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“It wasn’t that bad. The boys mostly entertained themselves.” He shrugged. “And sure, they need a catcher now and then, but I’m happy to oblige. This life is so different from my old one. I don’t miss the quiet.”
I smiled. “You like being busy and exhausted?”
“It’s a nice contrast to being lonely.”
I winced at my thoughtlessness. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to bring anything up.”
He shifted on the chair, so his knees were spread wide. “You didn’t. It was just a fact. But I like my life now. I like you.”
“I like you too.” No matter how idiotic it was. I liked that he’d offered to watch Hunter. That he played ball with him and made sure he was comfortable. Hunter was growing closer to him. I should pull back, reevaluate what was happening between us, but I couldn’t. Not yet.
I wanted one more night where we could just be ourselves. Give in to our desires.
“I don’t want to wake the kids. Want to sleep in the guest room?” Nick asked.
I wanted to sleep with him. “A bed sounds good.”
It was all I’d been thinking about for the last few hours.
“Come on. I’ll get it ready for you, and you can relax.”
I followed behind him, sipping my wine and wondering how I’d gotten so lucky for Nick to come into our lives. He was the total package—a father figure, caring, and attentive. He was good to me. We didn’t spend much time together outside my house, but that reflected the reality of our situation.
He led me upstairs and down the hall to the guest room. “I put fresh sheets on earlier.”
There was a nightstand, a dresser, and a desk. “Is this where you work?”
Nick nodded. “I cleaned up my stuff, so it wouldn’t get in your way.”
“You didn’t have to do that.” I was touched that he’d gone through so much effort for us.
“The bathroom’s through there if you want to freshen up. I put out toothpaste and a new brush.”
“Do you mind if I take a shower?”
“Sure. I’ll grab you an extra set of clothes.” Then he paused. “Unless you brought some?”
“I didn’t.”
“Be right back then.” He left, and I sat on the bed.
The room wasn’t decorated, but then, he’d just moved in. The comforter was a solid navy and the walls gray with white trim.
He came back with sweats and a T-shirt. “You need anything else?”
“That should be it. Thanks for taking care of us,” I said as I stood and made my way to the bathroom.
Nick stopped me with a hand on my arm. “I don’t mind. I want to take care of you.”
My heart clenched because I wanted to give in to that sentiment more than anything. I had one night to enjoy it. Him. Then I needed to create some distance between us. We couldn’t sustain our relationship. I was falling too hard. Too fast. I needed to save myself before I was too far gone.
He kissed me softly then ushered me into the bathroom, where he started the water and pointed out the towels. “Let me know if you need anything. I’ll be down the hall.”
“Thank you.” I wanted to ask him to stay, but the kids were downstairs, and it would be better if we weren’t both in the shower in case they needed something. Instead, he walked out, and I shut the door behind him.
I peeled off my clothes and breathed a sigh of relief when I stepped under the warm stream of water. I tipped my head back. Nothing had ever felt so good. I let the day wash away with the water. Stressful brides who changed their minds were par for the course. I needed to get used to it. I was ruled by my job on the weekends.
But it would be nice to have someone at home to watch Hunter. To know he was cared for and loved. Ben and Brooke loved him, but it wasn’t the same as having a father or a significant other. Someone who had my back.
