Love Her - Andrea Johnston Page 0,65

it’s necessary in this moment.

“I hadn’t thought of that. Just know that I want this Lis. I want to date, to get to know each other better. I like you. A lot. Clementine and Jacob are part of you, which means I want to get to know them too. Spend time with all three of you. When you’re ready.”

My words must do the trick because I get the full smile that makes me feel ten feet tall. Standing, Lis slips between my knees and drapes her arms around my neck before dropping a soft kiss on my lips.

“Thank you. How about I feel them out a bit first? We’ll see how they react to the idea of me dating.”

“I can work with that.”

After we finish our breakfast, I carry her back to bed and strip her of my shirt. This isn’t about exploring her body or taking my time. I’ve already memorized every glorious curve and each spot that pulls the loudest moans from her. This morning it’s about feasting and drawing out her orgasm fast and without preamble. Lis gives as much as she takes, tugging my hair, arching her back, and moaning loudly as she rides the wave of ecstasy.

Wearing just a robe, she walks me to the door. As I step onto the porch she says, “Don’t forget—”

“I know. The rules. No public displays of affection around the kids. And under no circumstances am I to utter the word darlin’ unless we’re alone.”

“Damn, it gets me every time. So no. Don’t do that. Especially around other people.”

Smirking, I pull her to me, making her shriek.

“Baby, the last thing I want to do is share the way you look right now with others. I better run. I’ll see you in an hour.”

Smacking a quick kiss to her lips, I leave her standing in the doorway, a huge smile on her face matching the one I’m wearing. Life’s pretty damn good. Maybe my luck’s turning around.

Chapter 25

Felicity

Dating as a thirty-something single mom living with her parents is a far cry from what I remember as a teenager in college. When I was younger, it seemed to be all about quantity over quality. Not in the number of guys I dated but the amount of time we spent together, where we went, how often we were seen together. Now, with Connor, it’s quality. The stolen moments when he has PT or after I rush home after work before his shifts at the bar.

I’ve not ventured inside the bar. That’s something I’m not ready for. Truthfully, I may never be. I like this bubble we’ve created. One where I can be Lis and not Felicity. The version of me I’m free to be with Connor isn’t perfect but she’s also not on high alert, ready to battle anyone whenever necessary.

The quick glances and winks at the baseball field have been something else completely. He’s pushing my rules of PDA to the limit but not crossing them. I know people see it. Owen sees us looking at each other, and while he hasn’t said anything to Connor, I see the disapproval in his expression.

Weeks of keeping him to myself is about to change. He’s stepping into my world. Literally. I stand back and take in the scene before me. Connor made it approximately two steps into the house before Jacob commandeered his attention. My little boy stares at him in a way that stabs at my heart. It’s one of awe and admiration. The way a child should look at his father, not the man his mother is dating. Jabbering on about his performance at yesterday’s game, Jacob starts reenacting his last play of the game. Connor praises his performance from yesterday and again today.

Meanwhile, Clem is standing next to me mumbling how embarrassing her little brother is. I noticed she put a little extra effort into her appearance today, changing her outfit at least twice before settling on a pair of jeans and a bright pink top. Like me, she knows this day is different. Everyone knows Connor but only as Jacob’s coach. Or in Clem’s case, the man who saw her with a bra on over her clothes.

I’m surprised my parents have held back from appearing in the doorway also. In a strange turn of events, it would seem that both my mom and dad have developed a crush on my boyfriend. Each time Connor says hello to my mom, she visibly swoons. Some day at the field I expect