Rome's Chance (Reapers MC #6.6)(32)

I thought about my afternoon with Rome. After that first explosive time together, we’d gone slower. He’d kissed every inch of me, driving me crazy with his tongue until I thought I might die. Then he’d done it again.

“Probably,” I admitted.

“And how many times did you do this stupid thing?”

“More than once, not that it’s any of your business,” I said, stirring the pot. We liked to start out with the packaged stuff as the base, but over the years we’d added extras. Sour cream, sharp white cheddar. When the budget was flush, I’d spring for some parmesan across the top. Special macaroni and cheese was the shit. “But I do have something to tell you. Something important.”

“What’s that?” she asked, setting down the cheese. I glanced toward the living room, making sure that Kayden wasn’t listening. The kid had his earbuds in and he was busy playing Minecraft. I took a deep breath, then hesitated. Once I told her, I was committed. Was I ready?

Yes. Yes, I was.

“I’m moving back to Hallies Falls,” I told her. A flash of excitement crossed her face, then she clamped it down, wary.

“That’s not funny,” she whispered. “Don’t say that unless you mean it.”

“I’m moving back to Hallies Falls,” I repeated, the words slow and steady. “I’ll give notice when I get back home. Even if I don’t get that job I interviewed for, there has to be something I can do around here. We’ll stay in this apartment until I make some money. Then we’re going to find something better. I promise.”

Lexi crumpled, flying into my arms and hugging me so tight I could hardly breathe. “Thank you. Thank you so much! It’s been so hard here. I can’t even tell you how hard.”

“I know.” Rubbing her back, I thought about all the years I’d spent taking care of the kids while Mom was out partying. She’d usually held down a job, right up to the day her back blew out. I had to give her credit for that. But I’d still been the one cooking dinner, scouring thrift stores for clothing, and making sure everyone got their homework done.

I’d done well, too. Aiden and Isaac had both graduated high school, and they were building real lives for themselves.

Lexi and Kayden deserved the same chance.

“Please tell me this isn’t about Rome,” she whispered, the words muffled. “I know you like him, but he’s going to be trouble—you came back from your first date with a black eye. He’s going to break your heart and then you’ll leave us again.”

I thought about my afternoon with him, wondering if she was right—not about me leaving them. I’d made my decision. But the whole broken heart thing… That could definitely happen.

But it wasn’t like he’d made any promises—he just wanted me to give it a chance. I wasn’t used to taking chances. Taking chances meant taking risks, and most of my life had been damage control. Doing the right thing. Being the grownup. And now I had a lot more adulting ahead of me.

Having a little fun along the way might just save me.

“This has nothing to do with Rome,” I told Lexi, and it was the truth. “I’d already decided this morning. I’m going to try dating him, but I’m not counting on anything from him. My priority is us. You, me, Kayden, and Mom. But let’s not tell Kayden yet, because it could take a while. I have to give notice and deal with my apartment and stuff.”

Lexi pulled back, revealing dark streaks of mascara running down her cheeks. She looked just like she had years ago, when I’d caught her playing in my makeup. Back then, she’d been crying because she’d thought she’d turned into a beautiful princess.

Then Aiden told her she was an ugly clown.

I’d wiped her cheeks and told her how wonderful her life was going to be. How someday, she’d be prettier than anyone Aiden had ever seen, and she wouldn’t even need makeup.

I’d been right, too. Lexi was gorgeous under all that shit, even when she was crying. I just wished she still believed what I’d told her. She didn’t need makeup to be beautiful, and those boys who liked her push-up bra would never understand she was supposed to be their princess.

That’s why you’re moving back here, I told myself. Someone needs to remind her and Kayden how wonderful they are, every day.

“You have to make me a promise, though.” I reached up, wiping at her cheek with my thumb. I’d miss my life in Missoula, but I’d missed this, too. Being with my people.

“What?”

“Use that two hundred bucks to buy something special,” I said. “Something fun. You’re too young for a push-up bra. You should enjoy being a kid while you still can.”

“You can’t tell me what to wear,” she snuffled defiantly, then dropped her head down on my shoulder, starting to cry again.

“I know,” I whispered. “Never forget how much I love you, okay?”

“I love you, too, Randi. I’m so glad you’re coming back to us. We’ve missed you so much.”




“How do I look?” I asked Mom. I wore a little black dress that had bare shoulders and enough skirt to flare up as I spun around.

“You look beautiful, even with the black eye,” she said, smiling at me. Wow—someone was in a better mood tonight. She sat on the couch, playing cards with Kayden, looking so healthy you’d never think she’d had an asthma attack that morning. Then I spotted the glass on the coffee table… Ah, that explained it. Rum and Coke always cheered her up. “Lexi, you did a great job on her hair. I swear, kiddo. You got a gift. I still think it’s missing something, though.”