The words came out naturally, easily, as though I’d said it a hundred times. But as I walked away toward the linen closet, carrying my clothes in one hand, I realized what I’d just said. What I’d just admitted. I’d never said those words to anyone in decades—not romantically, anyway. They’d always felt too big, too terrifying.
But with Jesse, they felt true, almost inevitable.
I hadn’t waited for her response, though. Should I have? Did she feel the same way? Had the intensity of the moment made me speak too soon? What if she wasn’t ready? What if I’d just made things awkward after we’d finally reconciled?
My hands shook slightly as I pulled towels from the closet. No, I told myself firmly. It was the right thing to say because it was true. I did love her. If she wasn’t ready to say it back yet, that was okay. I’d wait as long as she needed.
I walked to the bathroom and started stacking the fresh towels. Jesse appeared in the doorway carrying Robin, who looked drunk with his distended belly and droopy eyes.
She smiled at the purring kitten. “Let’s give him a bath in the sink. He’s half asleep as it is.”
“Okay. Let me have him.”
“Better let me. You already have enough scratches. Have you ever had a cat?”
“No. Just a bearded dragon when I was younger.”
“A what?” She was testing the water temperature with her hand.
“A lizard. He was independent and solitary, like I was growing up. Didn’t need much attention or affection.” I watched her adjust the water, so competent and natural with the kitten. “We were well-suited to each other.”
She shifted Robin into the crook of her elbow and reached up with her free hand to stroke my cheek. The gesture was so tender it made my throat tight.
“You have plenty of affection now, whether you want it or not.”
It wasn’t ‘I love you,’ but it was something. Something that made my heart squeeze in my chest. I pressed my cheek against her palm, then turned my head to kiss it.
“Believe me, I want it all,” I said.
She proceeded to bathe the kitten, whose sleepy eyes flew open as his little paws touched water. At first, he freaked out, but Jesse knew how to introduce him to the water slowly.
“Cats are terrified of water.” She washed the kitten gently, holding him firmly and doing her best to avoid his sharp little claws. “My dad and I had a cat for thirteen years. She was adorable, but hated baths. I usually gave her treats throughout the washing.”
I sat on the edge of the tub, ready to help if necessary.
“Robin doesn’t look like he could eat anything else,” I said, watching the kitten’s bulging sides. “I hope he doesn’t get sick later. I should have monitored how much he ate, but I got distracted.” I reached out to stroke her sexy ass.
“You’ll need to learn these things if you want to be a cat dad. It’s a real commitment.”
“I don’t have commitment issues. Not anymore.”
I watched her carefully, willing her to look at me, to understand what I was really saying. I’d been the guy who kept things casual, who dated without getting attached, who prided himself on his independence. But Jesse had changed everything. I was ready for commitment—to the kitten, yes, but more importantly, to her.
She kept her eyes on Robin, her voice carefully casual. “I don’t have commitment issues either.”
“Good to know.”
I wanted her to say more, to acknowledge what was building between us, but I could see she wasn’t ready yet. Time to change the subject for now.
“How’s the job with Richie Rich going?” I asked.
She spared me a glance. “You mean Ben? It’s going well. I’m really enjoying it.”
“I’m sure you are.” I tried to keep the bite out of my voice. I’d been thinking about this a lot over the past few days—Jesse spending time with Ben, who clearly had money and charm, and who’d been obviously interested in her at the exhibit. “Has he made another move on you yet? Because he was definitely all over you at the opening.”
Robin splashed water into her face, and she focused on rinsing him quickly while he growled his tiny kitten protest.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she said distractedly. “Ben was there to see more of my work before I started decorating his house. He’s my employer. That’s it.”
