clothes—wouldn’t that bother you?”
“How could it, when you make me feel so good?” Gently cupping her shoulder, he pressed her back in the bed, leaned over and lightly kissed her mouth. “You make things better, Ivey. I’m thrilled to have Justin with me, but I look at the chaos my life has become and it’s overwhelming. I’m not just responsible for me anymore, but for someone far more important.”
Her smile showed understanding and more. “Your son.”
“He’s the world to me, but damn, it’s enough to keep me up at night.” Using only his fingertips, he tucked back her hair. “Then you come around, and somehow it all seems to click into place. I see tomorrow and next week and next month, and I see it all working out.”
“You’ll make it so. You’re such an amazing guy.”
Grinning, he touched his forehead to hers. “See? That’s part of where I get that optimism. Other than my own mother and brother, I don’t think anyone has had that much faith in me.”
“I like your mother already.”
“Good, because she’s going to love you.”
Uncharacteristically reserved, especially for a woman who’d hastily stripped and demanded sex, Ivey asked, “Will I meet your mother?”
“She’ll show up soon, I’m sure. She’s already shown more restraint than I thought she had.” In fact, Corbin decided a warning might be in order. “Just so you know, my mother is a louder, more domineering version of my brother. She expects a lot from Lang and me, but usually gives more of herself. She sometimes speaks without thinking—”
“Oh good. We’ll have that in common.”
“—and she’s a hugger. If she doesn’t hug you, it means something.”
“Like what?”
“Don’t worry about it.” Within minutes of meeting Ivey, he imagined his mother would be squeezing her tight. “I promise, you’ll be hugged so much, it’ll start to annoy you.”
That sexy mouth of hers quirked. “I’ll persevere.” She traced his collarbone. “You’re not worried about Justin seeing us together?”
“No. Don’t ever think that.” Corbin cupped her cheek in his hand. “You’re a good influence. With you, he sees how a healthy, independent, motivated woman should be.”
Her eyes going incredibly soft, Ivey whispered, “Thank you.”
“He needs to sort things out in his own mind, in his own way, but I want to help him however I can. Saying to him that his mother fell short wouldn’t be right, especially since I have no idea of why she’s done the things she’s done.” In his heart, it didn’t matter. She’d slighted his son, kept Corbin from him, and for that he’d never forgive her. But in his head, he knew he shouldn’t judge Darcie too harshly, because he’d grown up with incredible advantages. Not just security, but the solid love and understanding of his family.
“I’ve wondered that, too,” Ivey said. “I’m guessing she didn’t have an easy life?”
“Honestly, I don’t know. We only dated casually a few times. When Darcie’s family moved away, I barely noticed.” His mouth twisted. “Now I realize she must have been pregnant.”
“And you were only seventeen?”
“Yeah... I believe that happened on the first date.” But there was no point to rehashing the past. “I see no problem with Justin knowing you and I are in a relationship.” More and more, he realized the truth. “You’re the whole package, Ivey. Strong in the most important ways, accomplished and respected and settled in your independence, with a house of your own. But you’re also compassionate, energetic and funny. There’s absolutely nothing about you that could negatively influence my son.”
“You see the best in me.” Her smile wobbled, but she lifted her chin. “Thank you.”
He saw what was there, what anyone with eyes and even the smallest amount of perception noticed within minutes of meeting Ivey. “Will you stay with me?”
“I’d like that, yes. As you said, I’ll have my own house available if either of us needs a break.” She peeked up at him. “Promise you’ll tell me if, after a few days, you need some space?”
“All right.” But he knew he wouldn’t.
“Good.” She laced her arms around his neck. “And I’ll tell you if I do.”
His good mood slipped. “You think we’ll get on your nerves?” Other than the sleeping arrangement, things wouldn’t be that different from what they’d done the past week.
“No, but I don’t want to tie you down, so I’m trying to be fair. Let’s tackle it one commitment at a time, okay?”
He’d have her with him, and that was the most important part, so he nodded. “Got it.” Not to push