“You don't have a key-specific pocket in there somewhere?”
“Key specific? Is there such a thing?”
“How do you find anything if you don't have places for them?” Brad heard more rummaging.
“It's part of the fun, like a game of guess what the shape is.”
He snorted.
“Aha.”
“Nice work.”
She opened the door, and he walked inside with Billy still slumbering in his arms. Heading for the stairs, he climbed with Macy on his heels and headed for the boy’s bedroom.
Macy stripped him and pulled on his pjs and then tucked him in, and Billy hardly murmured.
Switching on his nightlight, Macy then waved him from the room.
They headed downstairs and into the kitchen. Brad scooped up a sleepy Razzle and took him outside, and then they bedded him back down for the night. They were simple things, small things that families did all the time, things he'd never done or had done to him.
“You want a coffee?”
Brad shook his head as they reached the lounge, and simply reached for her. Sliding a hand around her back, he eased her close and kissed her. It was soft and so goddamn sweet he was pretty sure he just sighed with the beauty of it.
“You okay?”
“Yes, and I have to thank you for that.”
“Thank me how?”
She looked up at him, her hand going to his hair, pushing it off his face, then her fingers trailed down to stroke his cheek.
“You told me I was strong, and in the last few days I've begun to realize that maybe you're right.”
“I’m glad you’re starting to see what I do. Add to that beautiful both inside and out.”
“Actually”—she touched his lips, running a finger along the top then bottom. To Brad, it felt like she was mapping his face—“you are one of the nicest, kindest, and gentlest men I have ever met, Brad Gelderman. You are one of the good guys, and I'll add to that hot.”
“Aww shucks,” he said, never comfortable with compliments.
“But, I have to back away from you now, Brad.”
Chapter 18
She slid out of his arms.
“What?”
“Here’s the thing, Brad.” Macy paced away from him, and she hated the sudden distance between them, but needed it to do what must be done. “I told myself when Brian was put in prison that I wouldn’t settle for anything less than I deserved.”
“Sure, and you shouldn’t.”
She could see the wariness in his eyes now, as he wondered what she was talking about. He was such a beautiful man. Tall, tanned, and sexy as hell. Her heart seemed to thud a little harder when he was near, but it wasn’t enough, not now.
Tonight he had shown her again the man he was. Comforted and protected her because of those photos.
“I’ve begun to have feelings for you, Brad, and I know Billy does too, but we both know that you’re not ready to reciprocate, if you ever will be.”
