Page 100 of Fall Love

When he scoops me up in his arms, he carries me to the swing, where he situates me so my legs drape over his lap. He sets a pillow against the armrest behind my back. Then he leans over me, and we kiss some more, as the swing gently sways in the autumn breeze.

The last time I made out with a boy was in the seventh grade. I can’t remember his name, and it doesn’t matter. No one has ever kissed me the way Tate does. Like he’s truly savoring me. Every soft suck of my lips. Every tender swipe of his tongue. I love it hard and fast with him, but when he takes it soft and slow . . . I just melt.

My cold heart becomes a puddle.

We don’t do more than kiss, as it’s only been three weeks since I had Wren. Still, the kiss might be more of a turn-on than sex. The way his hand skims my hip, and his chest presses over mine. The way my legs fit over his lap. The way his mouth recognizes mine.

With the first squawk from Wren, we pull apart, both of us breathing heavily. His forehead comes to mine, and I cup his cheeks.

“So, Elvis,” I state again. “Sounds like this year’s Halloween costume.”

He chuckles and pulls back, his eyes full of desire and laughter. “Wanna have sex with Elvis?”

I laugh. I want to have sex with him, and I look forward to doing it again soon. No repeats might have been my motto in the past, but with Tate, I only want to experience him again and again.

“Just you,” I whisper, letting my fingers coast down his jaw to his neck.

“Sounds good,” he says, leaning in for another kiss. “Soon.” He smiles against my mouth.

When Wren cries again, we know she isn’t going to settle back to sleep.

“Think she needs to eat?” he asks, glancing over his shoulder.

“Probably.”

“I’ll get her.” He gives me one more kiss, then says, “Stay here.”

Within minutes, he’s back with Wren and a large plaid blanket. He hands me Wren, who I position at my breasts, after unbuttoning his shirt. Tate sits next to me, tossing the blanket over both of us, and wraps his arm around my shoulders.

The gentle slurps from Wren mingle with the hum of Elvis crooning a tune.

“Hungry girl,” he says, swiping his hand through his hair.

She’s not the only one. I’m hungry for the hunk sitting beside me. I should have known he was up to something when he sent me to the shower and told me to take my time, no rush. Then he suggested a dress which I don’t have here, because I still have my own house. Most of my belongings are still there, but I quickly release the thought.

“Thank you,” I say, glancing at him, taking in his long lashes and scruff-covered jaw.

He smiles at me, but his eyes say he doesn’t know what for.

“For tonight. For all the nights. For being here with me. With Wren.”

“Nowhere else I want to be.” He kisses my forehead, and as much as I usually hate forehead kisses, I hate them a little less when they come from Tate.

Tate leaves late Sunday night so he can be in the office on Monday morning. That first night alone, I feel lost without him. His house suddenly doesn’t feel as comfortable in his absence.

The other side of his absence is the realization that I miss Tate. I miss him desperately, even though it hasn’t even been twenty-four hours. And it isn’t just because he’s so helpful with Wren.

I miss his existence in the house. The quiet knowledge he is there, even if he’s behind closed doors working. I miss his chatter with Wren and his morning greeting to me. The way we’ve become accustomed to sharing coffee or pumpkin pancakes. The way he takes one more kiss before he swears he’s locking himself in his office to work. The way he holds Wren and loves her as much as I do.

I need to get out of the house for a while, or I’ll go crazy with this new sensation.

Missing him.

Lumi and Isolde both work, but I ask Lumi if I can come over for a visit in the late afternoon, just to give myself some distance from the house. I haven’t left it in weeks, other than for Wren’s checkup.

As I drive away from the house in the SUV Tate left behind, infant seat already properly installed, all I can think about is his invitation.

Move in with me.