Maybe that’s why I’ve felt a strange pull toward him from the very beginning.
Because the way my body melts into him, the way being in his arms feels like home isn’t normal.
But before I can attempt to figure out these warring emotions, he drops his hold on me, stepping back.
“Sorry. I don’t know why I?—”
“It’s okay,” I rush out, a sudden chill washing over me. “Should we head back?”
“Yeah.”
It’s silent as we walk in the direction of his car, both of us mindful to keep a respectful amount of space between us. Obsessively so.
But all I can think of is how perfect it felt to be in his arms for those few seconds.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
HAYDEN
“Ro-Ro!”Jemmy squeals the second I step through the front door with Rowan.
Presley’s head snaps up from where she’s sitting on the floor beside him. For half a second, she freezes. Then she jumps to her feet and darts across the room.
Rowan barely has time to brace herself before Presley wraps her arms around her middle, holding tight.
“I missed you, too, sweet girl,” Rowan says softly, kissing the top of Presley’s head like it’s the most natural thing in the world.
My chest immediately tightens at the sight of them together.
I’ve never seen Presley cling to anyone like this. Not my sister. Not my mom. Not even me. I still struggle towrap my head around the fact that this woman was a complete stranger mere days ago.
But in that short time, she’s ingrained herself into our lives to the point that my kids can’t imagine life without her.
How is that possible?
Maybe that’s just who Rowan is, easily able to draw people to her.
Hell, she drew me in, too, despite fighting it.
I’mstillfighting it.
Every morning in the shower.
And sometimes at night, too.
Across the room, I catch my mother’s eye.
She doesn’t say a word, but the look she gives me is unmistakable.
I told you so.
I heave a sigh and look away.
She’s right. I know she is. Watching Presley melt into Rowan like this makes it impossible to deny.
Rowan is absolutely in my kids’ best interests.
Even if I’m starting to suspect she might not be in mine, simply because I can’t stop thinking about her.
