Shelter With A Billionaire

Mike was taken aback by Daphne's sarcasm. 

Christine gave a fake laugh and pinched Daphne's arm. "She's just kidding."

He clasped his hands together, ignoring the comment. "Make yourselves—"

 "Dude, check it out; I can see a pool back there!" The African-American kid pointed at the glass door leading to the yard. Like a herd of mustangs, they stampeded for the yard with excitement. 

 Peggy jogged after them. "No jumping in the pool!"

 "At home," Mike muttered to himself in horror.

 "Well, I guess we don't have to worry about them feeling shy," Christine told him sheepishly.

 Mike stared at Christine, unsure of what to do next. "Would you like to see the rooms I've set up for the kids?" he asked, trying to sound more welcoming.

 Christine's dark eyes met his, and she nodded with a smile. "I'd love to."

 They walked towards the stairs, and she picked up a discarded trolley backpack.

 "Let me get that." He reached for her luggage, and their hands briefly brushed against each other. Mike could have sworn he felt a spark.

 "Oh, it's okay.

 "I insist." They spoke at the same time and chuckled.

 He took the bag. 

 As they walked upstairs, Christine asked, "How did you decide on the room assignments?"

 Mike explained, "I tried to match the rooms to what I thought they'd like."

 Christine nodded thoughtfully, "That's really considerate of you."

 He led her to the first room and unlocked the door. He noticed she winced at the pink room, bunk beds neatly laid, a sugary explosion of floral wallpaper, white furniture, and a sparkly chandelier. A TV and a computer were set up in a corner. 

 "Oh wow," she said, looking around. "This is great. Kimiko's going to love this; she usually stays with Beth, who's definitely not into... "

 He chuckled. "Well, the interior designer went overboard with the girly tone. I just wanted to make sure the girls felt welcome. Bathroom's right through that door."

 Hell, he just told Gina, the decorator, to make it pink and good. It was the same as the second room. 

"For the twins," he shrugged. 

Then, they entered the boys' room, where Mike had set up bunk beds and a large TV with a video game console. "Uh, obviously for the boys," he said.

 Christine nodded, taking in the space. "It's great; although Annabeth's the gamer, she plays better than Jay and Tommy. Noah thinks video games are for losers."

 Mike chuckled at the contrast. 

 Finally, they reached Christine's room. Mike pushed open the door, revealing an aquaspace with a comfortable-looking bed and a closet. "This is for you." 

Christine pointed at herself in surprise. "Wow, this...looks fantastic." 

Mike shrugged. "Do you like it, honey?" 

Christine nodded as she checked the room out, then the neatly laid bed, then met Mike's eyes, and for a moment, they just stood there; only the sound of the air conditioning was heard. 

 "Thanks, Mike," Christine said softly. "This is really nice of you."

Mike shrugged. "It's no problem."

Suddenly, he drew her in for a kiss.

"Stop it, Mike," she protested. "The kids." 

"In a minute," he murmured against her lips. This time she didn't fight back, and he thanked his lucky stars as they pulled apart. 

Then he cleared his throat, trying to break the tension. "So, yeah. That's the bedroom tour."

* * * * * * * * *

"I think I died and went to hell," Beth grimaced with disgust the moment she stepped into her new shared room with Kimiko. 

Mike had to leave for work after giving me a quick tour of the house. He had a huge kitchen space stocked with food in the pantry, a private gym, and a jacuzzi room. 

For a moment, I thought Mike was more than eager to escape, from the way he jumped into his car and sped out of the gates. I couldn't help but wonder if he knew what he signed up for. 

I placed Kimiko's backpack on the pale pink dresser and sighed. "Yeah, we can't be choosers, Beth." 

"I love it!" Kimiko spread her arms and spun in a circle.

"You would," Beth groaned. 

"I want the low bunk," Kimiko chimed as she sat on it. 

I unzipped Kimiko's backpack to take out the few clothes she had in it. Mike offered to take everyone shopping by the weekend. He was certainly doing a lot for us.

Tommy poked his head through the doorway and winced. "Ugh, I guess the fairy princess threw up in here too."

"Get lost, Tom," Beth said and folded her arms, then Tom strolled off whistling.

"Honestly, I don't think this guy knows anything about us. How come the guys get a video game and I'm stuck with it?" She pointed at a giant teddy bear. "That monster."

I threw my head up and groaned. "Then, by all means, you can share with the boys."

Kimiko threw herself against the teddy bear with a satisfied sigh. 

"Awesome," Beth shrugged.

I shook my head and began to fold a yellow knit sweater. Just then I heard Daphne call to me. 

"Hey Christine, check it out!" Daphne cried with excitement as she hurried into the room. 

I turned around, and a yelp broke out from my mouth upon seeing Daphne holding a creature perched on her palm; it stuck its slithery tongue at me. 

Daphne grinned. "Aww, it's an Eublepharis."

"Bless you." Beth said flatly. 

"Leopard gecko. I found him in the garden." Daphne cooed with warmth. "He just needs a little love." 

Kimiko walked up to pat the gecko. "So pretty."

I clenched my teeth and recoiled when Beth held it up to my face. "Eek! Get that nasty thing away from me."

Daphne nodded. "I'm going to call him Gizmo."

Beth shot her a look. 

I shook my head. "Uh-uh, do not name the gecko."

Daphne was clearly not listening to me. "Come on, Gizmo, let's get you settled in."

I frowned as she walked away. I'd let it go; after all, the kids had to adjust to a new life.

Just as I was done, I heard the doorbell ring.