Kickstart My Heart (Burgers and Brew Crue #1) - Lacey Black Page 0,49
exhale. “Nope. I found the listing for this apartment on Craigslist. I knew my budget was going to be small with the move, and what I had been able to save before we left Gibson wasn’t much.”
I swallow hard and continue. “When I moved in, I met Mrs. Fritz. She found me in the stairwell, trying to move Lizzie’s toddler bed up to the third floor, with my daughter wrapped around my ankle. I was on the verge of tears, ready to quit and go home, when she sat down on the old steps and started talking about Cinderella and Belle.
“After a few minutes, she volunteered to come up to my apartment to keep Lizzie busy so I could move everything up. That moment was the first act of kindness I’d experienced in God knows how long.”
Walker’s quiet, the only sound is his heart thundering in his chest against my cheek. “When you’re ready, I hope you’ll tell me about the circumstances that brought you here, Mal. It doesn’t have to be today, or even tomorrow. When you’re ready, I’m here for you.”
I don’t know why, but a tear slips from my eye and lands on his black shirt. Actually, wait. I do know why. Because of him and the kindness he is continually extending to me and Lizzie. “Thank you,” I reply, choking on my emotions. “Tell me about your family,” I add, closing my eyes and relaxing even more.
“My mom had me when she was young, and I’ve never known my father.”
“I’m sorry to hear that,” I tell him, yawning.
I feel him shrug. “It’s okay. My mom made it work. She had my grandparents and tons of siblings that helped, but she still worked her ass off and did it on her own as much as possible.”
“You have a big family?”
“Too big sometimes,” he teases. “My mom was adopted by my grandparents at a young age and is one of seven they took into their home and raised. My grandparents have since moved to Florida and most of my family is scattered around the country, but those still in the area all get together at my aunt’s house on Sundays.”
I smile, my eyelids too heavy to open. “That’s nice.”
Walker sighs. “It is. And so is this,” he says, holding me tightly. “Is it okay if I stay just a little longer?” I can hear the drowsiness in his voice now.
“Yeah, this is okay,” I reply, feeling myself start to succumb to the exhaustion.
The last thought to filter through my mind is how easily it could be to get caught up in the sense of security and warmth he provides, and I’m not just talking about being held by Walker Meyer. There’s something else there. Something that draws me in and won’t let go. I’m not sure what it is or what it even means, but I do know one thing. Being in his arms is the best place I’ve ever been.
A girl could get used to this.
***
“Walk!”
I’m startled awake, pulled from the hot cocoon of sleep I’ve been resting in. My pillow moves and sighs, muscular arms wrapping around me and shifting our bodies until I can feel his erection pressed firmly against my back. “Morning, Lou,” Walker croons, his rich, deep voice raspy with sleep.
When I open my eyes, I see Lizzie staring at me, her green ones full of delight. I go stiff, my body as rigid as what’s pressed against my lower back. “Good morning, Lizzie,” I stammer, trying to pull out of his embrace, but his arms tighten around me and hold me in place.
“Mommy,” Lizzie giggles, “you sweeping with Walk.”
My face turns red as I pull against his arm. This time, he lets me go. “Uhh, yeah, we fell asleep last night,” I tell her, sitting on the edge of the couch, taking stock of my appearance. I’m sure I look rough, what little makeup I was wearing smeared around my eyes like a raccoon. I’m still wearing my uniform from last night, and when I glance behind me, I realize Walker is too.
As soon as I’m out of the way, Lizzie jumps on the couch and climbs on Walker. He adjusts himself, concealing the erection I felt pressed against me just a few moments ago. He pulls her onto his chest and returns the hug she gives him.
“I have an idea,” he says, grabbing her complete attention. “How about breakfast?”