Free Love For Sale by Linda Nightingale Page B

laughed. “Real ones.”
    “Your ignorance is hanging out, bro’.” Michael elbowed Paul Jr. “He means he’s a rocket scientist. What are they called?”
    “Aerospace engineers.” March wedged the carton of seafood into the basket. “Excuse me, but is this the Spanish Inquisition?”
    Christian straightened, smiling, open and friendly, allowing the boys to take pot shots at him.
    Paul was running out of ammunition. He aimed at Christian’s male pride and fired. “Dad says you don’t work.”
    “We only arrived yesterday late afternoon, but tell your father I’ll get right on that.”
    March crossed her arms. “Boys, it’s time you got my take on this. Marrying Christian will make me happy. Don’t you want me to be happy?”
    “He’s younger than you,” Paul Jr. said, this last probably from his father’s arsenal.
    Christian edged around the cart to her side. “Actually, I’m not younger. I’m quite a lot older. What makes you think I’m younger?”
    Paul Jr. gestured. “All that hair. You’re a Brit, right, like Dad said?”
    “I am.” Christian nodded, smiling, an innuendo of sarcasm in his voice. “How did you guess?”
    “You sound like it.” Paul Jr.’s gaze never wavered.
    “Come on, Paul. She’s our Mom. Leave her alone.” Michael swung keys around his finger. “Dad bought me a car.”
    Disbelief widened March’s eyes. Paul had always vowed the kids would have to work and earn their transportation. “When did he buy the car?”
    “This morning at eight o’clock.” Michael tossed her a proud, excited smile, forgetting for the moment to be angry.
    After last night, Paul was trying to hurt her in every way possible, including buying his own son’s affection. When Christian reached for her hand, she flinched. A frown played across his face. He didn’t understand her reaction. Of course, she was his only focus. He’s programmed to love me. Now, her focus was divided between two separate and irreconcilable loves. In that heartbreaking instant, March felt completely alone.
    “That’s great, son. You’ll have to take me for a ride soon.”
    Michael looked long and hard at Christian. “I guess you’re busy now.”
    “Never too busy for you two.” With a glance and a smile, she included Paul Jr., but his hazel eyes, exactly the color of his father’s, were focused on Christian. She slung her arms around her children. “Tell me what you want for dinner tonight, and I’ll have it ready when you arrive at my house at seven.”
    “We need to get going.” Paul Jr. clapped his brother on the shoulder. “Dad will wonder where we got to. We only came for milk.”
    Michael cut him a sideways glance. “Sure, Mom. You know we love your fried chicken.” He shrugged at Paul Jr.’s frown. “Stay at home. I don’t give a rip.”
    “I’d like it if both of you came.” March pinned Paul Jr. with an arch look.
    “Dad won’t like it.” Paul Jr. squared his shoulders.
    “I don’t care.” Michael grinned. “The court granted Mom visitation. Who can resist her fried chicken?”
    “I’m game.” Christian snapped his fingers, his smile broadening. “Speaking of games, do either of you play WildStar? I have a character but haven’t played yet. I’m dying to see what this new game is like. I hear it’s awesome.”
    Shock fled across Paul Jr.’s face, his eyes widening. “You play video games? And you play WildStar ? OMG, can I get an amen? Oh, swag money, I slaved around the house for the funds to buy it. What character are you?”
    Christian looked as excited at the two children. “Spellslinger.”
    Michael tossed the keys and plucked them from the air. “Oh, swerve doe, we need a Spellslinger on our team. We’re both warriors.”
    “Are we coming to dinner?” Paul Jr. nodded emphatically. “Yaaass! I’ll bring the game and my laptop. I know Mom’s computer wouldn’t run WildStar. ”
    None of the teenagers’ buzz words made sense to March, but she discerned the