“Thanks,” I said.
I wasn’t sure what the protocol was for sharing a bathroom with a man I didn’t know well, but he eased my mind when he said, “I’m going to use the one in the hall.”
“Okay.”I closed the bathroom door but didn’t lock it.His bathroom was clean and organized.The sink was free of toothpaste globs, and the toilet lid was closed.Even though it appeared as though he didn’t share a bathroom with his daughter, it was obvious he was careful about cleaning up after himself.
I finished using the bathroom, washed my hands, and left the bathroom in search of my clothes.With the exception of my shirt, my clothes were on the bed in view of the door.Based on the sounds coming from the kitchen, Josh was out there.
I dressed from the waist down and walked out of his room.He turned when I got closer, his gaze drifting to my bare breasts.He held out my shirt, smiling when I reached for it and he pulled it back.
He chuckled, holding my shirt above my head as I plastered myself to him in an attempt to grab it.He kissed me quickly, then handed over my shirt.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.Coffee is almost ready.If you’re okay waiting a minute.”
“Sure.It’s not like I have a job to get to.”
“Rub it in,” he said with a growl and a grin.
I smiled and turned to his living room.I didn’t explore his house when I was there the night before or on our way in, but his view was impossible to resist.“You have a great view of the lake.”
He moved to stand next to me.“I do.I love it here.”
“It’s peaceful.”
He exhaled a laugh.“Yes, it is.”
I looked up at him.“I understand why you bought this house.”
“Actually, I grew up here.My parents passed a while ago, and I inherited the house.I’ve always lived in Amethyst Bay.When Hannah and I were first married, we rented a little house in town, but I’ve never lived anywhere other than this town.”
“I don’t blame you.”I tore my gaze from the view and looked around his living room.Pictures of Evie growing up were prominent, but so were other pictures and mementos from his life.A picture I assumed was of his parents held a place of prominence on one of the bookshelves flanking a wood-burning fireplace.
I moved closer to look at the other things there, finding a small ferry, a few trophies, and lots more pictures.A framed college acceptance letter had a picture of Evie with a shocked look on her smiling face.
“You captured the moment she got her acceptance?”I asked.
He met my gaze from where he stood in the kitchen.His posture softened.“I did.She was sure she wouldn’t get in anywhere, but that was always her first choice school.The letter came in the mail, and I had my phone ready just in case.”
“That’s a great picture.”
He moved closer, holding two mugs.“Thanks.”
“She’s lucky to have you.”
He nodded.“She’s the best thing that ever happened to me.”
I sipped my coffee to hide the grimace I knew was on my face.Did that mean Josh wanted more kids?Would he pressure me if we stayed together?Would he accept that I didn’t want kids?
And the big question…
Would I be around for any of it to matter?
Twelve
After I left Josh’s,I knew I needed to get out of the house.Sitting around all day gave me way too much time for thinking, and I did not need that when my thoughts about my future were spiraling the way they were.
I was dressed and ready for more coffee when Ashlyn emerged from her room.
