Reese shifted and rested his head on his forearm. “Do you want to make a bet?”
“What on earth are you talking about?”
“Do you want to bet that, when your mother comes down here, she’ll think about relocating.”
Cherie turned to face him. “Are you really that sure?”
His smile was dazzling. “So sure that I’m willing to put some money on it.”
Cherie ran her finger down the length of his nose, the brilliance of the diamonds on the charm dangling from the bracelet on her wrist catching the light from the table lamp. “Put up or shut up.”
“Can you spare a Benjamin?”
She wanted to tell Reese that she’d amassed thousands of hundred-dollar bills. However, that would remain her secret. “I think so. But on one condition.”
“What’s that, Miss Money Bags?”
“That if you win, you’ll donate the money to a worthy cause.”
Reese smiled. “I was hoping you would say that, because I happen to be a monthly donor to the Wounded Warrior Project.”
“Ego aside, then I wouldn’t mind losing.” Cherie touched her mouth to his. “I think it’s time you try to get some sleep before you go to work.” Whenever Reese had to work the late shift, he usually brought over his uniform and gear so he could shave, shower, and get dressed at her house.
“Are you going to sleep with me?”
Cherie sat and pulled the sheet over her breasts. “No. If I go to sleep now, I’ll be up all night prowling around the house like a vampire. Besides, I have to leave early to drive to Wilmington to meet my mother’s flight.”
“What time is she coming in?”
“A little after nine. If her flight is on time, then I’ll be able to get back here before I have to go to work.” Cherie was glad her mother was coming in on Saturday because that would give them all day Sunday to hang out together.
Reaching over, Reese ran his hand down her back. “Once your mom gets settled, let me know when I can meet her.”
“Okay. Now I’m going to go shower in the other bathroom, so I won’t disturb you.”
“Kiss me before you leave.”
Leaning down, Cherie brushed her mouth over his, holding back because she knew their kisses usually ended with them making love.
She slipped off the bed and gathered a change of clothes before walking out of the bedroom, feeling the heat of Reese’s gaze on her nude body. Although it’d been weeks since they’d first shared a bed, Cherie still didn’t feel completely comfortable walking around without her clothes in front of him.
Reese wanted to meet Edwina Thompson, and there was no doubt her mother would be shocked, because it would be the first time she would get to meet a man with whom her daughter was involved. Whenever Edwina had asked her about boyfriends, Cherie told her she didn’t have time for a man, when the truth was that the man she wanted belonged to another woman.
She’d moved to North Carolina to forget one man and start over with another, but now that Weylin was slated to become the running mate for the popular candidate seeking the highest office in the country and would soon begin campaigning, Weylin’s name and face were certain to dominate the political news. He’d become a stalker in her mind, showing up when she didn’t want or least expected him. And she didn’t want to think of him winning the election; then she would have to hear his voice and see his image often over the next four years.
Hopefully, before that time, she would be married and have her own family on which to focus all her attention. Reese wanted to talk about their having a future together, and she’d promised to give him her answer once her mother returned to Connecticut. Barring any unforeseen events, she knew she was more than ready to accept his marriage proposal.
Chapter 21
Cherie spotted her mother as soon as she entered the baggage claim area. She had a wheeled carry-on and a large leather tote, which meant she’d packed light. She waved to Edwina to get her attention.
She hugged her mother. “How was your flight?”
Tiny lines fanned out around Edwina’s hazel eyes, and it was the first time Cherie had noticed them. “It was nice. Thankfully, it took off as scheduled. You know I don’t like waiting, especially in an airport terminal.”
Cherie knew what her mother was talking about. Their flight to Colorado had been delayed twice before takeoff. Edwina had prowled the terminal like a caged big cat, complaining she didn’t want to miss her son’s graduation.
“Well, you’re here,” Cherie said, taking the handle of the carry-on. “I’m parked across the street in the lot.”
