I close my eyes and absorb his tender, charming, romantic words. In another world, I’d spin around, throw my arms around his neck, and declare my true feelings. In another world, we’d merge our little families and live out our days happily ever after. In another world, I’d finally pick the right guy, leaving the string of wrong ones in my wake.
And the truth is, I want him too. For as long as I can have him. Which may only be for a few more days.
I already know I’ll come back tonight. And tomorrow. And Friday. I’ll come up and draw out every last ounce of whatever this is. Because whatever this is, it’s more amazing than anything I’ve ever been a part of.
Extracting myself from him and crossing the room, I hesitate at his door before turning with a sultry grin. “See you at midnight.”
“Not if I see you at dinner first. Say six-thirty? I’m making enchiladas.”
I should say no. It’s all starting to feel so domestic. So routine. So… damn right.
“Say yes, Kenna.”
I’m honestly not sure I can deny this man anything after what he did to me mere hours ago. I quietly open his door and give him his answer. “I’ll bring the wine.”
~ ~ ~
I’ve practically floated through the day. I didn’t even get frustrated with Amelia when more of her lunch ended up on the floor than in her mouth. Because I’m riding a serious high.
Last night was different from the previous one. The first time we were together was fun and flirty. Last night was slow. Deliberate. Emotional.
I squirm in my chair wondering what it will be like tonight. Will it be a repeat of one of the past two nights, or will he show me yet another side of himself? Fantasies roll on an endless reel through my head.
I’m pulled from them when my phone pings. My heart beats a little faster wondering if Carter is texting me. Upping his game perhaps. But my temporary excitement fades when I see it’s not that. It’s not that at all. It’s a banking notification.
My heart sinks. I’d almost forgotten what today’s date was. I stare at my bank balance, knowing good and well what this means for me. I glance at my daughter—what this means for us.
Damning my phone for ruining my good spirits, I decide Amelia and I need to get out of the house. Enjoy this unseasonably nice day.
“Let’s go to the park,” I announce, as if it’s been my intention all along, and not just a distraction from… everything.
“Yes.” She claps and runs for her coat.
“Bathroom first, okay?”
“Okay, Mommy.”
Ten minutes later, Amelia is going down the big slide and I’m shedding my coat. It’s fifty degrees and sunny. I close my eyes and tilt my head to the sun.
“Watch me, Mommy. Watch me.”
“Sure thing, baby.”
“Kenna?”
I turn to see Ava Criss pushing a stroller. “Hi, Ava.” She sits on the bench next to me and I smile at baby Jordan. “Hey, sweet cheeks.” I look up at Ava. “It’s hard to even remember when Amelia was that little. The time goes by so fast.”
“It sure does. Do you want to hold her?”
“Could I?”
“Of course.” She unbuckles Jordan and lifts her out, handing her to me.
The whiff of baby assaults my nostrils, and I could swear my ovaries explode. Jesus, the last thing in the world I should be thinking about is bringing another child into it. But why then, when I look down into her little cherub face, do I see it morph into one that’s a cross between Carter and me?
“I could hold her all day.”
“Same,” she says. “It never gets old.”
