I clear my throat. “How about we start over?” I hold out my hand. “Hi, I’m Jace Walker, a former Manwhore of La Mancha. I’m twenty-seven and I love coffee, old records, and food in general.” I wink at her. “And I’m your husband.”
Her flush deepens, and she puts her soft hand in mine. “I’m Rory Anderson. I’m twenty-five, a bookworm and lover of classic rock, Pinterest crafts, and vintage clothes.” She nibbles her bottom lip. “And I’m your wife.”
Never get tired of hearing that. “Hi, Rory. I like your long dresses.”
“Hi, Jace,” she whispers. “I like your sense of humor… and I guess your music isn’t so bad.”
I laugh, realizing that the more I spend time with my wife, the more I like her.
18
RORY
The next morning,I’m so cozy and warm. I hug Jace tighter, loving how well we fit together. My leg is tossed over his, and my arm is wrapped around his muscular waist.
And he smells good.
So, so good.
Oh my God, not again.My eyes fly open and I jerk upright. There he is in his shirtless glory, all beautiful and taut, like a Michelangelo in repose.
Jace’s eyes open on a yawn. “Morning.”
“I’m sorry.”
“For what?” He tugs me back down.
“I was wrapped around you.”
“I liked it.” He pulls me closer and tucks my arm over him.
Just like that, I’m burrowed against him again. “Is this weird?”
“Not weird,” he mutters against my head. “Do you like snuggling with me?”
Dang it, I hate admitting this, but I don’t want to lie to him. “Yes.”
“So then there’s nothing wrong. Go back to sleep.”
“Jace.” When he doesn’t respond, I try again. “You swear you’re okay with this?”
He kisses the top of my head. “More than okay.”
“What about the baby?” I try to untangle myself. “Did she get up last night?”
Sighing, he rubs his eyes. “She woke around three, so I fed her, changed her, and rocked her until she fell asleep. Hush before you wake her up.” He tugs me down again, and I relent. Because, yes, I like this. More than I should.
“I could’ve gotten up with her.” You know, since it’s my job.
“No one said you had to watch her around the clock. I don’t mind getting up at night. I like making sure she’s comfortable. Plus, I wanna get as much time with her as possible.”
For a new father who had a baby tossed in his lap, he’s handling this remarkably well. I have to admit that seeing how much he wants to be a good dad is disarming.
So is being tangled up with him in bed.
I lie there stock-still as my thoughts race about how good this feels. About how much I’ve missed being affectionate with a man. About how lonely I’ve been.
Maybe Jace is lonely too. He said casual sex felt hollow and he hasn’t been with a woman in months. Maybe he needs affection.
