“This is going to come as a huge shock,” she says dryly, “But I don’t know how to fish.”
“That’s just disgraceful. Next you’re gonna tell me you’ve never gone horseback ridin’.”
She takes the now dry dishes and stacks them in the cupboard. “I grew up in the city. Where would I have done either of those things?”
“That’s it. I’m taking you both.”
“You want to take us fishing?And horseback riding?” Edward radiates with so much excitement, the kid might burst. His gaze bounces between mine and his mom’s.
“I say we start with fishin’.” I turn to Rosalie.
“Can we, Mom? Please?” Edward’s wide eyes are so damn hopeful, my heart squeezes a little tighter in my chest.
“When do you want to do this?” Rosalie asks.
“You tell me. Pick a day and I’ll get the morning off from Ryan.”
“Can we go tomorrow?” Edward asks.
“I’m sure Jackson has?—”
“Tomorrow is perfect. But y’all better get some rest. I’ll be bybright and early. Canyon Lake is about an hour away. We should leave here by five o’clock.”
Rosalie looks at her son, and then me. “I guess we better get to bed.”
“I’m gonna go brush my teeth!” Edward pops off his barstool and starts to run toward one end of the house, but before he’s out of sight, he turns on a dime and races straight at me. His little body lunges at mine, his arms squeezing my waist. “Thank you!” Before I can hug him back, he’s racing away again.
“I think he’s excited.” I state the obvious.
“A little.” Rosalie reaches for Edward’s abandoned cereal bowl and dumps it in the sink. Her eyes appraise me with wariness. “You better be here tomorrow at five. Don’t let him down.”
Her warning is clear. She’s giving me a chance, but I better not fuck this up.
“Oh, I’ll be here.” I glance down the hall to where I hear the sink running. I probably only have a few precious minutes alone with Rosalie before her son rejoins us. In two strides, I close the space between us, crowding her. “Is movie night over?”
“What?”
“Is it over?” I ask again, this time staring at her lips. “Because I keep my promises.”
“Oh,” she whispers. “It’s over.”
“Well, then.” I cup her cheek and tilt her chin up. “Since movie night is officially over, I’m gonna kiss you now.”
I kiss her tenderly. I kiss her with everything I have. I kiss her so there is no doubt in her mind she’s the only woman I’ve been thinking of since she walked out of my life. She doesn’t resist, melting into my touch like we’re made for each other. I’m starting to believe we are.
I gather my self-control and step back, delighting in the dazed look I’ve left on her face. It’s one that proves all I need to know. She wants me too. “’Night, Rosalie.” I take a few more steps back so I’mnot tempted to pull her back into my arms. “See you tomorrow, darlin’.”
As much as I want her, I need her to understand this isn’t just about sex anymore. At least, not for me. I want all of Rosalie. Movie nights with her kid, cleaning dishes in the kitchen, and all the “boring” moments in between.
26
ROSALIE
“I think that spot should do.”
Jackson points to where several flat boulders line the shore. He leads the way, carrying several bags, a small ice chest, two camping chairs, and three fishing poles. The sun peeks brightly over the tree line across the lake, and the crisp morning air sends goosebumps along my arms.
As promised, he pulled into our driveway at five o’clock sharp this morning. Despite the early hour, Edward was practically buzzing with excitement when we loaded into the truck and headed out.
