He dipped his chin with a yes. Marvin was glued to his chest as Anna tucked him in, and I opened the book to start reading. She sat with us while I read, and I couldn’t help but sneak peeks at her. Content; it’s the look I saw spread across her face, and I’d done that for her.
A few pages in, I looked over to find that Ben was fast asleep, Marvin still in his arms. Annagayle mouthed the words ‘he’s asleep’ to me, and I gently crawled down to the end of the bed, being careful not to disturb Ben.
As we left the room, I flipped off the small light before slightly shutting the door. Outside in the hall, I walked toward Anna, backing her up against the wall. She automatically tilted her chin up to look at me, and I knew she was starting to see me in another light.
“Julian.” Breathy pleading lingered in her voice, and I didn’t even hesitate to bend my head and feather my lips against hers. I absolutely loved the way she melted below me. Taking her hand, I convinced her to go back to her bedroom so we could talk.
She came willingly and allowed me to pull her down beside me on the bed.
“Have you decided to give me a chance yet?” I leaned over and whispered against her skin. A shiver took over her body. “Fate seems to want to bring us together. It was the perfect time to come home. I’m not happy about losing my dad, but you and Ben certainly make up for it.”
“Ace…”
“No, let me finish. I missed this dinky little town. I missed the only girl I’ve ever loved. I missed out on so much. It was the biggest mistake of my life leaving you.”
She sighed, her shoulders shrugging. “But you followed your dreams, Ace. You made something of yourself and turned into a champion race car driver. Not everyone can say they followed their dreams and succeeded. You did everything you were supposed to do.”
“And now I’m home… where I’m supposed to be. With my family.” I took a deep breath, wanting to know more about her life. “But enough about me… what happened to you? Did you go to nursing school? I’ve found out through the grapevine that you work at the elementary school during the week, and I’m guessing it’s not as a teacher, although you’d be an amazing one.”
“Yep, I finally got my nursing degree. A lot of late nights, and Mama and Papa really had to help me with Ben. They’d watch him when I needed to study or go to class. It wasn’t easy, but I did it. Sure, I could’ve given up, but I wanted better for Ben. I had that sweet little boy, and all of a sudden, what I wanted no longer mattered. Everything I’ve done has been for him.”
“Then take a backseat and let me drive. I’m in this, Annagayle. Both feet first. I’m done waiting and missing you.” My hands skimmed up the hem of my shirt covering her delicious body, and my fingertips trailed against her smooth and warm skin. “Here’s the thing, babe. I’m not letting you go again, and I’m sure as hell not leaving.”
My cock was yet again ready to go, tenting my pants, and she brushed her hand against it, causing me to jump from the sensitivity. Her gaze was coated in desire and need. I fully intended to take care of that for her.
“Should we finish what we started earlier tonight?”
Her cheeks flushed. “I like that idea, but I’m going to need a minute.”
I leaned down to kiss her. “Don’t take too long, I’ll be waiting in bed, naked and ready for you.”
ChapterThirteen
Man, he was pouring it on hard tonight, and, damn it, I was falling for it. I was trying to be strong, but I’d never stood up against the charmer that was Julian McCormick, not to mention he’s my child’s father, and, I swear to God, every time they’re together, my ovaries just scream that Benjamin needs a little brother or sister.
I shouldn’t be thinking about having another kid with him. He just found out he had one, and there’s going to be a lot of adjusting over the next bit of time.
We’d just put Ben to bed and turned toward the living room. Julian was going to pick out a movie while I got settled on the couch. Looking through all the streaming services on the television, he finally landed on something. “How about The Hating Games?”
“Yes, I’ve wanted to see that and haven’t had the time to sit down and just watch it. Being a mom doesn’t really leave you with a lot of free time or personal space. I love him to death, but sometimes he wears me out so much I just want to grab a glass of wine, cover up under a blanket on the couch, and get lost in another world.”
He popped up immediately from the couch, and I frowned. What in the world? “What are you doing?”
A smirk crested his face, reaching up to touch his eyes. “I’ll be right back, you stay here.” He pressed a kiss to my lips before turning and walking away. I was completely confused at this point, but I figured eventually he’d tell me what was happening. I heard cabinets in the kitchen opening and closing and turned to try and look over the couch, but whatever he was doing was hidden from view.
“Ace… what are you doing?”
“You’ll see soon enough.” He whisper-shouted it, realizing there was a sleeping child in the house. I listened to his feet thrum against the floor as he made his way down the hall and opened the cupboard. He grabbed what he needed and threw it under his arm to keep from my vision and headed back to the kitchen.
A few minutes later, he was back, and what he was holding surprised me. I tilted my head to the side, trying to figure him out. He’d gone and gotten exactly what I said would be amazing. He handed me the glass of wine and held the blanket out in front of me, waiting until I lifted my hands for him to put it on.
He plopped back down on the couch beside me and snuck under the blanket with me. “I hope you don’t mind. I’m feeling a little cold.” He winked at me, and a giggle escaped my mouth.
I shook my head. “You are something else, Ace.”
He leaned over, his lips resting directly over mine, but not touching. I felt his breath as he spoke his next words. “Only for you, babe. Anything and everything for you, babe.” He moved closer and kissed my nose. It was something he used to do all the time. That and forehead kisses… Those types of kisses made me melt. It was so sweet.
Sitting back, he put his arm over the back of the couch, and I snuggled into his side, seeking his warmth. Seconds later, he was gently placing another kiss on me. This time it was the infamous forehead kiss. The movie was adorable and definitely a rom com. Heck, I even caught Ace laughing once or twice.