An Imperfect Love Story - Book 8

Sneaking In

STEF POV

As I turn the key in the back door to my little home it is past one in the morning and I had no intention of coming home this late. Fuck, I didn't and I had left Lena a note to let her know I left considering she was still passed out as I quietly open the door hoping to God my kids are sleeping.

They should be anyway considering how late it is as the home is silent and I wonder if Frankie is up and ready to tear me a new one. Sure she knew better, and I knew she was worried half the time, but Lena and I knew she just couldn't help her damm self at times and forgot she wasn't the parent.

Dumping my keys in the small basket on my telephone stand, I slide my wedge shoes off before heading to check on all five of my kids. But as I step into my room I see Frankie sleeping in my bed like always as I cover her a bit with the comforter and kiss her forehead.

"Night my sweet girl. Love you baby." I whisper as I close the door behind me.

Heading into the living room I smile at Callie and Stefanie who are passed out on the couch with the TV on as I shut it off and kiss them both goodnight as well asI make my way into Jude and Corey's room who are both knocked out as well, and I take the game controller from my son's hands. Kissing them both I close their door and quietly walk into the kitchen thinking I'm in the clear when I see my mother making a sandwich.

"Welcome home baby, just making myself a little snack. Want one?" She turns to smile at me, and I'm annoyed for why did she insist on sneaking in this house when she had her RV? Hell I knew she was my mother, I got it but the woman had no boundaries at all.

"Nope. I'm fine, Ma," I say grabbing some water from the fridge as I take a seat at the table and she turns to face me smiling. "What?"

"You got lucky, huh." She grins from ear to ear as I look at her like she's lost her ever loving mind.

"I'm sorry?"

"Lucky, baby. As in, you had sex. God only knows you needed to get laid for months now!"

"Ma, no. I lost track of time. And where would I have sex? I don't go and hire sex workers. You have some imagination on you," I say as I sip my water and she laughs.

"At the pier? A date maybe? Or at Lena's." She whispers taking her sandwich and sitting across from me smiling.

"Ma, why are you up? And why are you in my house AGAIN? Your RV too cramped so soon?"

"Because I was waiting up for my only daughter to get home to make sure she wasn't killed. I needed to make sure since you told no one you were headed to Lena's," she takes a bite of her sandwich as I frown and look right at her.

"I wasn't. Now you can go to bed and stop inventing things." I say annoyed as I take another sip of water, and she leans closer to me, too close, as she smiles widely and leans back. "What, Ma?"

"Someone marked your neck up, baby, with hickies. Listen, I am not in your business but, well, I suppose you two are still rather hot for each other."

"I wasn't with Lena. Would you stop already? No one gave anyone a hickie. You need to get your eyes checked. Now go to bed because that's where I'm going!" I stand to my feet as I rinse out my glass.

"Sure, you weren't. Oh honey, you are such a terrible liar about it too. You two are both very attractive and I'm sure she is still very much attracted to you as you are to her. Despite how things went, I mean it happens. This whole thing is very hard."

"We are making it work." I turn around and wipe my hands on the dish towel as I glare at her once more.

"MM, are you? Making it work while you sleep together behind your children's backs which by the way I'd never tell them. It would get their hopes up and they're just now starting to come to terms with everything, well for the most part," she smiles at me as I fold my arms across my chest.