Page 18 of His Surrender

For a moment, neither Aubrey nor I say anything.

I shift Liana higher against my shoulder, absently patting her back as I realize this is the first time I’ve lived with someone since college.

And none of those roommates were women.

My gaze lands on the suitcases stacked beside the kitchen island.

“You should’ve waited for me,” I say, nodding toward her things. “I could’ve helped you bring those in.”

A small laugh escapes her. “It’s no problem. I’m used to lugging around more than I should.”

“I still would’ve helped.”

She shrugs one shoulder. “I figured you had enough on your plate.”

My eyes drift to Liana. “That’s an understatement.”

The corner of Aubrey’s mouth curves into a smile, but it’s sympathetic rather than amused.

“I’ll just move these to my room and can unpack later.”

I nod toward the hallway. “I’ll show you your room.”

She reaches for the handle of her largest suitcase. “I’ve got it, you can just point me in the right direction.”

Before she can lift it, I bend down and grab it instead. “Aubrey.”

She looks up at me.

“I might be sleep-deprived, but I’m still capable of carrying a suitcase.”

A blush creeps into her cheeks as she lets go. “Right.”

I pick up the second bag with my free hand before remembering I’m already holding Liana.

I stare at the luggage. Then at my daughter. Then back at the luggage.

Aubrey bites down on her lip, clearly trying not to laugh. “Need a hand?”

I let out a breath that sounds suspiciously like a chuckle. “Yeah … I think I do.”

Without saying a word, she slips the smaller bag over her shoulder while I take the larger one.

For some reason, that tiny act of teamwork eases the tension that settled between us the moment Frieda left.

“Lead the way,” she says softly.

And for the first time since she walked into my home, it feels a little less like I’m living with a stranger.

CHAPTER SIX

AUBREY

My room is insane.

I’ve never stayed in a hotel half as nice as this, let alone slept in a bedroom like it.

The bed is bigger than the one I had at home, the bathroom looks like something out of a luxury spa, and the walk-in closet could probably fit every piece of furniture from my childhood bedroom.