A burst of laughter springs out of my mouth. “He sure is.”
Ines tucks a few strands of hair behind her ear and glimmer in her eyes dissipates. She lifts a cup of coffee to her lips, but instead of taking a sip, she lowers it again, muttering, “Sorry. My mood swings are something else.”
I move closer, a sharp pang piercing my heart, and take her hand in mine. “You don’t need to be sorry. I understand.”
“I’m trying to build a life. For Santi and for me. I think…I think Owen would’ve wanted this for us. But there are days when I-I don’t know if I’m doing any of this right.”
“It’s not easy, but you’re doing everything you can for your little boy. Hayden told me how much Owen loved you. And you’re honoring that love every day. You’re an amazing mom.”
I wrap my arm around her, pulling her to me.
She puts her head on my shoulder and sighs. “I wouldn’t have made it to this place without Hayden. I was so lost and my life was shattered, but he held my broken pieces together even though he was falling apart himself. He did it for me, for Santi and for Owen too.” Astrong shudder rolls through her body, and I tighten my hold on her. “I’m so happy he has you now. Because you’re bringing him back. Every time I see him, I notice more glimpses of old Hayden. Of the guy I met when I started working with Sabotage. And it gives me hope…that maybe one day I’ll find that too.”
“I’m sure you will.” Sniffling, I scan the playground, until I’m met with a familiar pair of green eyes. They’re full of intensity, but also understanding. He misses Owen. He talks to him from time to time when he thinks no one is around. It breaks my heart, but it also fills my body with warmth and tenderness. Because it shows me just how deeply he loves. How deeply he cares.
Everything aboutTed Lassobrightens my mood. It’s fun and light, and the characters are so complex and full of life.
Hunter rolled his eyes when Hayden mentioned that we’re watching it, but even he admitted the soccer parts are surprisingly accurate.
When the episode ends, I stand and pick up the empty mug off the coffee table, but before I can head to the kitchen, Hayden catches my arm. “Where are you going?”
“To wash my mug, and load the dishwasher before bed.”
He gives me his best puppy dog eyes. “The pile of plates and mugs won’t go anywhere. I’ll do it tomorrow morning.”
“I’ll do it now.” I gently pull my hand out of his grip.
“Ry…” He stands too and wraps his arms around me. “It’s late. Let’s go to bed.”
I chuckle. “You go to bed. I’ll join you soon.”
He cradles my face, looking at me with so much longing, that my resolve starts to disappear. Then he leans in and presses his lips to mine. This kiss is full of tenderness and love, making my heart beat faster.
Eyes closed, I let myself melt into his embrace. He brings out the strongest emotions in me. Some days I wonder if it will be like thisafter our daughter is born. What if my feelings are heightened because of pregnancy hormones?
He gives me a small peck. “Let’s go to our bedroom.”
“Ten minutes top.” I bite my bottom lip. “Please.”
He shakes his head, the corners of his mouth tipped up “Okay. But if you aren’t in our bedroom in ten minutes, I’ll bring you there myself.”
“Hmm. Maybe I should be late on purpose.” I giggle, stepping back from him.
He watches me, a cocky grin on his lips, as I pad into the kitchen. I put the mug into the sink, but before I can load the dishwasher, his strong arms wrap around me from behind.
My back is pressed to his naked chest, the heat of his skin seeping into mine. His hot breath fanning over my neck makes me shiver.
“Hade…”
“I can’t get enough of you,” he whispers. “I want to spend as much time with you as I can during my hiatus.”
“If I continue to monopolize your time like I have been, everyone will hate me,” I murmur.
“Nah,” he says, his lips brushing my neck and sending a shiver down my spine. “They will understand. And if they don’t, I don’t care. They’ll have to learn to accept it.” He takes my earlobe into his mouth, drawing a moan out of me.
“You’re making it very hard for me to concentrate.” I grip the edge of the sink, still pressing myself into him. Because who am I kidding? I don’t want him anywhere but beside me, even for a moment.
“Sorry. I can’t help myself. You’re so damn irresistible.”
