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I always have.
And Max is especially adorable. He’s a friendly kid and these days, I’ve taken to dropping him off at school and picking him up. Caleb doesn’t mind since he gets along with Max as well. Tracy wasn’t very sure in the beginning but I swore up and down that the school was on our way. But it also allows her to get some extra rest.
I wonder if she’s realized how involved I’ve become in both hers and Max’s life. I’m always there to pick her up after her night shift and when she asks when I sleep, I don’t tell her that I don’t sleep that much. Nightmares haunt me once my eyes close and I much prefer her presence as compared to those dreams of blood and regret.
As I help Max with his homework, I catch Tracy watching us every now and then, a strange expression on her face. I wonder what she’s thinking. It also surprises me someone like her hasn’t been nailed down by someone.
I get the opportunity to ask her this once Max runs off, finished with his homework. He wheedles a promise of playing some football with him before I go.
“Tracy?”
“Hmm?” She’s slicing some bell pepper and she doesn’t look up.
That gives me the confidence to ask, “This may sound rude but how come nobody has put a ring on your finger yet?”
Tracy pauses and then looks up. She doesn’t look offended in the least, just calm. “I haven’t let anyone.”
“How come?”
“Why?” she asks in a somewhat mocking tone. “You interested?”
Her taunting tone puts me on edge and I find myself tilting my head to study her. “What if I am?”
I see the shock on her face and then a sharp awareness as she swallows. But she doesn’t back out, narrowing her eyes at me. “Then, I’ll have to hose you down.”
I let out a laugh, and reach out and pull her into my arms. “Really?” My tone is playful and she relaxes as I bracket my arms around her waist, holding her effectively a prisoner. “You’ll hose me down?”
“Yes, I will.” But her breathing is unsteady as she says it and her eyes are darkening. “I don’t trust men.”
“Does that mean you don’t trust me as well?”
“You’re different from the other men I’ve met in my life,” she says, pinching my cheeks. “You’re adorable and cute.” She turns her head to give me a wink.
“I’m a man,” I point out, insulted. “Look at my body.”
She puts her hand on my bicep and grins. “Ooh, so big.”
My smile slides off and I pull her closer. Gone is the playful atmosphere and there’s something heavier in the air, a dangerous desire.
“I have to put my son first,” Tracy murmurs, not protesting about how close I am to her.
“I know.”
“A relationship is the last thing I need at the moment Duke.” Her voice is a little husky.
“I like your kid and I like you, as well. Both of you are becoming very important to me, Tracy. And it’s scary. It’s something new to me.”
She shakes her head as her hands clutch on my shirt, and she begs. “Don’t do this, Duke. I can’t afford you.” While she’s staring me straight in the eyes, her mouth is descending on mine brushing over my lips. It’s hot and wet.
My heart decides to skip a beat not expecting her to kiss me. I take in her hypnotic floral scent that is driving me crazy and taste her lips. I pull her in claiming her mouth at the beginning softer, later more intense. A moan escapes her lips and while her knees give in, she clutches my shirt harder. My whole body is washed over by a wave of warmth. My hand goes over to her hair taking control of the kiss. She lets out a needy whine which leaves my self-control in tatters.
Seconds or minutes later, we finally move apart for air.
She looks flushed, her mouth red and puffy from my kiss while her eyes look dazed. “This is not happening again.”
I have to smile at how she can’t seem to stand on her feet. My hands are on her waist as I steady her. “Of course not,” I agree amiably. Then I lift my hand, push back her hair, liking the way her face turns red at my touch. “I really do like you, Tracy. Way more than I think you’ll let me.”
She pulls away from me but there is a troubled expression in her eyes.
