Unexpected Eva (Triple Trouble #3)(73)

I pull a piece of kitchen towel off the roll and wipe my nose and face. I’m a snotty mess. So unattractive. No way would he want to continue a relationship with me after this.

“Will you?” he presses.

“I can do that.” My shoulders drop with a sigh. “I will have to stay with my mom tonight. Or Ella.” I groan. “I don’t want any of them to know.” My words trail off.

I’m so embarrassed.

“Stay put. Not happening. Do you trust me?”

My head dips a quick nod.

“Give me an hour or two.”

“To do what?”

“Just trust me. And Sunshine?”

“Yeah?”

“Smile, baby. It’s gonna be okay.” He shoots me a dazzling smile, which I can’t help but mirror.

“Thank you, Knox.”

I don’t know what I’m thanking him for yet, but combined with his gentle aura and calming words, I feel like he’s wrapped me in a cozy blanket of calm.

“Go.” He tilts his head to the side. “Tidy with newfound purpose. Out with the old, in with the new, Eva. Let it go. Let him have it.”

He’s right.

“I’ll call you soon.”

Through the camera I blow him a teary kiss goodbye. In return, he throws me one of his cheeky winks I love.

The phone makes a disconnect tone as I hang up.

So much for my fun and relaxing movie afternoon on the couch with my boys.

Pulling my arms out of my black leather jacket, I fling it on top of the kitchen countertop because I no longer have a dining table.

I call out the back door, instructing the boys in the back yard to play nice together. I’m asking for a miracle. I eagerly toe off my black ankle boots at the back door and roll up the sleeves of my white boho-style shirt.

Tidy up time.

Oh well, at least this gives me the opportunity to declutter and keep only what we need.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again.

Fuck. My. Life.





A firm double tap at my front door breaks me out of my daydream.

I’ve had a fairly productive two hours.

Looking down at the black trash bags now lining my hallway full of old clothes, toys, and ornaments I should have parted ways with months ago, I feel a sense of release.

Knox was right. It was the cleaning ritual I needed.

Next job was to load the car up so I can drop them off at the thrift store tomorrow morning. But first up answer the front door.

I hope Knox ordered me food. I’m guessing that’s what he had planned, so I didn’t have to cook after my laborious task of tidying up.

We’re all set for nighttime. I made me and the boys a gang hut in my bedroom so we can all sleep together tonight.

I’m desperately trying to salvage my day and make it an adventure for us.

I checked my online credit card balance ten minutes ago. I’ve figured out I can afford three new beds, then that card is at its limit.

Once we sign Knox’s dance retreat contract, I can clear that card off.

Hopefully. For now, needs come before wants. I have to sacrifice a sofa and television.

I tug the door and swing it open to find a member of Knox’s staff dressed in a black suit. It’s embroidered with the hotel and spa logo in sparkling gold thread.

Knox’s staff are always immaculate.

His level of detail doesn’t go unnoticed by me. Or anyone else, for that matter.

Parked outside near my door is a black van with the gold Sanctuary logo branded across the side.

I was right. I’m pretty sure that is their catering van. Food. My stomach rumbles in appreciation.

Then another identical van pulls up. Two vans for food?

“Afternoon, Ms. Wallace. We have your delivery. I’m Robert. Please call me Rob.” The distinctively handsome guy reaches out to shake my hand. “I will oversee the safe arrival of your new furniture for you. Mr. Black has asked me to assure you we will take extra special care with your paintwork and decor.”

I pinch my brows.

I beg your pardon?

“Can you show me where your living area is situated and I am guessing the beds and bedroom furniture are to go up the stairs, correct?”

“Beds?” I choke.

“Yes.” He gestures for me to take the crisp white envelope he’s holding out of his hand.

“Check your order over, Ms. Wallace, and I will organize my team. Then you can show me where to position your sofas.” He strides back down the path to manage the group of men who have appeared as if magically from nowhere, each wearing a Sanctuary uniform.

Say what now?

“A couch?” I whisper to myself.

Ripping open the envelope, I unfold the single piece of textured paper within. I read each line.

Three-seater forest-green leather sofa x 1 (walnut backed)

Two-seater forest-green leather sofa x 1 (walnut backed)

Walnut television unit x 1 (please ensure you take the glass toppers with cable cutouts to top the unit)

48 inch television x 1 (one of the new ones please)

Walnut coffee table x 1 (please include green painted glass to top the table)

Black Gloss dining Table x 1 (from top floor champagne bar)

Black Leather Dining Chairs to match table x 4

White leather button-back king-sized bed frame x 1 (the same one in the spare bedrooms in the penthouse)