Chapter 28
Flynn sank into the bathwater, trying to let go of the mortification of Marcus’s mother knowing she was in his bathroom.
She gave it a few minutes and focused on allowing the energy of shame to dissipate.
“You good, baby?” Marcus called through the door. “Do you care if I come in?”
“I’m naked,” she replied.
“Even better.”
He opened the door and shut it behind him. “Ma’s gone. Don’t worry.”
Flynn covered her face with her hands as another surge of embarrassment rose. Just let it go.
“It’s okay. I promise,” he said. “If I had to describe her reaction, I’d say finding you here was a relief, if nothing else.”
She peeked through her fingers. “Really?”
“I never—and I do mean, never—bring women here. This meant something. She knows it too.”
Flynn had heard what he said about family, and if it was up to him, she had one now. She still felt all melty and gooey about that.
“You really like enchiladas?”
She looked up at him. “Of course. Who doesn’t?”
“And chocolate cherry cake?”
She smiled. “I didn’t even know that was a thing, but I’m here for it.”
His expression was soft. “How are you feeling? Better?”
Flynn nodded. “A hot bath fixes a whole lot of things. I’ll take a towel though. I’m good now.”
He grabbed the one he’d hung over the rail, unfolded it, and held it out between his hands.
He was so courteous. It still amazed her. Clearly, there was something about a man who had been raised right.
“So, your mom wasn’t horrified to find me here?” She stood in the tub and let the water drip for a moment before stepping into the towel.
As he wrapped it around her, he said, “She just wants me to be happy.”
Flynn lifted her face to his. “Are you?”
“Happier than I remember being in a long, long time. Maybe ever.”
Flynn’s cheeks strained with her giant smile. “Good. I’m glad.”
He pressed a kiss to her nose. “Eggs and bacon?”
“Only if you want to.”
“I’d be cooking for myself anyway. It’s a lot more fun to cook for you.”
“Then by all means … I will happily eat whatever you make.”