She sputtered with laughter. “Shut up and get over here. We really do have to talk.”
I fell down beside her, flinching at the way the damp fabric of my underwear clung to my skin. Mazzy took my hand and held it on her lap, quickly distracting me. Her thumb stroked along my knuckles as she bit her bottom lip.
“I like you, Ben.” She rolled her eyes. “I mean, that’s obvious.”
“It’s good to hear you say anyway.” I canted my upper body toward her, bumping her shoulder. “For the record, I like you too, Mazz.”
“Well, we have that part right.” She pulled in a deep breath and let it out. “I don’t know what dating looks like with a kid, but I would like to try. I have a stipulation, though.”
“Let me hear it.”
“We have to sort out our custody agreement first. In case things don’t work out between us, there won’t be any question—no woman scorned or vengeful father.”
“That’s not us,” I argued.
“I would hope not, but you never know.” She held our hands to her stomach. “I don’t want even a second of doubt between us. If either of us wants to end things, we can do that without worrying about what might happen with Katty. And I know it sounds like I’m jumping the gun since we haven’t even been out on a date—”
“You aren’t jumping the gun. I have been going out of my mind for weeks about you. This isn’t a whim.”
I wasn’t a paperwork guy. I left that kind of thing to my brothers. But Mazzy was right. Not about us ending. But if we had an agreement, I’d never question if she was with me so shedidn’t lose time with Katty. No questions. Nothing hanging over our heads. It made sense to have everything in writing.
“That’s good to know,” she said.
“My lawyer has the agreement. I’m sure he’ll want to make tweaks so he can charge me his exorbitant hourly rate, but I’ll instruct him to call your lawyer so we can get this done soon.”
“Thank you, Benny.”
I lifted our joined hands to my mouth and nibbled her index finger. “I meansoon, Mazz.”
“Too bad you’re going to Chicago tomorrow. We might’ve been able to fit you in.”
I bit her hand a little harder, making her yelp. “Monday. I’m showing up at your office, with or without an appointment.”
“Wow, you’re really kind of desperate, aren’t you?”
With my free hand, I snagged the back of her neck, bringing her forehead to mine. “You have no idea. I want you, Mazzy Belle. I spent all night thinking I was too late, and your aunt and cousin had me convinced Carrot was going to make his move—”
She burst out laughing. “What are you talking about? Garrett and his girlfriend go to Aunt Barb’s church. Sheknowshe has zero interest in me.”
I stared at her in horror. “Did Aunt Barb play me? Did sheplayme, Mazz?”
“It seems she did.” Her brow dropped. “Don’t tell me you’re mad.”
“I’m mad like a Hatter, but I’m not angry. Honestly, I’m impressed with how slick they both were. I guess fiendery runs in the family.”
She pointed to herself. “Adopted, remember? I’m not blood related to them.”
“Nurture over nature, baby.” I winked. “Luckily, Katty has me around to be a good influence.”
“Yeah.” Her smile softened. “She really is lucky you’re around. We both are.”
“Don’t be sweet when I’m forced to wait at least a week to properly have you.” Despite myself, I leaned down and touched my lips to hers. “Don’t worry, baby. This is going to be good. We’ve got this.”
Her eyes found mine. “You sound so sure.”
“I am.” I cupped her cheek. “Who got you through that near plane crash?”
Her nose crinkled. “The pilot…and you.”
