“I don’t care. Let them talk.”
“Good.” Kim beams at me. “I’ll go talk Amelia down from whatever reason she’s talked herself into for why she can’t be with you.”
“What the hell does that mean?” She was supposed to be up there organizing things so that she could move in with me. Not trying to run off on me again.
“She runs off every man she dates. A few dates and she’s out.” She snaps her fingers.
“We’re not dating,” I say again. She is moving in with me. I am putting a ring on her finger and marrying her as soon as she’ll allow it. One fucking day she’ll let our family grow. I know she has to want one. I see the way her eyes light up every time we pass a baby when we are out. I want a family with her more than anything.
Thoughts of seeing her round with my baby have crossed my mind more than I wish to admit. But first she has to learn to let me love her and to trust me. She holds our future in her hands. While I’ll give her time, I won’t allow her to run. I know the baby thing may scare her because of how she grew up but I know she’ll make a wonderful mother to our babies one day.
“Damn. I’m really pissed I didn’t think of hooking you up before. You’re perfect for each other but everyone knows Ethan King doesn’t date. Hell, he doesn’t do anything but work. There aren't even any secret mistresses or call girls. Believe me, I’d know,” she says smugly. Of course she would. Kim is not one to be fucked with. I respect her. She may not be into the social scene as much as she once was, but I doubt there is much she doesn’t know.
“We are perfect for each other.” Maybe I sound cocky but I don’t give a shit. She is perfect. I’ve never in all my life met anyone like Amelia. She’s one of a kind. Wild but sweet. She’s fought for everything she has but yet she’s not jaded by the shit life has thrown at her. I only wish I could have found her sooner so I could have made sure only good things could ever come her way.
“You got that bad boy thing going on too.” She motions to the tattoos on my arms that I more often than not cover up. “Everyone thinks you're a cocky dick, but you keep your cock in your pants, so—o-” She gives a small shrug. “But you got this edge to you. Yep. It's a perfect fit.” She doesn’t wait for a response.
I don’t think she’s looking for one as she turns, heading into Amelia‘s apartment with Mia not far behind her. Mia gives me a half smile that meets her eyes. I have a feeling she might be on my side. I have no idea how much Amelia has told her over this last week. I’ll take that, too. I hope both women can get through to my girl.
“You going to linger outside too?” Max walks over to where I’m standing leaning up against my town car. “My wife is pregnant. She could need something.”
I want to tell him he’s nuts. I think a pregnant woman would be okay alone hanging out with her friends, but I understand it. Amelia isn’t even pregnant and I don’t want to leave.
“I’d be the same,” I admit.
“So you want kids?” That’s the second time I’ve been asked this question.
“Kim and Amelia are close. How have I not run into Amelia before?” I ask my own question.
“They’ve been friends for a few years. You know Kim. She’s always trying to play matchmaker.”
“She never tried to set me up with anyone.” Not that I wanted to be set up, unless it was with Amelia. It almost upsets me that I could have found her years ago. But I know I need to be realistic and thankful that I’ve found her at all.
“Be thankful. I used to run from the women she tried to set me up with.” He grimaces. “So kids.” He circles back again.
“What about them?”
“Ethan. Don’t play dumb with me. It will never fucking work.” I glance over at him, knowing he’s right. We’re both good at reading people. I can usually mask my emotions but with Amelia it is hard.
“You know her. I’m trying to get close to her. Bringing up that I want a baby inside of her yesterday with my ring on her finger might freak her the fuck out. I’m already moving her in.” I bought her a ring, too, but I leave that part out. I’ve already shown how crazy I can get when I bought her building and let myself into her apartment. I mean, it doesn’t get much more desperate than that.