Now, I keep my mouth shut and only ask what’s necessary.

Once my hair was dry, it fell lightly around my shoulders. I leaned back on the couch, watching Edward put the hair dryer away where it belonged.

“Whose shirts are those in your walk-in closet?” Edward suddenly asked.

The quiet living room suddenly felt like it was being hit by an invisible tornado.

My first instinct was to play dumb. “Maybe Jared left them behind.”

“Really? You still keep your ex-husband’s shirts? Are you that sentimental?” Edward’s voice was flat, giving nothing away.

But I was sharp enough to pick up on the jealousy simmering beneath his calm tone.

“No, I just didn’t expect you to show up so suddenly. I didn’t have time to get rid of them,” I said, looking down, my voice soft.

My answer seemed to satisfy Edward. “So, it’s my fault?”

“It’s your fault for showing up so unexpectedly,” I said, dead serious.

Edward sighed and ruffled my hair. “Alright, I’ll give you a heads-up next time.”

“Sure. Surprises for adults usually end up being a shock,” I said, my eyes sparkling as I looked at him.

Edward gave me a look like he couldn’t believe I was still enjoying this, then pinched my cheek. “Victoria, do you get what I’m really saying?”

“Got it. If I’m with you, I can’t be two-timing—I’d just end up crashing and burning,” I said, my voice a little breathy with his hand still on my cheek.

Edward couldn’t help but smile, letting go of my cheek and gently rubbing the spot he’d pinched. “Smart girl. You catch on quick.”

“What about you?” I countered.

Edward froze for a second.

“I can be all in with you. Can you say the same?” I asked, locking eyes with him.

Edward nodded. “Of course. That’s exactly what I want.”

“No, we can’t,” I said, and I couldn’t help but laugh. We were both so serious, but honestly, it’s just not possible.

“Why not?” Edward frowned.

“You’ve got an ex-wife and a daughter, and I’ve got an ex-husband and a daughter. With a blended family like ours, how could we ever be all in for each other?” I chuckled.

Edward understood right away. He sat down on the couch, leaning his head back. “Alright, you’re right. Maybe we just can’t.”

“From now on, let’s not keep making promises or guarantees—nothing’s ever set in stone,” I said, setting some ground rules.

Edward shot me a grin. “Sure, but just because we don’t say it doesn’t mean we won’t do it. I can sense your motives in everything you say and do.”

“Oh, you think you’re that good?” My face changed. “Well, I’m no slouch either. My intuition’s crazy sharp—I notice even the tiniest shift.”

“Oh? Then I better watch my step,” Edward said.

“Hmm?” I narrowed my eyes.

Edward suddenly lunged, pinning me to the couch. “So you’re taking charge now?”

“Not at all,” I said, turning my face away. “Men don’t need to be managed—they should know how to behave themselves.”

Since he was sick, Edward didn’t dare kiss my lips. Instead, he nuzzled against my neck, lingering there. “Alright, I’ll behave. Thanks for giving me this chance.”

“Edward, quit it. You’re sick,” I said, my mind going blank from the heat radiating off him.

But Edward didn’t listen—he just kept turning up the heat until my breath came uneven. Then he looked up at me. “Want me to please you another way?”

I flinched at that, my voice sharp. “No way, that’s not my thing.”

Edward gave a helpless little shake of his head. “Alright, guess I’ll just have to do it your way.”

“Don’t even try,” I cut him off. “I just finished yoga, I’m wiped out. Seriously, not in the mood.”

Edward’s gaze grew heavy, his voice rough with a hint of hurt. “Wow, already sick of me?”