AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I’ve had no less than four people demanding I get things done for them today, and Olivia can’t be bothered to follow my instructions. On her first day, no less.
Reaching Elijah’s room, I see the two of them playing some video game, with an empty plate of cookies on the floor between them.
“Olivia.” They both jump slightly. “What’s going on?”
The boom of my voice cuts through their merriment, and Elijah quickly pauses his game. My blood boils under my skin and rings in my ears.
“Oh, hi, Noah. You startled me. We’re playing a game, something called War Warriors, which I agree is redundant. Do you want to join us?”
“Do I want to join you? Are you kidding me? Elijah has homework and chores. There was a full list of things to get done around the house, and I come home to this?”
I point at the TV, and Elijah slowly sets down his controller.
“You can’t just—”
Olivia steps forward, raising a finger between us.
“Hold it right there. Take a look around, Noah. Did you see a sink full of dishes? A full laundry basket? Don’t worry, I’ll answer for you. No, you didn’t. The fridge is stocked, your dry cleaning has been dropped off, and Elijah finished his homework an hour ago. He’s doing really well, and his fish project was a big hit in class. So why don’t you take a deep breath, loosen that tie, and come join us?”
My mouth hangs open as Olivia gestures at the floor, and I look to Elijah. He nods as a cloud of tension hangs over him.
The quirk of Olivia’s eyebrow is challenging, meeting me with an air of defiance. Fire courses beneath my skin, and it’s not just anger.
No one talks to me like that, and while a current of frustration does course through me, it’s the roaring desire that really has my attention.
It’s like when we were in my office this morning, the way she wouldn’t back down, and damn it all to hell if it’s not the hottest thing I’ve ever seen.
Elijah stands up, and I look over at him.
“I really did finish. I swear. And Liv got the clothes all folded like at a store. It looks pretty cool, actually.”
My son’s eyes are pleading, and I know better than to think he’d lie. They really did get everything done. Olivia got everything done.
Fuck. I’m an ass.
I take the deep breath Olivia mentioned, hanging my head. When I look back up at them, I scratch my beard and sigh.
“I’m sorry. I had a rough day, and I’m taking it out on you. I shouldn’t have.”
Elijah’s eyes go wide, and I sit down next to him, reaching for the controller and putting it back in his hands.
“I have no idea what you’re playing, and that name is awful.” I let out a short chuckle. “Can you show me?”
I briefly glance at Olivia, who’s on my other side, and then back at Elijah, who flops down beside me. I don’t hide my guilty smile while I ruffle his hair.
“Um, totally! I really hope you’re not as good as Liv.”
“Ha! Well, I can practically guarantee that. She kicked your butt, huh?”
Olivia’s lilting laugh soothes my frazzled nerves. “Only a few times. He’s getting much better at aiming.”
The tension eases, and Elijah teaches me about the game as I refer to Olivia for help. She is quite good at it and giggles quietly when I royally fuck it up.
“All right, I need a break from dying. I’m going to chat with Olivia for a minute. Okay?”
Elijah looks up at me as I stand, the faintest bit of concern leaking through his stare.
“Don’t worry. No one is in trouble. If anything, she ought to give me tips on how to get everything done around here, including beating you at that stupid game.”
