“Guys like him don’t forget about the women who allegedly wronged them. That very thing is factoring into this case with the kids.”
“How so?”
“I’d rather not talk about that, if it’s okay with you. It’s disturbing and upsetting, and you’ve had more than enough of that shit lately. But I do want to know where your ex-husband is hanging his hat these days, just to be on the safe side, okay?”
“That’s fine, if you think it’s necessary.”
“I really do.”
“Thank you for caring.”
He looked over at her. “I really do.”
As she smiled, he leaned in, hoping she’d meet him halfway. When she did, his heart stopped again, for entirely different reasons this time, as her lips brushed against his.
“Harlowe…”
“Yes, Archie?”
“I love kissing you.”
“I love kissing you, too.”
“I want to do much, much more of that.”
“Not until you get some rest.”
He groaned. “Come on. You can’t give me an appetizer and not follow up.”
“I gave you a whole meal!”
“Metaphorically speaking, sweetheart.”
She sighed.
“What?”
“I like that you called me that.”
He took her hand and brought it to his lips. “You’d better put me down for a nap before I forget I’m tired.”
She gave him a tug, and he stood.
“I’ll do the dishes,” he said.
“No way. I’ll do them later. Don’t worry about it.”
With her hands on his hips, she steered him toward the bedroom.
“Are you going to undress me, too?” he asked hopefully.
“Not this time.”
“Don’t get me all hopeful that there’ll be a next time.”
Her reply was a gentle shove toward the bathroom.
So this was what it was like, he thought as he took a leak and brushed his teeth. To be truly in love. He’d had a few girlfriends here and there, had fancied himself in love with one or two of them, but that’d been nothing compared to this.
