Let Me Love You

Chapter 14

Lisa POV 

"Lisaaa!" Nathan exclaimed, striding into my gym. I pulled out my AirPods and looked up at him.

"What?" I asked, unwrapping my boxing gloves, feeling a slight annoyance prick at my mood.

"Damn, you're looking hot. I might just screw you right here," he grinned, his eyes glinting mischievously.

I rolled my eyes, a mixture of exasperation and amusement flooding me. "First of all, you're gay. Second, what are you doing here? Don't you have family time today?"

"Yeah, I know. That's in like two hours, but I wanted to spend some time with you," he said, heading toward the living room while I followed behind, a small smile creeping onto my face. The thought of him wanting to be with me warmed my heart.

"I can feel you smiling right now," he teased, catching me off guard.

And there it was, the moment he always seemed to ruin with his relentless teasing. Why did he have to mention it?

"Shut up. I'm not smiling because of you."

"Oh, are you smiling because of a certain ginger-headed woman?" he prodded, his playful tone cutting deeper than I would admit.

The mood plummeted instantly.

"Why do you keep insisting all I do is think about her all day?" I stomped my foot in frustration, my heart racing with annoyance.

He raised his hands defensively. "Hey, I'm just saying."

I shook my head, scoffing at his behavior. "So, a little bird told me that she's not with that guy anymore."

"Ugh, not again, Nathan. I'm done. And tell your little bird to mind her own business. I'm still pissed that she didn't mention she has a kid. So, if she's single again, what are you going to do about it? Good for her."

"Don't you want to do anything? Make a move or something?" he pressed, his enthusiasm palpable.

I sat down beside him, trying to find distraction by turning on the TV.

"Lisa—"

"Stop. No, I'm not going to do anything. And shut your mouth, or I'll make you watch Supernatural with me."

His expression shifted from playful to worried. "God, Supernatural? I don't want to end up sleeping between my parents again, sorry."

I nodded, smirking as I relished the thought of his discomfort. "That's what you get for irritating me."

"Okay, let's watch Mission Impossible. And no talking," I said, pointing the remote at him like a weapon. He made a zipping motion across his mouth and leaned back. "Watch the movie. I'm going to take a shower; I'll be back in 15 minutes." He nodded, and I stood up but stopped short when I heard my phone ringing. Glancing at the screen, I saw the contact name "WingWoman." Sighing, I answered. Now what does she want?

"Hello—" "What" I said. "Wow, not even a good morning dang, not a morning person I assume." I sighed, shaking my head. Am I dealing with two children or three?

"First of all, I am a morning person. You're not. I bet your kid comes into your bedroom to wake you up, not the other way. Now that I think of it, I feel bad for her; she might get traumatized walking in to find you naked with your one-night stands," I said, a sarcastic smile blooming on my face even though she couldn't see it.

She gasped, feigning indignation. "How dare you, Lisa! Just so you know, I lock my doors when I'm with women. And secondly, I—"

"Jenna, you called for a reason?" I interrupted, steering the conversation.

"Oh, right. A little birdy told me you're free today, so I'm inviting you for dinner. Be here by six. Rose misses you too. Okay, bye."

Just like that, she ended the call. I turned to Nathan, practically glaring at him for being the reason I wouldn't enjoy my free day.

"What is it with you and Jenna referring to each other as 'birdy'? And you told her I'm free? What if I wasn't?" I placed my hands on my hips, frustration bubbling beneath the surface.

"Oh, shut up. What work do you have to do? I know you're free, so go and hang out with her," he said, returning his focus to the TV.

Great. The bright side? I get to play with Rose, so no dinner to make for me—less work.

....................

"I have received strict orders from Nolan's mom not to feed you dessert, otherwise I'm dead. Believe me, that woman is scary as hell. So, no sweets for you," Jenna said, her eyes wide with mock seriousness.

"Woah, the great Jenna Cop is scared of someone?" I smirked at her from across the kitchen counter, finding amusement in her exaggerated demeanor.

"I never said I'm scared. I simply said that woman is hella scary," she replied, crossing her arms defensively.

"What's the differ—"

"Shush! Now help me set up these plates, and you better tell me if you have any allergies. I don't want to end up in jail for accidentally poisoning you," she added playfully, a teasing smile dancing on her lips.

I laughed and shook my head. "No allergies, just not a lot of sweets right now, which reminds me... I have to take my insulin. Be right back."

Hopping off my seat, I made my way to the living room to grab my purse for the insulin. As I pulled up my shirt, a familiar rush of anxiety coursed through me. Closing my eyes tightly, I clenched my teeth, bracing myself against the sharp prick of the needle against my skin.

Breathe in... breathe out. Breathe in... breathe out. Breathe in... breathe out.

Done. I removed the needle with a shaky hand, wiping my stomach with a tissue to stem any small blood droplets. After disposing of the tissue and needle, I took a moment to ground myself before returning to the kitchen.

"Whoa, an injection. Did you do drugs in my house? A cop's house? Great, now I'm going to jail for sure," Jenna said dramatically, feigning horror.

"Shut up. You know I have type 1 diabetes. I need insulin," I replied, smacking her shoulder playfully. "Now, where's my kid?"

"Your kid?" she asked, raising an eyebrow in mock surprise.

"Shut up and tell me where Rose is. I'm here only for her!" My voice held an edge of urgency; the truth was, spending time with Rose always brought me a sense of joy and normalcy.

"Ouch, now I'm seriously hurt, Lisa," Jenna replied, clasping her hand to her chest in faux injury.

I groaned in exasperation. "Jenna—"

"Okay, okay, sorry!" she laughed, seemingly unbothered. "Just don't get mad at me. She's coming over with someone."

"Someone?" I asked, glancing around the kitchen. My eyes landed on the extra two plates on the table, curiosity piquing. "Who is—"

The doorbell rang, interrupting my question. "Ah, they're here! Let me get the door. Wait here," she said, practically sprinting to open it, excitement radiating from her.

Is it her ex-husband? Maybe her partner? Or someone she has a crush on? But why would Rose be with them? My mind raced with possibilities, but there was an unsettling knot in my stomach.

"Lisaaaa!"

I looked up, my heart sinking and then leaping simultaneously. Henry? Henry with... I sighed, my heart dropping. Henry and his mom, Rachel. Just what I needed—what a perfect dinner party. I should have just cooked my own dinner tonight if I hadn't been so damn lazy.

As they entered, the atmosphere shifted, bringing new tensions and unspoken feelings. I could sense Jenna's anticipation mixed with my own lingering frustration. Tonight was supposed to be about relaxation and fun, but I wasn't sure how to navigate the waters now that family was involved.