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“I still have to go home and give Madeline a bath before bed. How am I supposed to do that if I’m too stuffed to move?”
“I’ll stay and help,” I offer. I know she’s a mom and has responsibilities, but I’m not ready for them to go home just yet.
“You keep this up, I’m going to get spoiled,” she says as I stand and collect our trash.
“What’s wrong with you being spoiled?” I call out from the kitchen. She doesn’t answer, so I finish tossing our trash, grab two more bottles of water, and make my way back to them. “Well?” I ask her.
“I don’t want to get used to it.”
“Why not?” I cock my head to the side to study her.
“If I allow myself to get used to this,” she points at me and then herself, “it will hurt even more when it’s gone. When you’re gone.”
Panic sets in. Why is she talking about this ending before it even begins? Hell, we don’t even know what this is yet. “I’m not going anywhere.”
“You can’t make that promise, Marshall.”
“You’re right. I can’t. I can promise you that if it’s within my power, I won’t be going anywhere.”
She gives me a sad smile. “I should be getting home.”
It’s on the tip of my tongue to ask her to stay, but I know that’s pushing my luck. “Let’s get Maddie packed up, and I’ll take you home.” I don’t like it, but it’s out of my control. I hate that she lives there. I hate that her place is the size of a shoebox and that she has to carry Madeline everywhere. She can’t use her stroller because of the steps. She can’t carry the stroller and the baby down the steps at the same time. I hate that I have the means to help her, but I know that she won’t accept the handout. Maybe if I could find a way to spin it by saying that Madeline needs it, I could get her into a better place? My wheels are already turning with possibilities and ideas.
She gets Madeline strapped in, and I pick up the carrier. “You ready to go home, baby girl?” She coos up at me, waving her arms and kicking her legs. She really is the cutest. “Ready?” I ask Wren.
“Yes.” Together we head to the garage, and I work on getting Madeline’s seat installed in the SUV.
“Thank you for dinner,” she says once we’re on the road.
“You’re welcome.” I reach over and place my hand on her thigh. I need that connection with her. I’m not sure how she feels about me always touching her. She doesn’t stiffen or shy away from my touch, so I’m going with it. I’ve never been that guy. Sure, I like to show affection just as much as the next guy, but this constant need to have my hands on her? That’s new for me.
“What’s your schedule the rest of the week?” I ask. “Can we do dinner again?”
“You want to do dinner again?” she asks. I can hear the surprise in her voice.
“I told you that I wanted to spend more time with you.”
“I know you did. I guess I just didn’t think it would be so frequent.”
“Are you tired of me already?” I hold my breath waiting for her answer. If she says yes, I don’t know what I’ll do. I crave time with her.
“No.” She’s quick to reply. “It’s not that. I just… never mind.”
“Tell me.” I pull into her lot and put the SUV into Park. “It’s nice that we live so close,” I say when I turn to face her.
She gives me a soft smile that causes my heart to skip a beat. “You’re out of my league, Marshall. I don’t know if this is pity or what, but you don’t have to take care of me. I’m doing okay on my own.”
Her words light a fire inside me. Without further thought, I lean over the console, slide one hand behind her neck, and bring her lips to mine. I kiss her like I’ve been dying to do. She’s still at first, but I won’t let that deter me. Kiss me back, baby. I trace her lips with my tongue, and she moans, and just like that, Wren is kissing me back.
My body is telling me to devour her, but my head is urging me to take this slow. I don’t want her to think I’m trying to get her into bed. Sure, I’ve imagined her riding my cock, but that’s not what this is. I’m not sure exactly how to name it, but I know it’s more than that. Gradually, I slow the kiss and rest my forehead against hers.
“Never again, Wren,” I say, trying to catch my breath. “I don’t ever want to hear you say that again. Money, name, status, none of that matters. What matters is what’s in here.” I grab her hand and place it over my heart.
