don’t want her thinking that. Hurting Ashley and Alex would be the end of my life. I couldn’t think about doing that, and I won’t.
Flipping through the album, I take in each picture and imagine Alex’s life while growing up.
I made copies of the pictures from the album Ashley made me and sent it to my parents. They want to meet them but are waiting until I give them the okay. I need to make sure things are good on my end before getting my family involved.
Shifting around, so I’m lying on my side, I place the album down and turn off the television. My phone is under the pillow, so I’ll hear it when it vibrates. Within minutes, I’m asleep.
“Clayton?”
Slowly, I open my eyes and look at the time. “Shit.” I get up and look at Ashley. “Your couch is comfortable. Alex slept through the night, so I don’t want you to think I slept and wasn’t aware.”
“I know.”
As she sinks on the couch, my heart picks up a notch, and I’m appreciating the time we’re spending together and growing closer to her and our son.
“When did you get home?”
“A few minutes ago. It’s six in the morning, and I’m wiped.” I watch her lean against the couch. “I have to do this shift next week. It sucks.”
“I’m sorry. You know I can be here again with Alex. He’s a great kid. Funny as hell.” I laugh, remembering the jokes he told me. “Definitely didn’t get the funny side from me.”
“Me, either.” She laughs, and I lean back so our shoulders are touching. I place my hand on her thigh. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
I sigh and make small circles with my fingers on her leg. “Yeah. I’m good. Today isn’t too bad at work, and if I need to work late, it’s not a big deal. I’m used not to leaving the office until late anyway.”
“I feel bad…”
I interrupt her. “Don’t feel bad. I’m here if you need anything.”
She looks at me, and I can see the confusion in her eyes.
“What’s going on? Talk to me.”
“I like seeing you here. Please don’t sleep on the couch again when you’re here. You can sleep in my bedroom. I like the idea of us being in bed together and you holding me.”
I squeeze her thigh and lean over, brushing my lips against her cheek. “I’d have to agree with you. If that’s okay with you, I’d love to be here every time you work overnight, and I’ll fall asleep on your bed.”
It feels right to talk to her about what’s going on between us. I feel it, and I know she feels it too. We’ve been getting closer, getting to know one another, and Alex is bringing us closer together as well. Gathering my courage, I pull her hand in mine.
“You told me slow, and I’m trying to respect your wishes.”
“I know you are, and I appreciate that.”
“I feel like there’s more you want to say. More you want to tell me.” I tell her and wait for her to respond.
Ashley looks away so I pull her face back to mine.
“It was always here between us. We got lost for a while, but now we’re here. I’m here with you.”
I watch Ashley get up and give me a small smile before turning down the hall toward her bedroom.
“Follow me, Clayton. Come lay down with me.”
Without a second passing, I get up, and we go into her bedroom. She goes to her dresser and pulls out a shirt.
“I take a shower at work before I leave, in case you’re wondering.”
“No.” I laugh, continuing to watch her. My nerves are building as I watch her take off her scrubs and put on the oversized shirt. “You look beautiful.”
“I just worked a horrendous shift. I look awful.”
“No.” I shake my head. “You don’t.”
When she climbs into bed, I follow suit and bring her body close to mine.
“I have my alarm set, so if I don’t wake up, can you?”
I nod my head against her neck. “Of course. Do you want me to take Alex to camp?”
“If you can. Please.”
“Of course. Sleep, baby.”
Chapter 27
Ashley
“Be real with me. I need your brutal honesty.”
Leigh smiles and takes her glass of wine. “You know I’ll do that for you. What’s up?
“I’m falling so hard for him again. I’ve never gotten over him, but I buried the love I had for him. Now he’s here. He’s been here. Alex is so over the moon for him, and my