“I did,” I confess, before taking her face in between my palms and pulling her to me. This kiss is more aggressive than the first one in that parking lot. So many emotions pour out of me into that kiss, but namely, it’s longing that propels the kiss. The many days, nights, and years that I longed to have her in my arms again.
All the women I’ve been with between the last time I saw her and right now fall away.
I pull away from the kiss but keep her face in between mine.
“I’ve missed you,” she whispers.
Then why the fuck did you leave? screams in my head, but I don’t get a chance to ask it out loud.
“Mark?” a familiar feminine voice calls from somewhere in the distance.
Jackie is the first to turn toward the woman. Reluctantly, I do the same, dropping my hands from her face to the arms of my chair.
Resha smiles as she moves closer. “What are you doing way out here?” she questions, peering down at me.
Jackie doesn’t say anything, but she shifts her weight as if moving to stand. Wrapping an arm around her, I keep her right where she is. She peers down at me, but I’m looking at my sister-in-law.
“What are you doing out here?”
“Connor wanted to bring the baby out to the light show.” Resha turns her head toward Jackie, her smile widening. “Hello. I’m Resha.” She sticks out her hand.
Jackie’s arm extends, but I see her hesitation. “Resha, oh, his—”
“Sister-in-law or sis, as he calls me.”
“Where’s the big guy?”
Resha looks around. “He took Colin to the bathroom to change him. There they are.” She points over to the right, toward the restrooms.
I laugh heartily at the sight of my big ass brother heading toward us with Colin strapped to his chest.
“Fucking Mr. Mom,” I joke.
Connor approaches the three of us frowning. His frown deepens once he sees Jackie still sitting on my lap. Again, she attempts to stand, but I keep her secured to me.
“Big guy, this is Jackie,” I introduce.
“Nice to finally meet you,” Jackie says, shaking his hand. “Your brother talks about you all the time.”
“Not that much,” I interject. “Mostly about how much of a pain in the ass you are.”
Connor grunts. “Funny, he’snevermentioned you.” His gaze volleys between Jackie and me.
“Connor, don’t be rude,” Resha chastises. “Sorry about that. You’d think it’s past his bedtime instead of the baby’s.”
“He’s adorable.” Jackie beams as she peers at a sleepy-eyed Colin.
Though he’s still awake, the way his head leans against my brother’s chest and his eyes keep drooping, you can tell it’s only a matter of minutes before he’s out cold.
“Thank you. He takes after me,” I respond.
Jackie taps my shoulder, rolling her eyes, and Resha laughs.
“I told Connor the baby wouldn’t last too long out here, but he insisted we bring him out tonight before the crowds start to gather this weekend.”
“That’s so sweet,” Jackie says wistfully, staring at Colin.
“Are you the same Jackie that’s been working with Mark on this secret project at Townsend?” Resha questions with a smile directed at Jackie.
