don’t feel like having sex after today.”
“Then you haven’t drank enough. Have more.”
Sighing, I shake my head. “What are you doing?”
His mouth moves to my ear, his words whispered in a low growl. “I’m trying to make you forget about him.”
“You did that when you bought me coffee that morning.”
My stomach does a flip as I think about moving forward. I turn to face him, watching the way the candlelight flickers against his face. He looks so beautiful, and I can’t imagine what I look like to him.
Bringing my legs up near my chest, I sit between his legs in front of him. “I feel like such a fucking mess.”
His shoulders stiffen, and he lifts my chin and catches my stare. His gaze sharpens, his jaw stiff. “You’re not though. You’re an amazing mom and artist. Never underestimate your appeal, and what simply being a mother to Tatum gives her.”
I hate the hurt in his eyes, and I want to smack his own mother. I don’t know much about her, as he’s stingy with the details, but I know she wasn’t good to him. I lift the wine to my lips, and his hand falls to the side of the tub. “I think someone made you in a factory and sent you to me.”
He leans closer, his breath hitting my face. “Or maybe they sent both of you to me.”
His lips find my knees, the corners of his eyes creasing as a smile forms. “Is now a good time to tell you I hate the smell of lilacs?”
A smile tugs at my lips. “You really are a monster.”
His eyes flick to mine. “Monsters don’t set up Christmas trees in April and get a kid a kitten.”
“You’re right.” I shake my head and think about the Christmas tree in the house. “How did this night go down?” I shift in the tub so I can see his face clearer. “Where did you even find the Christmas tree?”
“It was in your attic.” He wraps his arms around me, his hand disappearing into my hair. “Tatum showed me. Also, she peed in a shoebox in the attic. And the kitten, well, he sorta showed up at the door.”
I run my fingers down his back, feeling the smooth, taut skin. “He did not.”
His eyes find mine, suddenly serious. “Yeah, he did.”
“Our door?”
“No, my car. I took her for ice cream, and she kept going on about a talking snowman, and the kitten was there when I opened the door.” At first I think he’s serious, and then he bursts out laughing. “I’m kidding. We got him from the shelter.”
“I’m sure she’s going to love him.”
“Do you not want him?” he asks against my lips, and by the trepidation in his eyes, I wonder if he’s talking about himself and not the snow-white kitten meowing at my bathroom door.
Pulling back, he tucks my hair behind my ear and waits for my answer.
“I think he’s perfect for us,” I say, unable to stop smiling for once tonight. “And what do you mean she peed in a shoebox?”
He scratches the side of his jaw. “I thought you were gonna let that one go.”
“Did you clean it up? I’m so sorry. Potty training hasn’t been going well.”
“I threw the box away and got her changed.” He shrugs and leans back against the tub again. “I loved hanging out with her. Even got her to pee on the toilet once.”
“How?”
“Bribed her with jelly beans.”
“Clever. Thank you for taking care of her.” I touch my hand gently to his bruised cheek, and he blinks slowly, watching me. “Does your face hurt?”
His lashes lower. “A little, but not bad. I’ve had worse.”
You can see the small strip of white tape across the bridge of his nose. “Did it break your nose too, or just cut it?”
“Cracked the bridge.” He runs his fingers over the tape. “Not bad though. Didn’t displace it. I’ll still have my charming good looks.” He winks, his eyes dropping to my bare tits he can’t keep his hands off.
“How long are you out for?”
“Few games.” He shrugs, a smirk forming. “Were you worried about me?”
“More than I want to admit.”
He draws in a breath as if he’s preparing himself for what he never saw coming and takes my face in his hands. “Come to dinner with me. Tomorrow night.” I start to say no, because this isn’t what he needs. But he puts his thumb to my lips. “I’m begging you, and I don’t beg. But you,