The rain pounds against the windows. Lightning cracks along the sky, illuminating the mountains in the distance. Sitting in my oversized leather chair, I sip on my bourbon.
Joey is still sound asleep, her soft body curled around the pillow. Her back is to me, bare from the sheet sliding down.
It’s late. Well after midnight. After another two rounds, the two of us crashed. My body is used and tired in the best way.
I never thought that I would get her all to myself tonight. Hell, even well into tomorrow. I hate that we only get stolen moments together.
It makes me wish we could have more. Have nights like this all the time. Wrapped up in one another with no deadline.
“Hey.”
Her voice is scratchy and coated with sleep when I turn to face her.
“Hey, darlin’.”
Sitting up, she grabs the blanket on the end of the bed and wraps it around herself before coming over and taking a seat on my lap.
“How long have you been awake?”
I press a kiss to her jaw. “Not long. I didn’t want to wake you.”
“You seem to be thinking awfully hard over here.” She brushes her fingers over my forehead.
“Just enjoying the night.”
“You sure?” she asks. A look of concern washes over her face.
“I’m sure.” This time, I kiss her on the lips. It’s soft and tender. Nothing like the kisses we shared earlier, but no less intense.
Her forehead drops to mine, breath ghosting over my lips.
“You know, you can tell me anything. I don’t scare easy.”
“Is that so?” I smirk at her. “What happened to bugs?”
“That’s just mean.”
“Tell me something else then.”
“What do you want to know?” she asks.
“Whatever happened to Max’s dad?” I drag a finger along her calf.
Joey grabs my drink and finishes it before setting the glass on the small table next to the chair. “It was some guy I dated a few times in college. I tried to make things work with him for Max’s sake after I found out I was pregnant, but he didn’t want anything to do with him. He was more interested in chasing ass than a toddler.”
“I’m sorry. Some days, it feels like all we can do is our best.”
“I guess it was for the best that it happened now when Max didn’t really know him, but I wish he had a dad.”
“He still has your brother and dad. It’s not like he doesn’t have people who care about him.”
“I know, but it feels different somehow.”
“I get it,” I say. Because I do. “I wasn’t always the best father to Lennox. Not only did she lose her mother, but she lost me in a way.”
“Didn’t you say we’re all doing the best we can? I couldn’t imagine what you were going through—grieving and trying to raise your daughter.”
It’s something I never talk about. Not with anyone. They were dark days. But there is something about Joey that makes it easy to open up.
