Chaser (Dive Bar #3)(66)

“Mm?” Slowly, she stirred. “What’s the time?”

“Almost nine. And, ah, your parents are here.”

“My parents?”

“Yeah.”

At that, she bolted upright in bed, eyes wide. “But, Eric, you’re only half dressed. In my apartment. First thing in the morning.”

“Yeah, took me forever to get Ada back to sleep, and then she kept waking up,” I said. “I just grabbed a cushion off the couch and crashed in her room so I could get to her before she woke you.”

Jean’s eyes went all soft. “You slept on the floor in her nursery?”

“You were exhausted, sweetheart. You needed sleep.”

“Wow.” She scratched at her head. “My parents are here and you’re here and you’ve all met each other. Okay.”

I gave her a minute. Clearly, she needed it. For her, this was probably the equivalent of Nell finding out about us. Only I’d long since accepted that that would happen and pain would follow. Jean was still navigating the ins and outs of having her parents meet me. Obviously.

She slumped. “God, they probably think I’m back to my old wild girl ways and we’re having sex parties every time Ada goes down for a nap.”

“I told them I slept on the couch and that I got baby puke on my shirt,” I said. “Both of which are true. Mostly. Definitely the puke part.”

At this news, the worry seemed to seep straight out of her. A hint of a smile lit her face. “You slept on the floor and got puked on.”

“Being best buds with Ada has its perks, don’t get me wrong.” I bussed the baby’s head. “But it definitely has its downsides too. Not that I mind.”

“You’re too good to us. I don’t deserve a friend like you. But…” Her gaze darted to the bedroom door. The solid wood was obviously not up to the job of blocking her parents’ judgey eyes.

“But what?”

She just shook her head.

“You don’t need their approval, sweetheart.”

“Logically, I know that. I guess it’s just habit,” she said. “I was so close to my grandma. She meant everything to me. To think Ada might miss out on having that sort of connection sucks.”

“It’s not your fault or really your choice, though. Is it?”

“No, I guess not.” Jean gave me a smile that didn’t work for shit. “They seem to be trying.”

No comment there from me.

“Anyway, thank you for letting me sleep. I owe you big-time. We’ll discuss this later.” She bounded off the bed and started pulling on clothing. “Has she had her morning bottle?”

“A few hours ago.”

“Did you get any sleep at all?”

“A little,” I said. “You know, she’s very demanding, made me sing Janis to her for hours. Babies are hard work.”

Jean snorted. “Tell me about it.”

“How’d you sleep?”

“Amazing.”

“Good.”

She took Ada from me, settling the baby against her own shoulder before leaning in real close. “Morning-breath warning.”

“Lay it on me,” I said without hesitation.

Her closed lips pressed firmly against mine. “You’re the best.”

“I know.”

“And so humble.” She laughed. “How did my parents react to you being here?”

“I think they’re a little weirded out.”

“Hmm. We’re not much of a secret, you and me, are we?”

“I don’t know about that,” I said. “Nell still hasn’t attacked me with a chainsaw or anything, so we can’t be doing too badly. How long are your parents here for anyway?”

“Only a few days.”

“Oh, hey. Before I forget, a friend’s having a get-together Monday if you’re up for it.” I tried to sound casual, but I really, really wanted her to go with me. It promised to be pretty special. Plus the weekend was coming up and it was going to be a busy one at work. Since both Vaughan and Pat were occupied elsewhere, there wouldn’t be much time for sneaking in visits to my two favorite girls. Doubtless, Nell would be inviting her to the party as well. Hopefully, however, I’d gotten there first. “Should be fun. What do you say?”

“Will it be baby friendly?”

“Of course.” I gave Ada’s little back a rub. “I think there’ll be other kids there.”

“Then I’d love to.”

My heart stuttered at the mention of that word. The L thing on her lips had power for some reason. No biggie. It was stupid really. I’d maybe give my reaction some thought later. Or try never to think about it ever again so long as I lived. I wasn’t sure which just yet.

“Okay,” I said. “You distract your parents while I make a run for the front door.”

“They’re not that bad. Or were they?”

“Be ready with that distraction,” I said. “I’m trusting you to have my back here.”

She laughed again. Prettiest sound in the world. Right up there with her moans.

“I better go grab a few hours’ sleep before work,” I said. “Also, we need to make a date for adult playtime again soon.”