“Pleasant. Swift.”
“I was expecting to get downstairs before you made it. You’re early.”
“I’m on time, Mercer. Don’t insult me.”
With a nod, he agreed.
“Thanks for coming on such short notice. A partner of mine hit me up yesterday morning. I lost track of time. It had been on my mind to call you all day but– life. And kids and shit.”
“No need to explain. I’m here. I’m sure whatever this is won’t take too long. I’ll be back on a flight to Clarke in a few hours. I can resolve this virtually. All I need is a little Wi-Fi and–”
“A lot of wine.” Mercer sighed.
“Who’s paying for that?”
“Me if you want, but I’m sure their account can handle it.”
Smiling, I folded my hands in front of me. I readjusted my briefcase for the maximum level of comfort. Mercer reached for it. I stepped to the side, dodging his hand.
“How is the family?”
“I have to get back to them. I wanted to make introductions.”
“I’m a big girl,” I assured him.
“I’m aware, but that doesn’t change anything, Royce. I’m not here because I think otherwise. I’m here because there’s no other place for me to be right now. Pretty can hold it down for a few.”
“How is she?”
“Incredible. Brilliant. Steady. Glowing. Happy. In her element. She’s so amazing. I– I couldn’t ask for anyone better.”
The depth in his tone emphasized the depths of his love for the mother of his children. I smiled inside, knowing he was head over heels and Vallei couldn’t have asked for anyone better either. The two were created for each other.
“And you?”
“I’m as good as I’ma get.”
“So am I, Mercer. And, I can tell by the void in your eyes you want to be wrapped in newborn bliss. Go. I’ll be fine.”
Quietly, he leaned against the steel of the elevator. A hand covered his mouth before tugging at the hair on his face. He was retreating. Returning to himself. His reserved self. His quiet self. His mental imbalances were landing. And sticking. And submerging him in their uncertainty. I couldn’t let him stray. Not even for a second.
I stepped in front of him, handing him my briefcase. A snicker crept from my lungs, up my throat, and out of my mouth. I eyed the handsome fella, still appalled by the resemblance to Teddy. Catherine’s DNA ran deep.
“You miss me, don’t you? That’s why you aren’t ready to leave.”
His smile wrapped me in warmth like a blanket by the fireplace on a winter night. It quickly transformed into the most gratifying sound I’d heard all day.
His laughter.
His head lifted and fell. His confession was silent but I heard it loud and clear. So did my heart. Instinctively, I wrappedmy arms around his body. Unlike Chemistry, Milo, Makai, and Malachi, Mercer had meat on his bones.
My head rested on his chest.
“I’ve missed you, too.”
His body stiffened. Affection was difficult for him.For them. Nearly all of them. They were men and life had hardened their shells. Naturally, the affection of a woman who wasn’t their partner brought back memories they tried burying with the woman who created them.
Ping.
