AllFreeNovel
Share Us
A man approaches us. “Willow, pumpkin. Come back.”
“I’m sorry.” A beautiful woman with blonde hair and a baby bump joins the tall, good-looking man.
“It’s all right.” I stare at the whole picture and smile at them. “She’s cute. Beautiful.”
“Thanks.” The mom grins, watching her husband pick up her daughter. Her eyes shine. Life is perfect for her. “Let’s go. Again, thank you.”
They wave at me and leave.
As I watch them, an ache forms in my chest, and a bigger hole digs inside my heart. They have something I don’t deserve. I gave it up a long time ago. Tears threaten to break away, but I hold them, just as I hold the memories and the loss.
The mom and dad continue playing with the girl, who laughs as they toss the ball at her and she lets it drop. She claps, and her uneven pigtails wiggle with every laugh.
I yearn to be like that woman. A wife. A mom. Part of a family that goes out and has fun. During my daydreams, it happens. Those are the times when all is possible. The moments I’m free to be the happiest woman. In real life… I’m not deserving of any happiness.
The moment my phone rings, my eyes turn to it, and my lips do what they always do when I see, hear, or think about Matt. Smile.
“Hey,” I answer.
“Where are you, Butterfly? I’m at your place, and no one is answering the door.”
“Working at the park. You want to join me?” I blurt out without giving it a second thought.
“Would love to. Text me the location, and I’ll be there soon.”
My gaze shifts back to where the happy family plays. I shake all previous thoughts and focus on typing. Matt’s voice sucks me into the world he has created. That’s my biggest escape in life—books.
While growing up, before my life turned ugly, I spent my free time reading. I wish I had continued on that path and not the self-medicated one I chose. None of it matters. Instead, I concentrate on Nexus, escaping into Matt’s fantasy world. Losing myself inside his genius mind.
Space-cars, telepathic sex scenes, and a pretty hot morphed being entertain me for a while. I’m almost done with chapter forty-three when one of my earbuds loosens. That’s when I hear an amused male voice. “I couldn’t help but notice you’re alone and in need of feeding. Is this seat taken?”
I nod, meet Matt’s smiling eyes, and stop the recording. “That was fast.”
I look at him, drinking him in. A navy blue, tight T-shirt wraps his broad, muscular chest. My entire body buzzes with excitement, but I tame it right away. I forbid myself from swooning, even when he sings like an angel, writes the best books I’ve ever read, and looks like a sin I want to commit.
“It wasn’t.” He sits next to me, setting down a brown bag. “I went by a few places and bought some food. Sounded like we’re having a picnic while we work.”
Matt is so perfect. “How do you do it?”
He reels me in by his gestures, sweet words, and that freaking smile I now love.
“What are you talking about?”
“Say the perfect thing, do something that’s just… right.”
He quirks a crooked grin, and my heart flutters. Damn him. Why does he have to be so adorable? “You make it easy, Butterfly.”
Heat flushes my entire body as his eyes caress me with his deep stare.
“Things are about to slow down at Silver Moon. On your first night off, what do you say about going out on a date?”
“I’d only go if you’re ready to date, remember?”
“That’s why I’m asking,” he whispers, leaning close to me. “Be my date, Butterfly.”
Those three words startle me:be my date.I’m not sure if he hears me gasp because his stunningly clear blue eyes sparkle, and the corner of his lips tilt slightly as they await my answer. A date? Is he crazy? Does he have any idea who I am? I guess I made sure he doesn’t because he wouldn’t understand. His family wouldn’t understand.
Just say no and keep your personal life separate. Next time don’t invite him to spend time with you—at all.
