She hesitates, like she wants to press the conversation further, but I’m not in the mood to explain my trauma. Not now. Not this early.
I just like to feelalive. And when the needle plunges into my skin, it reminds me that I’m still capable offeeling—even after my daughter’s death tried to take that away from me.
She blushes and nods, looking away.
The shirt she wore to bed barely covers her ass, and I watch as her milky thighs walk toward the bathroom.
I only turn my gaze away when Charlie stretches in her cot. She looks over at her mother and then at me. I smile at her. “Good morning, little one.”
She does another big stretch and climbs out of the bed. Her stomach growls as soon as her feet hit the floor, and I can’t help but laugh. That is why I sent Blake to the bathroom to get ready. She didnt need to tell me she was hungry, her stomach made me very aware of that fact.
By the time Blake is done in the bathroom, I am fully dressed, and Charlie is pulling on her shoes.
“You guys are ready to go that fast?” She looks over at Charlie. “You didn’t even brush your teeth yet, young lady.”
Charlie gives her a broad smile and rushes to the bathroom to do what her mother says.
I smirk at Blake as she tries to pull her shirt below her ass and fails. “Would you like me to leave the room to give you some privacy?” I ask.
She stares at me for a moment and then shakes her head. “Fuck it.”
She yanks her shirt over her head and tosses it onto the bed, leaving her perfect curves on display like a goddamn feast. My mouth salivates immediately, and I take a step closer to her. Charlie’s singing from the bathroom drags me back to reality, reminding me that now is not the time to lose control. Not,yet. I need to get this woman alone. I am going to devour her.
A low grunt rumbles in my chest as I force myself to stay put. “Do you like teasing me?”
She looks over her shoulder at me with a knowing smile. “Maybe.”
I exhale sharply, shaking my head. “Well, you go ahead and have your fun. I’ll have my fun later.” I wink at her and wait for her to dress before heading toward the door.
I haven’t slept that well in a long time. Having Blake wrapped in my arms as I fell asleep brought me a peace that I haven’t felt in a long time. Usually, my nights are filled with nightmares that I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy. But with her, I slept a dreamless sleep.
I hold the door open for both of them to walk through before following behind them down the hallway.
I know this was supposed to be temporary, but I need to find a way to get her to stay. She said she didn’t have anywhere to go; maybe I can play off of that. But I don’t want her to stay out of desperation, I need her to want to stay. How would that affect my lifestyle? Would she be able to handle this life if I asked her to? The thought of her and Charlie living with me brings awarmness to my heart that I didn’t think was possible to ever feel again. It’s almost as if a new family is sitting right on the edge of my vision and all I have to do is reach out and touch it.
As we walk into the living room, a bunch of patrons litter the couches and floor, sleeping off the night before. Sam is standing in the kitchen making breakfast for the group.
“How did you guys sleep?” Sam asks with a wiggle of her brow at me.
Blake blushes and I clear my throat. “We both slept fine, thank you.”
“Good, do you want something to eat?” Sam asks Blake, who nods and takes a seat at the bar. She helps Charlie onto the chair next to her.
“You are just the sweetest thing I ever did see,” Sam says, giving Charlie her full attention.
Charlie giggles and hides her face behind Blake’s arm.
“Hey now, we are supposed to be best friends, little Charlie. You know what that means?” Sam smiles.
Charlie shakes her head.
“Well, it means that you get to pick whatever you want for breakfast, and I will make it just for you,” Sam whispers across the island.
Charlie’s face lights up as she contemplates what she wants. “Can I have pancakes?”
Sam gasps. “That is my favorite! Of course, you can have pancakes.”
Charlie dances in her chair and then looks over at her mother before looking back at Sam. “Can I help you?” Charlie asks Sam.
