SLADE: You know, just so I can be prepared.
I smile. The big lion is insecure. That I can handle as long as he talks to me.
ME: Good morning, Snuggle Cub.
SLADE: Is that a yes?
ME: Are you worried?
SLADE: Sarah.
ME: Hmm.
ME: I think I liked sleeping with you a little too much to stay mad at you.
SLADE: Maybe we’ll do it again sometime.
ME: That’d be convenient. Then, keeping the thermostat so low wouldn’t be an issue.
SLADE: I’ll need earplugs. You snore like a freight train.
I laugh out loud and cover my mouth.
“Something funny?”
I twist in my chair, surprised by the amused tone.
Junior leans against my doorway. “Marcie was just telling me once upon a time, you were Miss America.” His head tips in the direction of their desks.
Marcie and Robyn are like two cute little mice. When they find the cheese, they can’t wait to scurry about and tell all their friends. I’m not mad at them. They’re young and filled with dreams about what life will be like. They should have that for as long as possible.
“Miss USA, actually. It was a beautiful dream while it lasted.”
He nods, a smirk appearing. “Beautiful is right.”
I want to roll my eyes, and it takes effort to refrain.
“That guy the other night. You knew him, didn’t you?”
I stare at him—Slade’s brother. It’s so shocking, I’m dumbfounded. Two men who couldn’t be so absolutely and completely different.
With what I know now, I understand Junior better. Kids aren’t as resilient as people like to assume. I have no doubt the home he grew up in was full of conflict. He’s a little kid starving for attention.
I smile. “Is that important to you, Junior? That I knew him.”
He shrugs one shoulder. “I saw you leave with him.” He rubs his clean-shaven chin. “Not quite what I would’ve expected to follow up Miles Crawford.”
Taking a dig at Slade has him tripping into knee in the balls territory.
“You’re right. I’m smart enough to only make that mistake once.”
I force a smile, making myself clear.
He huffs a laugh.
“Let’s go, Junior. I have to be in court in an hour,” Griffin says, passing him in the hallway.
He turns. “I’ll be around, Sarah.” That sly grin creeps across his mouth, and he winks.
