Numi nodded eagerly. “We’ll have that next.”

I wasn’t sure how many drinks I should have; then again, I didn’t have to work tomorrow. But after my brush with tequila the other night, I also didn’t want to overload my liver.

“Was Royce happy for you?” Mrs. Numi asked.

“Yes. Definitely.” Royce had been happy for me, especially today. I understood why he felt sad about me moving out. I had the same feelings. While I was excited to have my own place again, I’d miss having Royce there with me all the time. It was a weird thing to feel that way because I’d never had the desire to live with another human before.

“I wasn’t sure.” Mrs. Numi laughed. “I know that Royce is crazy about you. I figured he’d want to keep you in his home.”

My face warmed. “I love living with him.”

“Do you?” Her gaze was keen. “I wasn’t sure. He is an open book, but you’re not.”

I took another sip of my drink, if only to stall having to talk. When I set it down, I licked my lips. “It was nice living with Royce.”

“I’m glad you feel that way. I know he adored having you there.”

“I hope so.” I could already feel the alcohol buzzing through my bloodstream. Probably because martinis were almost pure alcohol and I’d barely eaten today.

“I remember when I sold Royce his house,” she murmured. “I thought at the time it was the perfect home for a bachelor. But maybe it’s time Royce spread his wings a little.”

“What does that mean?”

She shrugged. “Just that he might have outgrown that home.”

“Because of me?”

She nodded. “Yes. I don’t think Royce ever intended to stay in that house forever. He’s the sort of man who eventually wants a family.”

I frowned because she was right. I knew Royce wanted a family one day. I was scared of that though. It was a serious discussion that we needed to have. But not yet. Our relationship was still new. “Royce will be a great dad. He’s a natural.”

She smiled at me. “I think you’d be a good dad too.”

I winced. “God, I don’t know why you’d think that. Grumpy is about all I can handle.” I gulped half my drink.