Page 49 of Unexpected

“And there it is.” I laughed, knowing he couldn’t resist a good jab.

But I’d never divulge the fact that we weren’t using condoms. That was a decision between Alexis and me. Just like I’d never tell him all the down and dirty details of our sex life. I respected Alexis, and that meant certain things stayed between us.

“Hey, man,” he said in a pompous tone. “If you need any tips, I’m full of sex advice.”

“I think I know how to please a woman just fine.” I sniffed, lifting my chin. “So, are you going to accept my bet or what?”

“You have yet to define any terms. So, why don’t I start? If I win, you let me pay your tuition.”

“Since you’re not going to win—fine. And if I win—” I tapped a finger to my lips “—you have to stop giving me shit about dating Alexis.”

“Is that what this is—you’re dating her now?”

“I will be.”

“Damn.” He chuckled. “I can’t decide if you’re crazy confident or just plain crazy.”

“Maybe a bit of both,” I admitted.

“And you have yourself a deal, motherfucker. But it starts after my birthday.”

“Of course.” I rolled my eyes, knowing he’d have to impose some additional condition. “You’re coming home to celebrate, right?”

“Hell yeah.”

“Good. We’ll shake on it then.” I chuckled, wondering if he’d ever be able to stick to it. Somehow, I doubted it. At least, I hoped so. Because there was no way I was accepting the money from him.

After we ended the call, I headed over to the main house. Sophia was eating breakfast in the kitchen.

“Hey, princess.”

“Preston!” She leaped off the chair, bounding over to me for a hug.

I laughed, giving her a quick squeeze. “Your mom leave already?”

“Yep,” she said, emphasizing the “p.” “What are we doing today?”

“Well…” I pulled out my phone, sending a quick message to Alexis asking if I could take Sophia to my apartment. Alexis answered immediately, but all she wrote was “that’s fine.” I frowned down at the screen, even as I tried to reassure myself she was just busy.

“How would you like to run some errands with me?” I slid my phone into my back pocket.

“To the candle store?” She grinned, bouncing on her toes.

I laughed. “I think I’m good on candles. But maybe, after we swing by my apartment, we can get some ice cream.”

“Okay!” She hopped off her stool and took her dish over to the sink. “I’m ready.”

“Alrighty then. Let’s go.”

When we arrived at the apartment, Kate was just fine. In fact, she was delighted to have company, and we spent the day helping her with an art project she was working on. I texted Hunter to let him know she was okay. Though I left out the part about her having a new nose piercing. I knew better than to get in the middle of those two.

By the time we arrived home, the sun was dipping lower in the sky. Alexis walked in as Sophia and I were sitting down to dinner.

“Mommy! Come eat with us,” Sophia said from her seat at the table.

“Sorry, baby.” Alexis rushed over, placing a quick kiss on her head before darting toward the stairs. “I have to go. I have a phone call with a client.”

“You’ll put me to bed, right?” she asked.