“It was nice to meet you,” Maddie says, giving them a smile.
“You too,” Oleg says, while Roman smiles and adds, “Thanks again for the flowers.”
In the elevator, I pin her against the wall and kiss her hard, getting as much of her as I can before the annoying ding rings out and I’m forced to pull away. Her lips are swollen, and her breaths are coming faster, and there’s a blush rising from her chest to the roots of her hair.
“You’re so sexy, baby,” I tell her, but she only laughs and waves aside my words.
“You’re crazy, but I’m glad you think so.”
She hasn’t the faintest idea what she does to me, but she’ll learn. When we step into Kristy’s room, she gives us a big smile and waves us both over for hugs. I’ve never done themeet the girlfriend’s familything, but her mom makes it easy. She’s friendly and welcoming, and she’s judging me on things other than my tattoos. She’s judging me on how I treat her daughter, and I must be doing something right based on the look she’s giving me.
“You’re looking a lot better today,” I tell her. “How’s the new medicine?”
“So far, so good,” she says, crossing her fingers with a small laugh. “They said I can go home tomorrow if everything continues to go well.”
“That’s great, Mom.” Maddie sits on my lap without me having to pull her down, and that one small gesture has my heart doing all sorts of things. When she grabs my hand and gives it a squeeze, I completely melt. She’s going to ruin my reputation as a badass if I’m not careful.
While Maddie tells her about the cabin on my property, I stroke her hand and think about our future. I never once pictured myself as a married man, and I sure as fuck never pictured myself as a dad, but imagining that future with Maddie doesn’t terrify me. It sounds nice. I see the way Vasily is with Nina and their son. He’s happier than I’ve ever seen him, and I never once thought that was something I could have or that I would even want it, but so many things have changed since I first saw the woman on my lap, who’s laughing with her mom and shooting me quick little smiles. I didn’t ask for this, but I’d be a goddamn fool to turn it away.
“Are you sure about this?” Kristy asks me, pulling me from my marital bliss fantasies. “You really don’t have to do all this, Volodya. I already approve of you dating my daughter.”
I laugh and nod my head. “We’d love to have you stay there. It’s not huge or anything, but we can fix it up however you want, and there’s a private beach that’s a short walk away.”
“You’re going to love it, Mom,” Maddie quickly says, “and we can plant some flowers and make it look really cute.”
She thinks for a second, running her fingers over the flowers that she can’t stop smelling. “My lease is up at the end of the month, and I haven’t signed a new one yet.”
“Perfect,” I say. “Let me know when you’re ready, and I’ll have some guys help you pack up and get everything moved to the cabin.”
“Well, I guess it’s settled then,” she says with a laugh.
When the nurse comes in with her lunch, we both give her a hug goodbye before leaving so she can eat and get some rest.
“You nervous about supper tonight?” Maddie teases.
I open the car door for her, but before she can get in, I cup her face and lean closer. “No, I’m not nervous,kiska. I’m excited for everyone to meet you. I think you’ll like Nina and Svetlana.”
“I’m excited to meet them, too. A little nervous, but excited.”
“Don’t be nervous. They’re going to love you.”
Pressing closer, I nibble on her bottom lip, smiling at the way her breath hitches. “Is your pussy still sore, baby?”
“Yes,” she whispers.
“Good.”
I laugh at the look she gives me and kiss the tip of her nose. “Let’s go get some ice cream.”
The thought of a sweet treat appeases her, taking her mind off the sore pussy that she’s going to need to embrace because it’s her normal from here on out. Double Dipped is busy with the after-lunch crowd when we step in and get in line. I slide my hand up her back to rest on the nape of her neck, caressing her skin with my thumb, feeling the rapid beat of her heart beneath my fingers.
“What flavor are you getting?” I ask her once we’re close enough to see all the different choices in the glass case.
She studies each one like I’m going to quiz her on it before finally pointing a finger. “Butter pecan in a waffle cone.”
“I’ve never had it,” I admit, earning me a cute look of absolute shock.
“You have to try it. It’s so good.”
