Page 43 of Playing With Forever

“Perhaps,” I allowed. “But you had no idea I’d react the way I did because you didn’t know I’d have a visceral reaction to being told what to do. Now that you know, I don’t think you’ll come at me like that again but instead come to me and discuss what you need from me. But I need you to know that after you left Monday and I had a minute to breathe, I understood the difference between Dameon being an ass and you being worried. I don’t want you to think you’ll be paying for my ex’s sins for the duration of our relationship.”

“I appreciate you letting me off the hook, Josie. But that doesn’t excuse me storming into your office. I should’ve taken a minute to calm down. I also shouldn’t’ve made you pay for my family’s shit and dysfunction. I also said something pretty shitty about taking me as I come. And while that may be partially true, it’s not the whole truth, and bottom line, it was a fucked thing to say. I apologize.”

I didn’t mean to blink, but I couldn’t help it. In all my years of marriage, Dameon had never apologized for anything other than the times I caught him cheating. Not that those were real admissions of wrongdoing and remorse, but he’d said the words ‘I’m sorry’ twice in our years together.

“I hope you get I’m⁠—”

“It feels really good to have the man I’m coming to care a great deal about,” I started, using his words from Monday. “Be man enough to own up to something he’s done, even if he doesn’t need forgiveness.”

“I take it your ex wasn’t big on apologies.”

“Just when his wife caught him fucking other women.”

Evan’s head twitched, then he smiled, and I knew why.

“Don’t think I’ve ever heard you say fuck, baby.”

Yes, well, Kane says it enough for the entire population of Georgia. Add you into the mix, and the two of you have the Eastern Seaboard covered.

“I’d like to meet your sons.”

I blinked away the sudden wetness that was gathering in my eyes.

“I’d like that,” I whispered.

“We’ll make it happen. You, me, the boys, Carrie, and Lindy. Either here or my house, we’ll do a big family dinner.”

A family dinner.

Family.

And he remembered Carrie.

Lindy and my boys together.

“My boys will love Lindy. DJ will big brother her to death. Kane will, too, but he’ll tease her relentlessly like he does with Carrie. And Carrie will pretend to be annoyed with their antics, but she loves when we’re all together. She lost her parents when she was in college, so we’re all she has, and she’s not stingy with her love. She’ll adore Lindy.”

When I was done, Evan was smiling, but it looked almost sad.

“I could fall in love with you.” His rumbly tone felt like velvet when it hit me. “I don’t wanna freak you out, but I’m pretty sure my girl already does, and you give her brothers however they come to her, she’ll never let you go, Josie.”

I could fall in love with you, too, I thought.

“I don’t want to be let go.”

“Good, baby, because Lindy’s not the only one planning on keeping you.”

I stared at the man sitting across from me, wondering if I’d just lied to myself—could I love him, or was I already falling?

“Set that up soon,” he ordered.

“Soon, Evan, I promise.”

And I would. I’d call the boys tomorrow and demand a visit. Not that I’d have to demand anything once I told them I’d met someone, both of them would make the trek to Hollow Point.

“I’ll get out and clean up. You want a glass of wine or more another water.”

I hesitated. I knew he saw the wine sitting on the counter, but he’d also said his ex liked to drink.