After our run earlier, I was ready to come back home and jump into bed together. It’s Saturday after all. But Brayden was there, waiting on his dad. They’ve been out at Brayden’s property all day working on stuff to get it ready to rent out. Meanwhile, I’m bored out of my skull.
Since I have nothing better to do, I clean the townhome from top to bottom. It’s practically sparkling when I finish. It fills me with pride knowing I am able to do something for Reid, especially since he does so much for me.
My phone buzzes. Speaking of the handsome devil…
Reid: We’re going to head back soon. I’m starving.
Me: I’ll make you some food. Should I do it naked?
Reid: Are you trying to embarrass me in front of my son? Seriously, now all I can think about is you in the kitchen, making tacos, and wearing nothing.
Me: Your wish is my command.
Reid: Behave.
He sends me hand emojis, probably because he wants to smack my ass, and I crack up with laughter. Another text comes through, but this one is from Mom.
Mom: I’m sorry I was rude last night. I’ve just been going through a lot. Did Reid say anything to you? Are things awkward?
If she only knew what we did last night…
Me: Things are fine. How is the new guy’s place?
Mom: Fine, I guess. He didn’t seem keen about me bringing my kid with me. Let me work on him another night or two. Will you be okay until then?
Me: Yes, but don’t bother. I’m staying here.
Mom: I understand you like it there, but you know your place is with me. You’re my child.
Me: Can we talk about this later? I’m about to cook dinner.
Mom: Of course. Love you.
I shake off the stress of discussing this with her. I’m one hundred percent positive she will hate it when she learns I’m seeing Reid. It’s going to be dramatic and emotional. Not looking forward to that day. However, I’m also not going to deny myself feeling happy just because Reid is her ex.
Distraction is the name of the game, and I spend the next half hour focused on cooking dinner. Reid’s timing is impeccable because he saunters in just as I’m turning off the stove. I’d flirted shamelessly over text, but now I feel weird stripping out of my clothes while in the kitchen. He smirks as he enters.
“So, youcanbehave,” he murmurs, prowling over to me. “Good girl.”
I melt in his arms as he pulls me to him for a filthy kiss. Now, I wish I’d gotten over my awkwardness and gotten naked. It would make things super convenient about now.
“Let me grab a quick shower and we can sit down to eat.”
He steals another kiss and then disappears. When the shower starts, I busy myself making our plates. I grab a Coke for myself and one of his craft beers he’s always drinking for him. We’ve sat at this table countless times, a lot of times with my mother, but this is the first time it’ll feel like a date.
Reid must be eager to see me again because he showers in record time. I grin at him when he enters the dining area. Shirtless. My smile falls because damn.Water droplets he missed roll down his sculpted tattooed chest. Yum. I don’t need dinner. I need him.
He smirks as he sits beside me. I chew on my bottom lip, watching him beneath hooded lashes. Warmth tickles its way through me, settling in my core.
“This looks good,” he says as he picks up a soft taco. “You spoil me.”
I preen at his words. Reid deserves to be treated with respect and adoration. Not someone to be used for free rent, food, and whatever else you can get out of him.
He’s even sexy when he eats, taking massive bites to devour his taco within a few seconds. I can’t help but roam my gaze over his muscular shoulders. How is a man in his mid-forties so hot? Guys half his age don’t look half as good as him.
Reid is special.
Sexy, manly, strong.
