Erase (The Expiration Duet Book 2)

by Lou-Ella Fields

  “Is she asleep?” he asks.

  I nod. “You want her?”

  He nods. “Let her sleep a bit longer. But I’m gonna need to hold her soon.”

  It’s then I notice his black framed glasses sitting on the bedside table. I grab them and wipe them clean with the hem of my dress then inspect them and slide them onto his smiling face.

  We’re interrupted by the door opening as a wide-eyed Millie comes in. “Y’all! Oh, my dear God, you’ll never believe who got brought into the ER. And don’t worry, they’re awake and look like they’ll pull through.”

  I look at Seb, who shrugs, then turn back to Millie.

  “Who?” We both ask.

  “Mr. fucking Donaldson! It seems like the poor guy has had an actual heart attack.”

  She shouldn’t be standing there looking like she’s about to keel over with laughter at any second, just like we shouldn’t be sitting here, trying our hardest not to do the same. But we can’t help it; it escapes anyway. It’s the icing on top of an already crazy day.

  “Of course, he’s staying with me. I wouldn’t have it any other way,” I tell Grace.

  “Oh, you’re so wonderful. Goodness me, I can’t tell you how scared I was when I got that phone call. You make sure you take good care of our boy. And don’t let him fool you now, either; he needs to rest. Make sure you’re firm with him.”

  I laugh. “Oh, I will be. Don’t you worry.”

  I’m not even mad that Seb gave her my number. If I was in her position, I’d do the same thing.

  She sighs. “I’m so glad you two have worked things out. I hope things are smooth sailin’ for you two from here on out.”

  I smile. “Me too. They will be, hopefully.”

  “Take care, darling. I’ll call you soon to check in.” She gives me loud smooches through the phone before hanging up.

  Putting the phone down, I bend down to pick up Rose from her play mat and grab my bag and keys. I’m about to open the door when loud knocking sounds from the other side.

  I swing it open to find Zeke. “Hey.”

  He smiles at Rose before taking her from me. “How’re you doing, baby girl?” He kisses her cheeks before situating her on his hip.

  His eyes turn my way. “I heard what happened …”

  I nod. “Yeah, I’m actually heading to the hospital now. They said he could probably go home later this morning.”

  “He’s okay then?” he asks.

  My lips curve into a smile. “Yeah, thank God.” I shake my head. “I still can’t believe it happened. How close he came …” My throat bobs.

  He nods, in understanding. “It’s pretty fucked up. That’s actually why I’m here. I know it’s not my day with her, but I wanted to see if you needed some help. I can take Rose for the day if you want.”

  I eye him a little skeptically. “Thanks, but shouldn’t you be at work?”

  He shrugs. “Took the day off. One of the guys owed me anyway.”

  I look at Rose then meet his hazel eyes again, wondering if he really does want to help, if maybe he’s finally accepting everything, or if he’s got ulterior motives. Regardless, I’ve made myself pretty damn clear. I guess it’s up to him how or whether he deals with that.

  I shrug. “You know what? That’d be great, actually. I’ll just grab her a few bottles.” I turn around and head back inside. He follows.

  “I’ve got bottles and diapers, all that stuff. Don’t worry about it, Liv.”

  I stop and face him. “Formula?”

  He nods. “Yep. I grabbed an extra couple of canisters for my place.”

  Wow, I blow out a breath. Okay then.

  “All right, well, I guess I’ll see you two later then.”

  We say goodbye, and I’m walking down the hall to Seb’s room not even half an hour later.

  I knock and walk in when a doctor opens the door for me.

  “All righty, well, we’ll get you that discharge paperwork and have you on your way in a just a bit.” He smiles at me as he passes by and leaves the room.

  “Hey, beautiful.” A warm smile pulls at the corner of his lips.

  I walk over and lean in to kiss him softly on the forehead.

  He looks me up and down when I pull away. “Where’s Rose?”

  “With Zeke, actually.” I change the subject. “How’re you feeling?” I pull up the chair to sit beside him.

  He chuckles. “Like someone took a huge bite out of my damn thigh. The painkillers should kick in soon, though.” He winces as he tries to move his leg under the sheet.

  I put my hand on his. “Stop. Let it rest.”

  He looks at me, and I see how tired he really is.

  I reach over and run my thumb under his eyes.

  “Rough night?”

  He nods. “A little, yeah. It’s not too bad. Just hard to sleep, I guess.”

  I frown. “Do you think maybe you should—”

  He raises his hand, cutting me off. “I’m okay, Liv.” He sighs. “Did it scare the fuck out of me? Yeah.” He shakes his head and bites his lip. “The thought of not seeing you, not seeing Rose …” He swallows.

  “Hey, you’re right here. I’m right here.”

  He nods. “I know. It just really makes you see all the bullshit for what it really is, you know?” His eyes study my face as he continues. “None of it matters when it could all be over in an instant. I just don’t wanna lose sight of that again.”

  I grab his hand and bring it to my lips.

  “I get it. We’ll be okay.”

  “I know we will. I’ll make sure of that.”

  “Oh, yeah?” I smirk.

  He grins. “Yeah.” The grin falls off his face as his tone turns more serious. “When I’m better, I’m moving in with you.”

  My head rears back in shock. “I’m sorry, what?”

  He chuckles. “You heard me. But I’ll repeat myself if need be. I’m. Moving. In. With. You.”

  I laugh. “Oh, really? Just like that, huh? And what makes you think I’ll let you?”

  He grins once more. “Because you love me. And because you know I love you to the point of insanity.”

  The smile wilts off my face as I look at him. He’s completely serious about this.

  Holy smokes.

  I’m not used to this. I wasn’t expecting this next step from him for … well, I don’t even know when. It was hard enough to get Zeke to do it after years of being together. Seb and I have only really been together for a matter of months. Even if he has owned my heart for longer than that.

  “You don’t think it’s too soon?” I worry my bottom lip between my teeth. He reaches over and untucks it then tweaks my nose.

  “Nothing is too soon—especially if it’s right.”

  Jesus, if I were standing right now, I’d be on my ass. This man seems to know every path, every shortcut to hit the bull’s-eye of my heart.

  “Are you sure?” I wonder.

  He narrows his eyes for a beat. “Come here.”

  He holds his arm out and tries to sit up a bit further. I climb onto the tiny space available beside him.

  He gently turns my wrist over as he slips my charm bracelet back on. “I’ve had it with me since I found it in your bathroom,” he explains when he sees my confusion. “And beautiful, there isn’t anything I’ve ever felt more sure about.” I swallow thickly as his brown eyes stay stuck to mine. “I’m not him, Liv. I want everything with you. So badly that you’ll probably be batting me away with a fucking stick, don’t you worry,” he finishes with a smirk.

  I burst out laughing and feel his fingers slide into my hair as he pulls me down to meet his lips.

  “I love you,” I whisper against his mouth.

  His lips swipe against mine so softly that steady ache returns between my thighs.

  “I know. And that makes me the luckiest man alive.”

  I smirk as I watch Seb stare intently at his phone screen, his thumb hovering over rows of cards. Solitaire. I think this is
the third game he’s played in the past hour.

  I stand and stretch my arms out above my head. “Are you sure you don’t want anything? How’s your leg?”

  “I’m fine, Liv.” He puts his phone down and grabs my hand. “Chill out, okay? How about we watch a movie or something?”

  Eight hours ago, we picked up Rose and arrived home. He didn’t give an ounce of protest when I told him he’d be staying with me; in fact, he beamed so huge I could’ve sworn it was what he was hoping for all along.

  I sigh. “Okay, fine. Back in a sec. I’ll make us some tea.”

  He tugs my hand until I fall onto the couch beside him.

  “No, you’ll stay right here and relax for a while.”

  “Relaxing is always better with a hot beverage, dude.”

  “Well, then, by all means, give me a kiss and be on your way.” He puckers his lips up at me comically. I laugh and squeeze his cheeks together as I kiss his nose instead.

  “Hey!” he says when I get up. “That doesn’t count.”

  I scoff, walking away. “Sure it does, especially when you’re impersonating Daffy Duck.” I laugh.

  “Daffy? Jesus.” He laughs. “You’re lucky I can’t walk right now.”

  I smile as I prepare our drinks, checking on Rose before I return to the living room. He moves to get up just as I’m putting the drinks down.

  “What the hell do you think you’re doing, Sebastian?”

  “Trying to grab the remote.” He huffs and swings his legs around.

  Oh, hell no.

  I swat his arm. “I don’t think so. Stop it.”

  He groans and lies back down. “You’ve been talking to my mom, haven’t you?”

  I don’t answer.

  “Knew it, I fucking knew it. Christ, can’t a grown-ass man do one damn thing for himself? I’m fine. It’s just a graze.”

  I roll my eyes. Here we go already.

  Luckily, I’ve mentally prepared myself. I’m taking none of his shit.

  “Nice try, mister. I don’t care how much you whine; you’ll do as I say or you’ll be a starving man if you know what I mean.” I wink then glare down at him.

  His eyes widen a fraction as he raises his hands in the air.

  “Hey, all right. No need to get hasty now.” He grins sheepishly. “I’ll behave.”

  I nod and huff. “Damn right, you will.”

  He reaches over and tugs on my hand again until I’m holding myself above him.

  “Lips,” he whispers, his eyes hooding as I watch his lashes bob up and down.

  I relent and lower my mouth to meet his when a knock sounds at the door. He groans when I hop back up.

  “It’s almost eight o’clock; who’d be coming over now?” I ponder out loud.

  “I’m too afraid to even talk right now, let alone answer your question.” Seb shrugs.

  I roll my eyes. “Don’t be a wuss. I’ll be back in a minute.” I walk out of the room.

  “Kinda hard when you won’t let me even lift a damn finger!” he says to my retreating back.

  I spin on the spot to glare at him again.

  He shrinks down into the couch. “My bad, carry on.”

  I laugh and head to the door, opening it to find Beau.

  “Hey.” I smile.

  “Hey, darlin’.” He leans in to kiss my cheek. “How’s the patient?”

  I laugh again. “Driving me mad already.”

  “Hey now, I can hear you.” I ignore Seb, letting Beau in and closing the door.

  Beau chuckles and heads to the living room. I pick up my tea and take a seat beside Seb’s feet as Beau claps Seb on the shoulder.

  “Hey, action man. I thought you signed up to help people, not get yourself shot.”

  Seb chuckles, and Beau takes a seat in the opposite armchair.

  “I thought so, too, man. I thought so, too.”

  “That shit’s unbelievable. How long are you going to be out of commission for?”

  He shrugs. “They said to give it a few days before I start to put any weight on it. So it’ll be a few weeks, at least, until I’m back at work.”

  Beau nods, leaning forward and clasping his hands together over his knees. “Well, I’m glad to see you two have got your shit worked out, and you’re back together.”

  My cheeks heat, and Seb grins up at me.

  “Naw, don’t go getting all googly eyed and shit on me.” He scrubs a hand over his chin. “Hey, Millie’s birthday is coming up, and I was kind of hoping y’all would help me out with something.”

  My brows rise, my interest piqued. “What did you have in mind?”

  He smirks. “Well, she’s adamant that she’s doing her own thing. But I feel her coming around, so I was hoping we could take her out. Like a double date kind of thing.”

  I think about it for all of three seconds. “Count us in.”

  Millie needs to take some of her own advice and finally give in to this man who’s obviously crazy about her.

  He beams. “Yeah?”

  I nod. “Of course.”

  “Awesome!” He claps his hands together. “I was thinking we could go bowling?”

  Oh, boy.

  Sitting on the couch with Rose on my lap, I watch Liv walking around aimlessly looking for something. She’s picking shit up, putting it back down, and twirling around with her hand in her hair.

  “Liv, what the hell are you doing?” I ask in a slightly perplexed tone.

  She glances over at me, looks right at Rose, and slaps her palm to her forehead. “Ugh, I’m an idiot. I’ve been looking for Rose’s stupid giraffe toy everywhere. I thought she’d thrown it somewhere again.” She shakes her head.

  “Rule number one: always check the baby first.” I laugh.

  My phone ringing halts my laughter as I glance over at it and see Mom’s name flashing on the screen. I pick it up and shift Rose on my lap a little.

  “Hey, Mom,” I say as Liv exits the room. I hear her start to fill the sink in the kitchen as Mom stops gabbing away at Dad long enough to remember she called me.

  “Oh, hi, sweetie. How are you feeling?” she asks. This has been her first question every time she calls for almost a whole damn week now. She should know by now that I’m doing okay.

  “Great, getting better every day. Nothing to complain about,” I say as I bounce Rose softly on my good leg.

  “I’m glad; Olive tells me you’re being a good patient,” she says.

  I smirk. Of course, Liv would tell her that.

  “Yeah, getting a bit over not being able to do much, but it means that I’ve had heaps of time with Rose, so that’s always a good thing,” I say as I look down at her on my lap, her chubby little pink cheeks moving up and down as she mercilessly shoves that damn giraffe around in her gummy mouth.

  “You’ll be up and about in no time. I’m sure of it.”

  “How are Sienna and Lorelei?”

  I can almost her smile through the phone, “Good. Oh my goodness, she’s just the most precious, tiny thing.”

  “They’ve settled in okay at home?” I watch as Liv comes back in to grab our mugs from earlier, smiling shyly at me before she walks out. I get distracted watching her ass as she goes, remembering that one time when she asked me to grip her perfect cheeks as I took …

  “Seb!”

  Well, damn. “Sorry, so they’ve settled in?”

  “Goodness, I thought you’d fallen asleep for a second there.”

  I chuckle. “Nope, was just, ah, giving Rose her giraffe,” I lie with a slight wince.

  Babies. They’ve probably been used as scapegoats since the dawn of time. She hums. “Oh, little gorgeous Rose,” she gushes. “And yes, they’ve settled in really well. Though I think Dan is getting sick of me going over there, which isn’t very fair.”

  I laugh. “Mom, I’m sure they love the help, but just give them some space, yeah?”

  She scoffs. “Ohh, I know. I just worry. I hate not being useful when I know what a trying time i
t can be.”

  I smile. She might be overbearing as all get-out, and even though she’s my mom, she’s still one of the kindest women I’ve ever known.

  “You’re a fantastic grandma, Mom. Anyway,” I decide to change the subject, “you should know I’m moving in with Liv.” I shrug as if she can see me. “It kinda just makes sense. The lease on my apartment is almost up, and the girls are settled here.”

  “Wow, that’s my boy. A near-death experience will shake you up a bit, huh?”

  “Mom, I wasn’t going to die. I just want to do it, so it’s what we’re doing.”

  She laughs. “Oh, you’re a Mathews, after all, aren’t you? You’ve told her about your grand plan then, I suppose?”

  “Of course.”

  I hear her attempt to cover the phone. “Greg, Greg! Seb and Liv are getting married!”

  What? Oh, fucking hell.

  “Mom!” I yell, startling Rose who drops her giraffe and stares at me. “Sorry, sweet girl,” I mutter and give it back to her before she has a hissy fit.

  “Yes, dear?” she asks innocently.

  “Jesus, we’re not getting married.”

  “Oh? Sure.”

  “Mom,” I groan. “I told you I’m just moving in.”

  “Mmmhmm … Oh, I know. But you’ll be married soon enough.” She chuckles.

  “Gotta go, darling boy. Take care. Love you. Give smooches to the girls for me.” She smooches into the phone then hangs up.

  I pull the phone away from my ear. Flabbergasted.

  Fuck me; I shouldn’t have even bothered to tell her. I’ll have relatives calling me up soon and congratulating me on a non-existent engagement.

  “Liv?” I yell out then find my efforts useless as I hear the shower turn on.

  Pulling Rose against my chest, I bear my weight on my right leg and try to maneuver myself up from the couch. Shuffling slowly, so I don’t drop Rose, I perch myself on the edge. Rose lets out a loud wail, her arms flailing as she tosses her giraffe to the floor, letting me know she’s ready for a bottle and bed.

  Once up from the couch, I slowly make my way to the kitchen with only a small limp in my step to make Rose a bottle. First heating the water in the bottle and then adding the formula, I hold it in one hand and screw the lid on with the other. Laying her back in my arms, I place the bottle in her mouth and let her start sucking away. Her eyelids flutter as I stare down at her; she’s clearly ready for a nap.