Page 46 of The Image of You

I could make it happen faster—pay her monetary debt and help her exorcise her mental responsibility, but I held my tongue. It was too soon for that.

“Good,” I muttered instead.

“I know you don’t understand, Adam, but she’s my mother.”

I stroked her cheek, tamping down my irritation. “You’re right. I don’t understand. Because she shouldn’t treat you like this. She should support you.” I murmured. “You should never have been made to feel as though you had to do this in the first place.”

Turning her face, she kissed my palm.

“Why did you think I’d think less of you?”

“Because I’m taking the easy way out. Or at least, delaying the inevitable.”

“I think you’re brave and wonderful. I also think you’re finally getting to the point you need to do this—it’s time you live for you.” I paused. “I didn’t know Ollie, but I think he’d want that for you.”

She curled into me, her head burrowed in my chest, and I held her tight, knowing she needed my closeness and support.

She’d needed that for a long time. I’d give it to her freely and without question.

Before I drove her home, she helped me wash the sheets and make up the bed. Watching her effortlessly stuff a king-sized duvet into the cover and smooth it out without breaking a sweat was amazing. She laughed as she watched me try to imitate the way she tucked the sheets in place and fluffed the duvet on the end of the bed, standing back and admiring her handiwork. She made me move the bed twice until she was satisfied it was “in the right place.” I didn’t care; I liked her bossing me around.

I had to admit it looked good—and very inviting. So inviting, I tackled her onto the smooth sheets and kissed her passionately as we rolled around the large mattress, messing it up. When she finally escaped my clutches, her eyes were twinkling as she looked at the bed, scolding me and shaking her finger, trying to sound serious.

I propped myself up on my elbow, leering at her. “I like it better like this.”

“Why?”

I picked up a pillow and inhaled. “The sheets smell like you now. I imagine this is how the bed will look after we make love. Rumpled and messy.” I arched my eyebrow. “And smelling like us.”

Her eyes widened, and she hurried to the bathroom, leaving me laughing at her reaction.

When she emerged, damp and clean, her hair neatly plaited into a long braid down her back, she was wearing my T-shirt and a pair of sweats I found for her.

She was quiet as I drove her to her place. The closer we got, the tenser she became. When we pulled up outside, I turned to her, ghosting my finger down her cheek. “Do you want me to come with you?”

“No!”

“I will.”

Her expression softened. “I know you would. But I have to do this on my own.”

“Will you call me when you’re done?”

“Yes.”

I leaned over and held her face between my hands. “If you need me, text or call. I’ll come get you, no matter what.”

“Thank you.”

I brushed my lips to hers. “Anything, Ally.”

She slipped out of the car, her brilliant gown clutched in her arms, wearing my clothes and a pair of high heels. She looked odd and utterly perfect.

I hated to see her walk away.

By the time I got home, I had a return call about the benefit on Thursday. They were beyond ecstatic for my last-minute contribution to the live auction segment of the evening and were thrilled to have me be part of the event. They were more than happy to accommodate my request for two tickets and to make sure I was seated at the same table as Elena Ames. I decided I wanted to meet the one person who seemed to care about Ally. The other ticket was for a table far away from me, just as I requested.

Then I got to work on the item I’d be donating. As I skimmed through my photos, I paused on one I had taken of Ally this morning. She was nestled against the headboard on her side, her hair fanned out all around her, her face not visible. The ragged neckline of my T-shirt had fallen away, exposing the curve of her shoulder, and the hint of her rounded breast. The pose and the coloring were an erotic visual. High on her shoulder were seven dark freckles in the shape of a V that stood out in vivid detail against the ivory of her skin, adding another element of sexiness. The sun was just rising, the rays of light highlighting her hair.