Page 30 of Learning at 40

“What does not exactly mean?”

“It means, we didn’t decide to move. We just . . . moved.” This is not a story I want to tell River, especially with the boys in tow, even if one is sleeping and the other is practically sleepwalking. The night is alive with the chirp of cicadas, and the light, late summer breeze chills the air. River goes quiet again.

“Look, it’s not something I like to talk about,” I say, my voice sharper than necessary. She doesn’t respond.

Finally, we near her house.

“Why don’t I walk you home?” she suggests, noting Trevor leaning on her and Oliver continually sliding down my weary arms. Jesus, when did he get so heavy?

I nod in gratitude, once again finding I’m either saying I’m sorry or thank you to her. When we eventually stand before Anna’s front door, River lowers to hug a sleepy Trevor, who collapses against her and probably doesn’t realize she’s hugging him. Standing upright, she kisses the back of Oliver’s head, rubbing a hand down his back afterward. In only days, she’s been sweeter to my boys than their mother had been in seven years.

Last, she looks at me. “Let’s negotiate.”

My brows lift. “What do you mean?”

“You tell me your story, and I’ll watch your boys for a day.”

“No deal.” I scoff. That’s not even a trade-off.

She leans in, lowering her lids. Her gaze lingers on my lips. “What would you like instead?”

“You,” I admit. She wants my story, and I want her, even if it is only a ten-day fling, or eight, or wherever we’re at. After watching her interact with my friends and love on my boys all night, I know there hasn’t been anyone like her in my life.

Anna’s words haunt me. Spend time with the right people.

River is the right person.

“I’ll seek counsel and get back to you.” She winks as I jostle a heavy Oliver to halt his slide down my body.

“You’re terrible at negotiation,” I say with a laugh.

“My grandfather would say, never settle for less than what you want.” Her voice drops to imitate the male figure she mentions. Then she leans forward to kiss my cheek before backing away. “I had fun tonight. I really needed that.”

The comment surprises me, but I don’t have the chance to ask for details before she’s finger waving at Trevor and retreating down the driveway.

Damn, Anna’s right. I really like this woman. I might even be able to love her.

+ + +

Later, the boys are in bed, and I’m pacing my bedroom when I decide to text River, unable to wait out her seek counsel comment.

Me: I couldn’t take the deal. It wasn’t fair. I wouldn’t want my boys to spend a day with you when I haven’t had the chance.

I have River’s number because I left her mine on the day we began building the tree fort. I didn’t want my boys wandering into her yard uninvited, and I especially didn’t want them messing with the tree fort before we had it safely restructured.

She sends me a text in response. Immediately, I glance out my bedroom window like the creepy stalker I’ve become with this woman.

River: Come spend the day with us tomorrow then. I promised the boys a maiden voyage in their new tree fort. Although a voyage suggests a ship, they seem to have a good imagination.

I had a good imagination as well, but it is nothing compared to the reality of my mouth on her. Her lips. Her skin. Her sweet pussy. My dick hardens, and I swipe a hand through my hair. I’m becoming a mess over this woman, but I can’t seem to stop myself. I want her in the time I have here at Lakeside.

Scanning her dark yard again, I don’t see her outside, but suddenly, I need five minutes with her. Maybe ten. I didn’t get a decent good night kiss, and I need one.

Me: I have an imagination, too. I imagine us meeting in your yard in ten minutes.

River: You have quite the imagination then. I’m almost ready for bed.

Dammit, I want to join her there. Even if all I do is wrap myself around her and kiss her, I want to feel her body against mine. It’s been almost twenty-four hours, and that’s been too long.