“I’m going to take that as a yes,” I reply as the elevator comes to a stop and the doors open.
We just had our first morning alone together without Jessie’s help. She started bawling her eyes out during my shower. I had to run out wet and naked to soothe her in her bassinet, shampoo in my hair and dripping down my body.
It was … quite the experience.
I had a minor panic attack, where I thought there was no way in hell I’d be able to live my life again until Eli was in kindergarten. There was a good hour of catastrophic thinking that led todifficult breathing before I splashed cold water on my face and snapped out of it.
I am now fully showered, suds and all washed out of my hair. Both Eli and I are fed and just went to the bathroom—hers was in her diaper, but I’ll still call it a win. Maybe one less poop explosion to clean out in public.
I’ve never been to Jessie’s apartment before, but I’ve had her address for years. I’ve known her address in the city. I might have had to keep my distance, but I’ve always been close enough to know she’s safe. I never liked her living by herself in this city.
But I gave up the right to have a say-so in the matter.
I raise my hand and knock it against her door. After about a minute, I glance down at my watch. It’s eight thirty in the morning. Could she be out somewhere already?
I knock again and wait. The door swings open, and I’m met with a pair of tired green eyes looking back at me. She’s in nothing but a T-shirt that’s hiked up way too high, giving me a glimpse of her silky thighs.
I stand there, in awe of just how damn beautiful she is, hating my dumb luck that the only woman in the world I would die to have happens to be the one whose world I could crumble in less than a minute.
“What are you doing here?” she grumbles groggily.
My eyes drag up and down her body. “What are you doing, answering your door, dressed in next to nothing?”
She rubs one of her eyes as she yawns. “I didn’t really think about it. I’m tired.”
I push through the door and close it behind me, Eli still cooing up at her cat.
“That’s your excuse? You’re tired? What if I was a delivery guy? I could’ve taken one look at you and forced my way into your apartment.”
She smiles softly. “You did do that.”
“That’s my point, Jessie. It’s not safe. Don’t ever do that again.”
“Good morning to you too,” she says with her all-too-familiar attitude, then bends down and smiles at Eli. “And good morning to you, sweetie pie.”
“Dammit, Jessie,” I growl because her ass cheeks are hanging out. I close my eyes and hang my head back. “Please go put some clothes on.”
“How about you tell me why you’re here first?” she replies defiantly.
I open my eyes, hoping she’s standing straight up again—and thankfully, she is. “We’re going shopping. Remember? It was part of the deal.”
“Walker, you don’t have to do that. I’m not going to make you spend your money on me.”
I place my hands on her shoulders and turn her around. “Get your butt in your room and get changed. We are going shopping. I will not take no for an answer.”
I push her into her room.
She turns around, scoffing at me. “You’re so bossy.”
My brows furrow. “Don’t make me show you what bossy looks like.”
I turn around before I fuck her against the wall and give her bossy.
I scan her apartment, noticing just how cramped it is. The kitchen barely fits two people, no table in sight. She probably eats standing at the counter or perched on that small sofa in the living room.
But this is the life she’s chosen—simplicity over ambition, passion over paychecks. And damn if I don’t respect her for it. I’ve been clawing my way toward power for years, chasing my father’s approval like it was the only prize worth winning. The cruel truth? No matter what I accomplish, it’s never enough for him. Maybe it never will be.
Jessie walks out, dressed casually in light jeans that are ripped at the knees, white sneakers, and a white T-shirt with gold jewelry.
