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We spend the next hour talking. I tell him all about moving to Texas when my parents split up, and discovering my love for horses, which is ultimately what brought me here. I tell him about my mom and how she’s finally found happiness again with a guy she met online. She wouldn’t date when I was growing up, instead preferring to remain single and focus on me. I often wonder if that’s something she regrets. It’s lonely being a single parent. If she’d met someone earlier, would she have gone on to have more children? I would have loved a brother or sister. I realize I’ve gone quiet as I think about my mom, and I feel Jack tighten his hold on me.
“You okay?” he asks softly. Moving out of his embrace, I sit up so I can see his face.
“Do you want more kids?”
Surprise flashes in his eyes. “Yes. Eventually. Why do you ask?”
“Sorry. That must seem like a strange question considering we’ve only just met.” I realize what I’ve said a second after I’ve said it. “Not that I’m suggesting I should be the person you could have more kids with.” I drop my head into my hands and groan. He laughs and pulls my hands away from my face.
“Then what are you asking for?”
“My mom never dated when I was younger. She said she didn’t want a string of men coming in and out of our lives. I wonder if she ever regretted not meeting anyone. Whether she regretted not having more kids.”
“Did you have a happy childhood?”
“The happiest.”
“Then I’m guessing she has no regrets. You should talk to her.”
I nod and cuddle back into his chest. “Why does it feel like I’ve known you forever?” I whisper, my fingers tracing circles on his forearm.
“You feel it too?” he asks. I nod and tilt my head to look at him. My lips find his again and I’m soon lost in him. This gorgeous man and his adorable son have burst into my life, and I can’t help but wonder if things will ever be the same again. This is only a short visit for them. Am I going to lose my heart to someone who isn’t planning on sticking around?
Jack
Opening my eyes, I stretch my arms above my head, smiling as I think of last night. It had been late when I’d finally climbed into bed. Aria and I had talked for hours. I’ve never felt such a connection with someone so quickly, and I’m pretty sure she feels it too. Despite my obvious attraction to her, I’m painfully aware my stay in Marble Falls isn’t a permanent one. My head is telling me not to get involved, my heart is saying the opposite. I’m pretty sure I know which one will win out.
Glancing at the clock on the side table, I jump out of bed as I see it’s after nine. Jacob’s sleep is a little all over the place with the time difference, but he’s never slept in this late before. Not thinking to put any clothes on, I run down the landing in just my boxers, throwing open the door to Jacob’s room.
“Daddy!” Jacob shouts, and I’m shocked to see Aria on the floor playing with him. Her head flicks around to me, her eyes heating as she looks me up and down. Jacob wanders over to me and puts his arms in the air. “Up, Daddy,” he says, and I pull my eyes off Aria, scooping Jacob into my arms.
“How long have you been awake, little man?” I ask him, my eyes flicking to Aria.
“I heard him chatting to himself about half an hour ago. I thought you might be jet-lagged and need to sleep in.” She sounds unsure, and bites down on her bottom lip, my eyes drawn to her mouth. “I changed his diaper.”
I don’t say anything, speechless she would think to do that for me. She must take my silence as something else and moves uncomfortably from one foot to the other.
“I’m sorry. I should have woken you.” She goes to move past me, and I reach out my hand, my fingers entwining with hers.
“Aria, wait.” She stops, her eyes on the floor. “I don’t know what to say. Thank you.” She looks at me and I smile. “I can’t remember the last time I lay in.”
She smiles back before looking at Jacob. “We had fun, didn’t we, Jacob?” She ruffles his hair, and he nods. “I better get to work.”
“Let me make you breakfast as a thank-you?” I say, not wanting her to leave.
“I thought you couldn’t cook?” she asks, raising her eyebrows.
“Erm… you like toast, right?”
She bursts out laughing. “How about you get dressed and I’ll makeyoubreakfast?”
“What about work?” I ask, not wanting her to be late.
She shrugs. “I’m sure my bosses won’t mind me cooking their nephew breakfast.” Releasing her hand from mine, I slide my fingers around her neck and drop my mouth to hers, kissing her softly.
“Thank you.” Jacob squirms in my arms, and I drop my hand from Aria’s neck. Putting Jacob down, I watch as he goes back to his toys on the floor. “I guess I should jump in the shower.”
Her eyes track over my chest, and I want nothing more than to push her against the wall and have her wrap her legs around me. Flicking my eyes to Jacob, I see he’s occupied with his cars, so I grab her hand, tugging her into the hallway.
