“You don’t have to walk me in,” Noa protests as I help her out of the vehicle and follow her up the steps and into the school.“I’m fine, Carmine.”The secret smile she tries to hide tells me she enjoys the attention, though.
When she’s seated inside, I pull her closer in her chair as I lean down, pressing my lips to hers, while saying, “I know you’re fine, mama, but I’m going to do it anyway.”
Sealing our mouths together, she’s surprised into a gasp that provides me deeper access.She tastes like honey and cinnamon.Addicting and delicious.I intensify the kiss, forging on until she lets out a little moan and reaches up to grab the front of my shirt, pulling me closer.
Ignoring the presence I sense behind me, I say, “To be clear, my room is our room, and from tonight forward, you’re in bed with me.”When she tries to protest, I press my lips to hers again and whisper, “We won’t do anything you don’t want, but I get the pleasure of holding you against me every night from now on.”
Letting out a breathy sigh, she shocks me when she agrees.“Yes, Carmine.I think I might like that.”
Standing straight, I rub my thumb along her moistened lip, and her tongue trails after it.“I’ll be here at three.”
CHAPTER10
Noa
“Are you ever going to spill the beans on who that hunk of danger was this morning?”My co-worker Jenny slides her butt onto the edge of my desk, looking for details.
“The father,” I confess, no longer trepidatious about thinking of him that way, because Carmine has truly stepped up and shown he wants us.There’s still the niggling fear that it’s only because of the baby, but then I remember when he showed up the first day, uncertain if the baby was his but still wanting us.
“Whoa, girl, you lucked out.That baby is going to be a gorgeous little one.”Frowning, I don’t like the way she’s thinking of Carmine.
“I suppose so.”
“Besides, he looked like a lot more than just the father with the way you two were lip-locked in here this morning, and then the way he watched you until he couldn’t anymore.The man is possessed.”Knowing she’s trying to be cute and playful doesn’t help the sudden jealousy I feel.
“Could be.”Answering noncommittally is the only way I know to protect myself.
“What do the kids think of him?”Jenny has two children around Joey and Kylie’s ages, so we’ve had a few playdates in the past and will likely have more in the future.
“Joey is still guarded, but Kylie and Emma adore him.”Admittedly, that’s why it’s become easier to allow myself to believe we have a future together.Joey is the only reason my heart still protests.
Jenny hums before sharing, “Kids know things,” and leaving.
Like I don’t already know that.Mine all know more than they should.Their lives haven’t been the easiest, and even now, we’re all still navigating our way through.
The afternoon passes slower than the morning did, and by the time last period nears its end, I’m close to passing out.I did some reading today.It said that pregnancy with boys can sometimes be more exhausting than with girls, and at the moment, I’m convinced this baby is a boy, because how can there be a deeper level of fatigue if it’s not?
My head nods back and forth as I register a masculine chuckle followed by warm hands on my cheek and neck.Recognizing that it’s Carmine makes it easier to keep my eyes closed and just enjoy his touch for the moment.
“You’re too fucking adorable, mama.”His lips press to mine, and my entire body perks up a little more.
“Mmm, more like frumpy,” I correct him.I wasn’t pleased with my weight gain at today’s OB appointment, but there’s not much I can do when I’m creating a life.
“Beautiful to me.But we need to talk about what you’ve been sleeping in.”Embarrassment turns my face tomato-red.“There’s no more of that.No more sacrificing because the kids need something.”My eyes open, tears clinging to my lashes, seeing the concern etched on his handsome face.“I get why you’ve been doing it, but tonight that stops.Got it?”
I nod as the bell rings, and he grabs my bag from under the desk, then helps me to my feet.
Waving goodbye to Jenny, she shoots me a wink, obviously hinting at how hot she thinks Carmine is, and as I walk beside him, I can see why.Well, I’ve always seen why.He’s got perfect bone structure, there’s only a small hint of grey in his short, coffee-colored hair and perfectly groomed beard.He seems to have a beautiful golden tan all year round, and those full lips that I know are built for pleasure make my mouth water.But it’s his electrifying jade-green eyes that have always held me hostage.They hold secrets and depths that I’ll likely never touch.When they’re warm and affectionate, I forget about everything else in the world.I know that when he’s watching me, I command his absolute attention.
“You’re staring,” he smirks.
“Daydreaming.”
He opens the car door for me, buckles me in, and tosses my bag in the back.We’ve barely pulled away from school, and I already feel sleep catching up with me as my eyes close.The next thing I know, I’m being woken up by a kiss.
“Feel like sleeping beauty.”I smile against Carmine’s lips, and he chuckles.
“You certainly are.”His tongue licks at my lower lip as he unbuckles me and draws back enough for me to look beyond him to see the kid’s school.“We’re here.”
