Confusion creases my brow, and I glance at Latson. “What in the hell is she talking about?”

He lets out an exasperated breath. “I don’t know.” He brushes past Heidi and to my side. “What do you mean ‘territory’?  Are you an animal?”

I can’t resist and clap my hands. “Oooooo!  Are you going to piss a circle around Latson to claim him?  I’d love to see that.” I start to open my purse. “Hang on. Let me get my phone so I can take a video.”

Latson covers a laugh as Heidi’s face turns red. “You think you’re funny?” she snaps. “Why don’t you just tell him what you want and save him the trouble?  Then we can all go on our way and pretend like you don’t exist.”

What have I ever done to this woman?  Sure, I may have given her an irritated glance or two, but nothing to warrant her shitty behavior. “I don’t know where you got the idea that I want something. I don’t want anything.” I look at Latson and his eyes dance. He’s clearly enjoying this. My gaze falls to his mouth and I decide to mess with Heidi a little more.

“Wait,” I say, holding up a finger. “I changed my mind. There is one thing I want.” Reaching over, I grab Latson’s shirt and pull him to me. I find his mouth with mine and press my body against his. He leans into my kiss and reciprocates, his hands sliding around my waist and down to my ass.

“Just like I thought,” Heidi snipes. “You’re nothing but a gold digging attention whore.”

Latson’s lips leave mine and he growls, “That’s enough.” He steps back and takes my hand, pulling me toward his place. “Go home, Heidi. If you want to know about Dean, ask him yourself.”

Without another word he opens his door and ushers me inside. He lets the door close behind us, and I catch a glimpse of Heidi’s angry expression before it shuts all the way. If she hated me before, she loathes me now.

“Well, that was fun,” I joke. “I’m sorry, but I couldn’t stand there and say nothing.”

Latson walks toward me. “Why were you standing there?”

“I’m locked out. I forgot my key and Pete is with Jules.” I reach for my phone. “See?”

He takes my cell and glances at the screen, then gives me a sly smile as he slides it into his back pocket.

“Um … can I have that back?”

“Maybe.”

He moves closer and reaches for my purse. I give it to him, along with a questioning look. He sets it on the table in the entryway, then threads his fingers through my empty hands. Gently, he winds my arms around my back and pins them there, bringing his chest to mine. “I like how you stood your ground with Heidi.”

I look up at him. “I like how you defended me.”

He starts to walk forward, pressing me back. “I like that you like how I defended you.”

I smile taking careful steps. “I like that you like my like of your defense.”

He pauses and squints. “This is getting complicated.”

I laugh.

We keep walking. As we do, I realize the lights are off in the apartment with the exception of a lamp in the living room and a kitchen light. As we pass the dining table, I see Latson’s jacket tossed over a chair, and his wallet and keys next to a note. I assume it’s from Mrs. Gibson, which reminds me of Oliver. I stop walking. “Is Oliver asleep?”

“Funny you should mention him.” One side of Latson’s mouth quirks up. “You’re not the only one who’s been abandoned tonight.”

He leads me over to the table to read the note, but doesn’t let me go. Someone named Nathan is staying at Mrs. Gibson’s house, and the boys were begging for a sleepover. Despite it being a weeknight, she caved and will drop the kids at school in the morning.

“Who’s Nathan?” I ask.

“Diane’s grandson.”

I look at Latson and he looks at me. “So, we’re all alone?”

He nods and my pulse quickens. His breathing increases too, because I can feel the rise and fall of his chest. He leans forward and brushes his nose across my cheek until his mouth finds my ear. “I was headed outside to your window when Heidi knocked on the door. I was going to ask if you wanted to have a sleepover of our own.”

My breath hitches and a warm anticipation starts to spread through my veins. “Hmmm,” I tease. “I’ll have to check with Ed. He doesn’t like to share, remember?”

Latson frowns. “Again with Sheeran?”

I nod with a smile and he pauses to think. Then, he cocks an eyebrow.

“When’s the last time he kissed you?” he asks.

“Ummm ...” He’s got me there. “Never.”

Latson gives me his sexy smirk before lowering his mouth to mine. He takes his time teasing my lips, first the top and then the bottom, by slowly pulling each one between his own and sucking on it. No one has paid such delicate attention to my mouth before and the feeling is incredible. When he finishes his individual attention, he takes my lips together, parting them with his tongue and branding me in his own way. A whimper escapes my throat, and I feel Latson smile before he pulls back.

“That’s one for me and zero for Ed,” he says as I catch my breath. “When’s the last time he touched you?”

I shake my head. “Never. He’s touched me with his words, though. That should count.”

“Maybe,” Latson concedes. “But, what if you could have the real thing?”

Before I can answer, he releases my hands. He runs both of his up to my shoulders and focuses on my eyes. “I haven’t forgotten about the chase,” he says. “I said I didn’t care how fast you ran and I meant it.” He turns his hand over and trails his knuckles over my collarbone. “If you decide to stay with me tonight I’ll still chase you. Nothing needs to happen that you don’t want.”

My heart races and all I can think is I want. His brings his hands to my waist and leans in close, following the same path over my collarbone with his lips. I reach for him, to wind my arms around his waist, his neck, anything, but he suddenly backs away. He smiles as I frown.

“I think that’s two for me and zero for Ed.” He grins as he pulls my phone from his pocket. “Would you like to tell him it’s over or should I?”

“You’re an arrogant ass,” I laugh as I swipe my cell from him.

He shrugs. “My point has been made. I’m better than your imaginary boyfriend.”

He definitely better than anything imaginary. Hell, he might be better than anything I’ve ever had.

Just then a phone rings and it’s not mine. Latson glances at his cell before picking it up and answering. “Hey, buddy.”

I decide to walk over to my purse to give him some privacy.

“What are you doing up?  It’s after ten,” he says. “Yes. I know school’s over next week. You still have a bed time.”

I smile as I put my phone away.

“Jen,” Latson whispers and I turn around. “Where are you going?” he mouths.

“Nowhere,” I whisper back.

“What, bud?  No, you cannot have that game. We’ve talked about this before. You know –” He’s cut off. “Oliver. It’s too late for this discussion.” He sighs. “Yes. We can talk about it tomorrow.”

Latson paces back and forth as he talks to his nephew. Watching him makes me wonder how hard it was to go from fun uncle to father figure and having to set rules and boundaries. The realization hits me that he went from single rock star to single dad in the blink of an eye. The situation had to be a huge change.

“I love you,” Latson says. “Sleep tight.”

“Wait!” I whisper-yell and wave my arms to get his attention. “Tell Oliver I said hi.”

Latson smiles. “Hey, O?  Remember when I told you I was going to see Jen tonight?” He waits. “Well, she said to tell you hi.”

I walk over to him as he ends the conversation. “Okay. I’ll tell her. I don’t – I can ask. Buddy, she might be busy.” Latson winks at me. “We’ll see. Goodnight. I’ll pick you up from school.” He hangs up the phone.

“What was that about?” I ask.

“Oliver would like to know if you’re free next week.”

“For?”

“The end of the year first grade picnic.”