Page 89 of That Rush

“You were also bossy.”

“You needed both.”

Her smile turns warm and private. “Maybe.”

I want to stay here all morning, proving just how much she likes the combination. Instead, I glance at the clock.

“I need to leave in about ten minutes to make it home by nine for Josie.”

“You never have to justify going home to your daughter.”

“I just want you to know the plan.” My thumb moves over her knee. “I’m not going to walk out without telling you. Last night was more than borrowing your bed.”

Paige covers my hand with hers. “I didn’t think that.”

“Good. I still want you to know.”

We clear the table together. She rinses while I load the dishwasher, turning the first plate so it faces the direction she wants. I set the rest the same way. Her look tells me she notices.

At the door, Paige slips her feet into sandals, then disappears down the hall. She returns carrying the paperback from her nightstand.

She holds it against my chest. “Take this.”

I look at the bare-chested man on the cover. “You’re sending me home with homework?”

“You keep making claims about being better than fictional men. You should understand the competition.”

I turn the book over, reading the back cover. “Is there anything useful in here?”

“Chapter twelve has potential.”

“Potential?”

“The execution could use work.”

I tuck the book beneath my arm. “I’ll study it.”

“I thought you might.”

On the porch, I pulled her close and kissed her slowly. She tasted like coffee. Her hands slid beneath my shirt, and the need to stay was a physical pull. That’s how I knew I had to leave. I drew back before I could convince myself Josie could wait. “Next Friday.”

“That sounded like a demand.”

“It was a request.”

“You’ve hidden the question well.”

I brush my thumb over her lower lip. One Friday at a time has gotten me here. I already know I will spend the next six days wanting more.

“I want every Friday you’re willing to give me.”

Paige rises onto her toes and kisses me once more. “You can keep earning them.”

Chapter 12

Paige

Josie arrives for story hour wearing so much glitter it threatens to buckle her name tag.