Chapter 46

"Is everything okay in there? Did the hot water run out?" Lorraine's voice, laced with concern, drifted through the door.

"No, it's fine! Still hot," I replied quickly. "Actually, I'm done."

I'd already turned off the shower, but I couldn't resist asking, "I just need help with something…"

A slight embarrassment tinged her response. "What can I do for you?"

I stalled, unsure how to ask her for my underwear. Clearing my throat, I convinced myself she was just being polite. After all, I was in the shower.

"It's nothing, really. I just…"

"Did you forget your…?" she guessed.

Her matter-of-fact tone threw me. I froze. Maybe it wouldn't have been awkward if I'd just said it. But now…

"What's going on?" she pressed softly but insistently.

I took a deep breath. "I forgot my underwear."

Silence. A long, agonizing silence. Had she left?

"I didn't mean to forget! I was in a rush, and… I wasn't trying to…" I stammered, tripping over my words.

Chapter 47

My face burned, even though Lorraine couldn't see me. Was this…love? This shy, giddy feeling? Why was I so embarrassed? I'm a grown man!

"Actually, I…" Lorraine's laughter, soft and teasing, cut through my thoughts. "Oh my gosh, you're so cute! I just… feel bad."

"It's our first time staying together, and this happens…" I trailed off.

Thankfully, she understood. "It's just underwear! Maybe tomorrow I'll forget something too. Hang tight. I'll grab it for you."

Relief washed over me as her footsteps faded. Wait… tomorrow, too? This whole trip? Yvonne would have a field day with that.

A knock interrupted my thoughts. Lorraine was at Yvonne's door, knocking louder and louder, finally calling out, "Hello? I just need to grab something."

The door opened to reveal Yvonne, annoyed. She scanned Lorraine. "Where's Cole?" she demanded.

Her tone was far too familiar. "He forgot his clothes," Lorraine replied evenly.

"His underwear?" Yvonne smirked, her nonchalance clearly meant to unsettle Lorraine.

Jonas tugged at Yvonne's sleeve. Even he sensed her unkindness.

Lorraine held her ground. "Could you please hand it to me? He's busy."

Yvonne tried to close the door, but Lorraine held it open. "He asked me to get it."

Yvonne's eyes narrowed. "What's your relationship with him?" Her tone was less ex-wife, more jealous spouse.

Lorraine didn't flinch. "If I'm not mistaken, you two are divorced, right?"

"Yes, but if you're planning to be with Cole, that means you'll be a stepmother to my kids. Naturally, I have a right to judge your character," Yvonne said condescendingly.

Lorraine laughed dryly. Yvonne barely lifted a finger for the kids until now.

Before Lorraine could respond, a cold voice cut through the air. "Did I judge your character?"

I strode toward them, pants finally found. My expression was ice cold, my glare fixed on Yvonne.

"Daddy!" Jonas cried, running to hug my legs. "Mommy's being mean!"

I ruffled his hair, my gaze still on Yvonne. I'd expected tension, but not this.

"Since the divorce, you've barely asked about Jonas," I said sharply. "You can't just waltz in and act like you care now."

Yvonne pursed her lips, silent. She'd been hands-off. If I hadn't suggested she have Xavier's custody, I'm sure I'd have had both boys. Xavier was just too attached to Jared. I shook my head, pushing away unpleasant memories.