Page 111 of Playboy’s Purgatory

“I might be referring to that part, yes,” I agree drolly.

“I pay attention and your friends have been helping me, covertly of course, get your picks for certain things,” he’s smug as hell.

Honestly, he has a reason to be.

The tour he gives me might as well be a fever dream. I see it all; I process none of it. It’s gorgeous and I’m moving in as soon as fucking possible.

It wasn’t really a question before we stepped inside, and it certainly isn’t one now.

After we walk through the house, we step out back. “I wanted to show Vanessa too, but I didn’t want it to be added pressure on you to move in if she loves it here,” his voice is a little sheepish.

Like I don’t know that she picked out everything in the bedroom I just saw already set-up for her.

I make a humming sound and look out across the backyard. There’s a patio with a seating area; the whole thing is ready to go. It looks comfortable and I can see myself sitting there, but that’s not what catches my eye.

“What’s that?” I ask while pointing toward the pink shed next to the patio. There is even a little walkway leading right to it.

“Go check it out,” he prompts me, “I think you getting a sneak peek will be okay.”

I step closer and notice the sign hanging above the door reads ‘Vanessa’s Palace’ and my throat closes up. The moment I step inside, the tears start.

One side of the shed is set up for costume play, a row of them already hanging there along with chests of accessories. The other side is all about art, including a small sink. Along the back wall, it’s set up as a reading nook with a chair and sconces.

When I step closer to the small desk, the coloring book Jettson has been working on is printed and ready for her. My eyes flood with tears. This man.

“Everything in here is fully functional,” Jettson tells me as I take it all in, again, “including the A/C unit.”

He points above the door where it’s mounted and I nod numbly. What else can I do?

“This is amazing,” I breathe out. “Vanessa is going to love it.”

“I hope so.”

“Is this just to give us more alone time and privacy?” I can’t help but tease him a little bit.

“Does that mean you’re moving in?” He counters me so damn smoothly.

I don’t hesitate. I nod.

“Yes.”

He stares at me for a long time as his smile grows larger and broader. “Then, yes, that’s exactly why I set this up.” He frowns. “And because it’ll make her happy. I want her to have a place where she knows she has roots, a place where she can always return. It’s the only thing that got me through, the only thing that made sense sometimes, when I was growing up.”

I reach for him and my fingers curl in the soft fabric of his t-shirt. His arm hooks around my waist and he pulls me flush against his chest.

“You love her,” I murmur.

It’s not a question. It’s a fact.

“Of course.” He gets a thoughtful expression on his face. “I think I might have loved her before you, but only just barely.”

I let go of his shirt and poke his muscular pec. He probably doesn’t even feel it.

“You need to petition to get your road name changed, officially now. You’re living with your Old Lady and have a daughter.”

He chuckles as he leads me out of the haven he’s put together for Vanessa. “It doesn’t work like that, Cupcake, but it doesn’t matter what my road name is. I’m yours.”

My heart flutters as he laces our fingers together and we walk over to Snake and Graycie’s house. They’re home now with their baby girl and I am obsessed.