Page 109 of My Favorite Boss

“What about children?”

“I don’t want kids,” I replied honestly.

“Why?”

“Magnolia, I have no idea how to be a father. If I’d make a good one. My childhood was so awful, I have no clue how to nurture a child.” I paused. “If I could even love them.”

“I think you could learn. And I think if you open yourself up, you could love them.”

“It’s not a chance I want to take.” I swallowed. “But you want kids, I assume.”

“I’m not sure. But I do know I want the option if I decide.”

I wasn’t sure what to say. “Maybe we could revisit that subject.” It was all I could offer. I couldn’t see changing my mind, but we could discuss it.

She turned in my arms. “Why?” she asked again. “Why do you want to marry me? You can get companionship with someone else.”

“No. Because of your heart. How you care. How you love. I might not be able to do it, but with you, it’s effortless. You offer love so freely. In your touch. Your actions.”

“And what would I get from it?”

“Security. Wealth. Permanent custody of Hedgy.” I paused, dipping down and kissing her. “Of me.”

“But not your heart.”

“There are other parts of me so much more useful, Myers.” I dragged my mouth down her neck. “So much more enjoyable.”

She whimpered, and I took the opportunity to cover her mouth with mine, kissing her until she was shaking in my arms.

“Think about it,” I begged.

“Okay.”

I took that as progress. It wasn’t a yes, but I had a feeling it would be soon enough.

Chapter Twenty-Three

MAGNOLIA

He didn’t say it back.

He said he can’t love.

He can care.

I rolled over carefully, looking at Alex in the dim light of the morning. Asleep, he looked younger, less stressed. Not stern and uptight, but almost peaceful.

The missing scowl and furrows on his forehead helped. So did the kitten curled up by his neck.

Before I could stop myself, I lifted my hand and drifted my fingers over his cheek. Traced his jawline gently. Touched his hair. His skin was rougher than mine, the scruff on his chin scratchy. His hair was soft, though.

As soft as the heart I thought he was hiding.

He did care. But there was more. I saw it when he couldn’t let Hedgy go to an unknown future. I saw it when he spoke with my father, careful and gentle.

I felt it when he held me. Every single time.

And I felt it when I held him.