Will: Yes, still works for me.
Natalie: Should I really get bagels?
I paused. The question was loaded with memories. Every time we’d had bagels before, they ended up forgotten while we tangled ourselves in each other. My mind raced with what tomorrow might bring.
Blake’s voice broke my train of thought. “Everything okay?”
Will: Nah, I’ll bring coffee.
Then I turned my attention back to the wine.
“Sorry about that,” I said, pulling out the cork. “I was looking for a special bottle from Spain but couldn’t find it. This one’s a close second.”
“Sounds perfect,” she said, settling onto the couch and motioning for me to join her.
I poured the wine and sat next to her, trying to focus on the moment. She leaned in and shifted closer to me on the couch,her glass of wine perched delicately in one hand as the other rested lightly on my chest. “You know,” she said softly, “I could help you in the mornings with the kids if you ever need it. Make things easier.”
Her fingers began tracing lazy circles over my shirt, her touch warm but not quite enough to distract me from the thoughts of Natalie swirling in my head.
“Thanks,” I said, managing a small smile. “I’ve been managing fine for now.”
Her hand lingered on my chest, then began to drift lower. “I’d love to help more,” she murmured, her voice taking on a suggestive edge. Before I could respond, her fingers found the zipper of my pants and tugged it down in one smooth motion.
I froze, glancing toward the staircase instinctively.
“Relax,” Blake whispered, her lips brushing against my ear. She pulled a throw blanket over our laps, her devilish smile daring me to object. “The kids are asleep.”
“Ivy is, maybe,” I said cautiously, my heart thumping unevenly. “But the boys?—”
She cut me off with a quiet laugh. “That’s why we have the blanket,” she teased, slipping her hand beneath it.
Her hand wrapped around me, her touch slow and deliberate. I closed my eyes, trying to focus on the sensation, but my mind kept wandering. Her touch was skilled, her rhythm steady, but it didn’t spark the reaction I knew she was hoping for.
Blake leaned closer, her lips grazing my neck as her hand moved faster. “Just relax,” she murmured again, her breath warm against my skin.
I tried, but my body wasn’t cooperating. My mind kept circling back to Natalie, the way her touch used to make every nerve in my body come alive. This wasn’t the same.
Blake paused, sensing my hesitation. “Am I distracting you too much?” she teased, her tone light but with a hint of concern.
“No,” I said quickly, shaking my head. “You’re great.”
I kissed her softly, wanting to end things on a positive note. “I should get to bed soon,” I said, my tone apologetic. “It’s been a long day.”
Blake gave me a playful pout but didn’t push further. “Okay,” she said, releasing her hand off me, she sat up and smoothed her hair.
I zipped up feeling a little sheepish about the situation but could easily blame this on the fact that my kids were upstairs. This was not the time.
I escorted her to the door and followed to her car. Before leaving, she grabbed my face and kissed me deeply.
“I’m really falling for you, William,” she said softly.
I didn’t say it back. Instead, I kissed her again and promised to text her tomorrow.
That night, I lay awake, staring at the ceiling. My thoughts weren’t on Blake, or the day I’d just had. They were on Natalie. Her sweet smile, the way she used to look at me, the moments we abandoned breakfast for sex.
I wanted that back.
Tomorrow couldn’t come fast enough.
