His mouth pulled into a soft, crooked smile. “Afraid so.”
Knowing the kids were expecting me, I didn’t argue. I simply stood and said my goodbyes, telling everyone how good it was to meet them. I left with a big smile on my face and looked forward to the day I could come back.
The ride back to my house was quiet, but not in a bad way. Jameson’s hand was on my thigh, with his thumb brushing over the hem of my skirt. I looked out the window and replayed the night in my head. The way he’d looked at me. The way he watched and made sure I was okay and comfortable. And that tightness in my chest whenever he took my hand in his.
I didn’t want it to end.
When he pulled into my driveway, I turned to him and asked, “You want to come in?”
“Probably not a good idea.” His hand squeezed mine, and I didn’t miss the regret in his eyes. “'Cause if I go in there, I’m not gonna want to leave, and I doubt your kids are gonna be okay with that.”
“Probably not.”
I unbuckled, leaning across the console to press my lips to his. It was soft and gentle, at first. Then, he inched closer, and he cupped my jaw, holding me there like he didn’t want to let go either. When I finally pulled back, I swallowed and asked, “When will I see you again?”
His thumb traced along my cheek, his blue eyes warm and steady. “Soon.”
I nodded, then kissed him once more, lingering there for a moment. I let the warmth of him sink in before I pulled away and slipped out of the truck. He followed me up to the door, andonce I had it unlocked, he leaned in and kissed me on the cheek. “I’ll call you.”
I stepped inside and closed the door, then peered out the window, watching as he made his way back out to his truck. My heart sank a little as he eased out of the drive and disappeared down the road, and I knew then I was in trouble. Maybe it was because I knew what I’d lost or maybe it was the fact that Jameson was now a man who knew exactly what he wanted and wasn’t afraid to take it. Either way, I was smitten as a girl could be.
I was still staring out the window when I heard Austin ask, “Did you have fun with your biker friend?”
“I did.” I turned and found him standing in the doorway in his oversized hoodie and gym shorts. He didn’t come into the room. He just stood in the doorway with a blank expression on his face. Thinking he was just tired, I said, “I’m surprised you’re still up.”
“It’s not even eleven yet.”
“Oh, I guess I thought it was later.” I dropped my purse and keys on the table. “Did you guys have a good night?”
“I guess.” He shrugged. “Not much going on.”
“Did you order pizza?”
“Yeah. I left the change on the kitchen counter.” His brows furrowed. “What about you? What did you guys do?”
“He took me to meet some of his friends.”
“Were they bikers, too?”
“Yes, but they aren’t like you might think. They’re really cool guys. I think you’d like them.”
“I don’t know. It’s hard to imagine you wrapped up with some dude with a Harley.”
“Well, you know the saying,you can’t judge a book by its cover.” I walked over and sat down on the arm of the sofa. “I’ve known Jameson for a very long time. We met right around thetime I started working as a police officer. He’s always been smart and funny and trustworthy.”
“If you say so.”
“I really think you’ll like him. You just have to give him a chance.”
“And what if I don’t want to give him a chance?”
“Austin, please. Don’t be like that. I’m trying here.”
He shook his head and grumbled, “This is all so stupid. You and Dad…”
“Are divorced, Austin. We’re divorced, and we’re not getting back together. I know that’s hard, and I’m so sorry that you’ve been hurt by all this.”
“Can I ask you something?”
