“Sounds good.”
Before he walks away, he asks, “When can our kids meet, do you think?”
The question catches me off guard because we’ve only had two dates. Granted, we’ve had sex each time, but we’re not committed yet, not enough to introduce him to my kids, especially after my ex abandoned them. I would never do that to them. I would have to be one hundred percent on board with a new partner before there’s any introduction.
“I think we should wait a bit still. Let’s see where this goes first. My kids are still young and…”
“Say no more.”
Leo smiles, presses a kiss to my cheek, and walks off to get dressed.
I sip my coffee and watch him walk away, enjoying his muscular back and bubble butt.
After a quick run, since I rarely get the chance, I take a shower. Before I have to grab my kids from my parents’ house, I head over to Calvin’s place, carrying the tuna casserole I’d made last night. My kids love it, so I’m sure Braeden will, too.
Is it too much? Am I being intrusive? Maybe Leo was right. I barely know Calvin.
This is stupid. It’s only a casserole, not a marriage proposal.
You’re overthinking it, Seth.
I square my shoulders and ring the doorbell.
It doesn’t take long for Calvin to open the door. He looks tired as hell and a bit haggard with dark circles around his eyes. Didn’t he get any sleep?
“Hey,” he says, scanning my face and then looking down at what I’m carrying. “You shouldn’t have.” He winks at me, but there’s no humor in his smirk.
“You look terrible.”
“Gee, way to boost my ego.”
I roll my eyes. “You know what I mean. Anyway, this is for you. I… don’t know if I’m stepping on toes or being intrusive. I thought you’d like a meal, though I’m not sure what you like. Maybe you don’t even like tuna. God, I didn’t even think of that. I was thinking if my kids like it, then perhaps Braeden would, too. Is it too much?”
Calvin’s face lights up, already looking better. “Seriously, what is it about you getting all flustered that makes me so fucking giddy?”
My face heats as it’s prone to doing. I’ve always been a blusher, and I hate it.
Before I can turn on my heels and bury my face in embarrassment, Calvin hooks a finger into the neck of my T-shirt and drags me into his house. I’m not sure why my entire body tingles over it. “Come on in, Tiger. I love tuna.”
As soon as I’m inside, he lets go of my shirt and closes the door behind us.
“Tiger? Really?”
“Yep.” He doesn’t explain, leaving me hanging, but I don’t press it, either. “I haven’t eaten all day. I’m starving. Got a little sidetracked by life.”
“Glad I could be of service, then.”
“You’re amazing. I don’t deserve it, but I’ll take it. Thank you for this.”
As I follow Calvin into the kitchen, I look around his house. The layout is different from mine, and the space is more open. He keeps it neatly furnished with contemporary furniture and art. There are even some sculptures. While it’s attractive, right out of some magazine, it’s also kind of cold. Where are the personal touches? Then again, my place has been touched everywhere by my kids. Dirty handprints have become art on the walls. Toys are my decor.
Still, where’s all the color? He needs color. Everything is white, cream, muted browns, and grays.
Calvin abruptly turns to face me, and I nearly crash into him, but he grabs hold of the casserole dish, keeping me steady and from dropping it. “Slow down there, Tiger.”
I roll my eyes at his new nickname for me, making him grin. God, he loves pushing my buttons, and I make it too easy for him, apparently.
Calvin takes the dish from me, removes the lid, and covers it with tinfoil. Then he preheats his oven. “You’re a lifesaver.”
