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Sarah, Elise, and I stifle giggles at her innocence, and I’m reminded again just how sweet this age is, on the cusp of teenage drama but still young and naïve. With her Netflix comment, though, I make a mental note to double-check the parental control settings. A dad can’t be too safe with his little girl.
I know it’s impossible, but I want to preserve this time for Carsen as long as I can. It’s sweeter and better that way.
After the mess of s’mores, we clean up and Carsen heads upstairs for a shower.
“What do you think?” I ask Sarah as we clean up the dishes, Elise outside wiping down the table.
“I think . . . good job, baby brother,” Sarah says. “I like her so far.”
I tell Sarah goodnight and watch with joy as she gives Elise a hug. “He’s a good one,” she says when they part. “Stubborn as a damn mule, but good. Don’t break his heart.”
Elise shakes her head, not letting go of Sarah yet. “I won’t. I know he’s a good man.”
Sarah heads home, and as soon as the front door closes, I grab Elise to my chest, hugging her tight.
“Think it went okay? Did they like me?” she asks as I run my hands down her back.
I kiss the top of her head, nodding. “It went better than okay. They loved you. I think Carsen is gonna hold you to that promise to teach her to knit though.”
I can feel her smile as she lays her head on my chest, humming happily. “I hope so. I meant it. I haven’t done a single stitch with anyone since my grandmother died. It’d be nice to share it with someone else, even if only for a minute. I think Grandma would like that.”
We’re quiet for a minute, just swaying in the foyer as we hold each other tight. I feel a little torn. I want to invite her to stay . . . but at the same time, it’s so fast. Maybe taking a few hours’ break might do some good, let this all settle in. For Elise, for me, and mostly for Carsen. I definitely don’t think she’s ready for her dad to have sleepovers.
“Thank you, Elise,” I say, my voice gravel as I resist letting her go. “This was better than I ever would’ve dared dream. And right now, even though I know you should go home and have a good night’s sleep in your own bed, the only thing I can think of is taking you upstairs and burying myself inside you, telling you thank you over and over again.”
Elise pulls back, looking up at me and placing her hands behind my neck. “Thank you. You let me into your story, your family, your world tonight. And I know that’s not something you do lightly. And as much as I’d love for you take me upstairs right now, we shouldn’t. It was a big night for Carsen too. Be with her tonight. Make sure she’s okay with all of this.”
One statement, and it sums up how she’s breaking down my every wall, every defense. Whatever fucked up gossipy rag story brought us together, Elise is good at her core. She cares about people, about my daughter and how she’s doing after a good but pretty risky night.
“Good idea . . . but still,” I growl, backing her up against the door, taking her mouth in a passionate kiss. I gather her hands in mine, pressing them to the door above her head, forcing her to arch. I hold her there with one hand, the other moving down to cup her throat, lifting her chin up to meet me, kiss for kiss, breath for breath.
I’m not even sure whose air I’m breathing anymore. It’s ours, mixed between the two of us in panting gasps as we fight for more from each other.
I press against her, grinding my cock against her softness, and she gasps. I take advantage and dip my tongue in to taste her. It’s hot, heavy, and heady and I want more.
But we can’t, not tonight.
Not with Carsen here, especially when I need to check in with her and make sure she’s okay with all of this. With a groan of unsatisfied frustration, I pull back and press my forehead to Elise’s.
“When can I see you again?” I groan, my control wavering. “Because it’s stupid, but I need you soon. I can’t imagine going to sleep without us coming together.”
Elise’s eyes are still locked on my mouth as she licks her lips, and I know exactly what she’s thinking. With a blink and shake of her head, her eyes clear. “Huh? Oh, I should go into the office tomorrow. Write the next article, and I need time to work in your ‘dirt’ without exposing your real side. How about the day after?”
