Page 16 of Keeping His Babygirl

“Give me your number.” It’s a command, not a request.

I should decline. Our time is up, and we both got what we wanted, but I find myself rattling off my number anyways. Casual can be more than one night… right?

“This thing with us is just casual,” I say, wanting to ensure we’re both clear on that fact.

“Just casual,” he agrees after a beat of silence. He says the right words, but the possessive way he’s looking at me says otherwise.

After another goodbye kiss that has my toes curling, he finally lets me get into the car. He closes the door, and I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding.

Jesus, that was one intense night. Moreso than I ever imagined it would be. I just had my first scene in over three years, and it was everything I needed all the way up until my anxiety attack. That I could have done without.

I quietly let myself into my apartment and find Marsha face down on her schoolbooks at the kitchen table. I gently shake her awake.

“Oh crap, did I fall asleep?”

“You did,” I say with a smile. “You work too hard.”

She closes her books and shoves them into her backpack. “Finals are coming up. No matter how much I study, I always feel underprepared.”

“You’re going to ace them, I’m sure.”

She gets up and shoulders her back with a yawn.

“Are you sure you don’t want to stay?” I ask, not liking the thought of her driving while she’s so tired.

“Nah. I’ll be home in a jif. I’m only a few blocks away.”

“If you’re sure…”

“Positive, mom,” she says in a teasing tone.

Marsha has been babysitting Henry for me for the last six months. She’s been invaluable to my little family ever since Henry and I moved. I can’t help but feel grateful to have found her.

“Once a worry wart, always a worry wart,” I counter. “Be safe.”

“Will do. Call me if you need me.”

“Thanks again for tonight. I appreciate you dropping everything at the last minute.”

She laughs. “No worries. My plans consisted of studying, studying, and more studying. Since little man slept the whole time, I was able to keep my hot date with the books.”

A couple minutes later, I see Marsha out, waving as she drives away. I close the door and kick off my heels. Lord, it’s been a long day. I make my way to the bedroom. I should take a shower, but I’m too exhausted, so instead, I change into my pajamas and plug my phone into the charger. Then I practically faceplant into bed.

I’m half asleep when my phone pings. Who the hell would be texting me at two in the morning?

A spike of worry shoots through me because nothing good happens so late at night. I reach for my phone, rationalizing that if anything was wrong, whoever it is would’ve called, not texted. I unlock my phone and pull up my texts to find one from an unknown number.

Did you make it home safely?

Axel.

Butterflies take up residence in my stomach. I know I gave him my number, but I didn’t expect to hear from him so soon… or ever.

Safe and sound

Good. Sleep sweet, doll.

I don’t know how to respond to that, so I just set my phone down and tug the covers up over me again.

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