“So, if I went to your dad’s, there would be nothing in your bedroom?” he asked.
“I have some clothes, but I was waiting for Faith’s kids to move in, then I’ll take it all.”
“Why not now?” he questioned.
“Right now?” She bit her lip.
“Right now,” he challenged.
“Why can’t I just move it over here when I find space for it?” She looked around the room again.
“How much do you have?” he questioned. He had no idea. Maybe it was a lot.
“Almost nothing. And most of is just … kid stuff.” Her nose wrinkled at the words.
“Kid stuff?”
“Yeah, like a lamp that has unicorns on it, a picture of cats… I didn’t buy anything because Jason had everything already. The apartment I lived in before moving back was furnished. I don’t really have anything.”
“You have all your clothes here?” He was sure she didn’t. He had cleaned out a good-sized area in his closet, and she didn’t have much in it.
“Mostly. Well, I don’t have the winter stuff here. It’s summer, you know. I have what I wear. I don’t have a lot of clothes. I’m not a big shopper, never have been.”
“Why do you constantly steal my shirts?” He touched the blue shirt she was wearing.
“Because I hate doing laundry, and these smell like you.” She lifted the hem and smelled the shirt she was wearing, giving him a glimpse of her stomach scars as she did it. Even today, seeing her scars turned him on, because he knew she didn’t show them to just anyone.
“It just seems like you have nothing here. Like it’s only temporary,” he told her.
“I’m not going anywhere. I just put the stuff I bring here away as I bring it. Do you want me to bring the unicorn lamp so that you know I’m staying?” She ran her fingers through his hair.
“Maybe, if it’s all you have.” He pulled her closer to him.
“I have books, but they’re on my dad’s bookshelf in the basement. I want to leave them. The shelves would be empty without them. Dad doesn’t read.” She slid her hands down his back.
“Are you sure you’re staying?” he questioned again, needing to hear her say it again.
“Forever and ever. Just try and get rid of me.” She wiggled on his lap.
Flipping her down so that her back was on the couch, he said, “I am never going to get rid of you. I saved you twice just so I can have you forever.”
CHAPTER26
Watchingthe last student leave his classroom, Sam was glad the first day of school was over. Though he loved teaching, the first day after summer break was hard. The kids were great, but no one was ready to sit all day, and everyone was antsy, as antsy as the woman he loved.
Though over the last few weeks, her energy had been focused on coaching volleyball, which had helped. This week he started to push her to think about taking some online courses. She wasn’t completely on board yet, but she was considering it.
“Did you bore anyone to death today with history?” Natalie said from the door. He hadn’t even noticed she was there. Today she was dressed in an orange polo shirt with a little tiger on it. The black dress pants looked different on her—he hadn’t seen her in anything other than shorts and skirts since they got together. He missed her long legs on display. At least he would get to see them every night.
“I am a very exciting teacher teaching an exciting subject.” He sat on the top of one of the desks. If he got too close to her, he would have to touch her, kiss her. Today the building was full of kids—impressionable kids.
“Keep telling yourself that, Sullivan. Do you like the shoes? They came today.” She pointed at the orange tennis shoes on her feet that were a perfect match to her shirt. So out there and so Natalie.
“I love them. Are you nervous?” Today was not only his first day of school for the year but her very first game of coaching. In a few hours, she would be leading the volleyball team to victory or defeat.
“Nervous, no. I’m scared to death. Why did I even sign up for this? What do I know about sports?” she rambled and walked into his room.
“You know everything about it. You’ll be great. Once it gets going, you’ll forget everything else.” Getting up, he took her hand in his and smiled at her scared green eyes.