Mentally, I did a little fist bump with myself. She was probably feeling like there was something missing. I never wanted to treat her like she didn't matter. This thing between us meant something to me. It wasn't just a physical release, at least not anymore.
I waited until she sat down. Then I draped a soft throw blanket over her lap. It was one of Sofia's favorites in the winter. Then I handed her the blue mug filled with hot chocolate.
I'd swirled whipped cream on top, and sprinkled candy cane shavings over that.
"This is really nice. Thank you." She sipped the hot chocolate, and a spot of cream ended up on her nose.
"You have something here." I reached over and swiped the whipped cream with my thumb, then licked it.
Her gaze snagged on the motion.
"Whipped cream," I said by way of explanation.
Then I turned my attention to the TV. I wouldn't make this about sex, not tonight. "Do you like this one?"
She settled into the cushions with a sigh, curling her legs underneath her. "I love it."
I grinned, pleased I remembered how to romance a woman. Or at least make her comfortable. I might not remember how to flirt, and my disposition was grumpy at best, but I thought I knew a little bit about what a woman wanted. And it wasn't midnight booty calls.
She'd been nice to put up with it for this long. But not anymore. I didn't want her to think I thought so little of her. And we both needed more sleep.
We sipped our hot chocolate and watched the classic movie. We talked and laughed about the parts we remembered watching when we were kids. And how it was similar to or different from our own upbringing. It was nice.
I enjoyed spending time with an adult, not talking about Sofia. It felt really good. I was glad I took my mother's advice. As usual, she was right.
By the time the credits rolled, Eve was curled up against my side. I could wake her or let her sleep in the guest room. I could tell Sofia the truth, that we'd watched a movie and fell asleep. We talked about decorating the tree together. Maybe we could do that tomorrow.
This was part of my plan to change how I did things. To test out how Sofia felt about me seeing a woman. I could do this.
I lifted her, carrying her into the guest room, which was on the first floor. I folded the blankets back and set her on the flannel sheets. I pulled the blankets over her, then closed the door behind me, content to have Eve in my house for the evening.
I'd enjoyed spending the evening with her, and I was excited to spend more time together. This was more than sex.
We were making new traditions, and Eve was part of that.
Upstairs, I slid underneath the sheets, excited for what the next day would bring. Sofia said she wanted Santa to give her a stepmom, and my mom thought Eve was that person. I didn'tknow if I believed in fate, but I liked the idea. It gave me a sense of relief that someone in the universe was okay with me moving on.
I felt content, pleased with my decision to take this next step with Eve. I was excited about the possibilities. We could decorate the tree and get some decorations for outside too. Sofia had been wanting them. And what about a puppy? I'd been resistant to getting a pet because of how busy I was, but I think we'd both enjoy having a dog in the house.
I was excited about the future, and it was all because of Eve.
CHAPTER 16
EVE
Iwoke up in the comfiest bed. It was warm under a heavy comforter, and I heard the murmur of voices.
I sat up. The blinds were drawn so it was still dark in the room. I wasn't at home. Was this Maddox's guest room?
The clock on the nightstand was blurry because I’d left my contacts in overnight, but I think it read seven. Last night, we'd drunk hot chocolate while watching a movie. We'd talked and laughed, and at some point, I remembered resting my head on his shoulder. I must have fallen asleep.
I'd come over around nine, so we weren't even up as late as we'd been on other nights. But I was exhausted from our late-night meetings. I finally felt like I'd slept long enough.
But Sofia didn't know that I'd stayed overnight. Was I supposed to sneak out? It was too cold to go out the window.
Would Sofia be upset that I was here? Last night, she'd asked for a stepmom from Santa, and I'd walked away to give Maddox space to respond. I was fairly positive Maddox didn't want a new wife.
He was still trying to get over the last one. He probably didn't want to get too close to anyone. I'd understood his need for thelate-night meetings, but he'd surprised me with the invitation to come over earlier to watch a movie.
