Chapter 18
The week was good. Amelia felt like she’d made progress on herself. Lainey started preschool and really liked it. They watched a few documentaries on animals, and now Lainey had a list of animals she wanted to see.
On Saturday morning Lainey was up early and ready to head to the zoo. Avery was very patient with Lainey and helped her get ready, which took the pressure off Amelia and allowed her to shower and dress in peace.
If she spent too much time looking back, wishing Avery had been in their lives earlier, she wouldn’t be able to move forward. He was with her now. She’d trusted Tara to tell Avery about the baby, and she never should have trusted her.
The drive to the zoo didn’t take long. Luckily Avery had known enough to get tickets beforehand. She shouldn’t have been surprised by how many people were there. It was one of the most famous zoos in the world.
Lainey seemed to be having a blast. They were currently standing in front of the snow leopards with Lainey on Avery’s shoulders. They were talking about the spots on the leopards’ coat, and how pretty they were.
“What kind of spots would you have if you had any?” Avery asked Lainey.
“Pink spots. Maybe orange.”
“What do you think I’d have?”
“Green.” Avery’s laughter filled the area.
She was glad Lainey was having fun. They’d done outings before she’d been abducted, but it was exhausting.
Having Avery carry Lainey around meant she could relax and enjoy the animals and not worry too much about where Lainey was.
Her worst fear before being abducted was losing Lainey, now it was having someone take Lainey like they’d taken her.
Just the thought of it brought tears to her eyes.
“You okay?” Avery asked.
She nodded, not trusting her voice. Lainey requested to get down, and she ran ahead of them to the river otters. She noticed that Avery was keeping a close eye on Lainey. That made her feel better.
“Really, you okay?” Avery asked again.
“Yeah. Just thoughts running wild in my head.”
“Oh, I’m sorry.”
“It’s good. It helps that you’re here with me. I’m thankful for you.”
Avery took his eyes off Lainey for just a few seconds and held her gaze. “I’m thankful for the two of you.”
She nodded, unsure how to respond. Lainey ran over, excitement filling her face.
“The otter waved at me. He likes me.”
Avery squatted next to her. “I’m sure he does like you. How about we go grab a bite of food?”
“Does that mean we have to go home?”
Avery shook his head. “No, sweetie. We’re going to get a sandwich and chips from the restaurant.”
“Are you sure?” Amelia asked.
Avery nodded. “Yes, I’m positive.”
They headed over to the bistro and ordered food. Lainey got mac and cheese along with chips. They ate, and Lainey asked questions about what else they would see.
After lunch, they toured for another few hours before it was obvious Lainey was exhausted. They headed home, and Avery carried Lainey into the house and up to bed where she could nap.
“Well, we wore her out,” he said when he came back down and stepped into the kitchen.
Amelia laughed. “I'm worn out, too.”
“That was fun. I like spending time with you two.”
“Same.”
She stepped into the kitchen to grab a glass of water. Avery turned, and she realized she'd stopped too close to him. His hand reached out to steady her. His touch sent an electric shock through her, and her gaze flashed to his. The intensity of the connection felt magnetic.
First it was just their fingers touching. Then he leaned in and the heat of his body brought a wave of desire that made her lean in. She wanted to ask did he really mean this, but then his lips were on hers.
She opened for him. Their tongues slid against each other in a seductive dance that promised total fulfillment. The kiss was amazing, and for a second, they were the only two people who mattered.
She put her hands on his chest, her fingers pressing against the muscles of his pecs. Then his hands were on her waist, pulling her closer.
It was hot, sizzling, and she wanted to lose control. She wanted everything else to go away until it was just the two of them. A door slammed upstairs, and they broke apart like they’d been struck.
“Mommy,” Lainey said in her little voice at the top of the stairs.
“I'm down here, baby.”
“When did we get home?”
“A little while ago. Would you like something to eat?”
“No.” Lainey tromped down the stairs and sat at the bottom of them.
Avery moved to her and picked her up. “How are you feeling?”
“Tired.”
“Want to watch some cartoons, maybe lay on the couch?”
Lainey rubbed her eyes and nodded as Avery carried her to the couch and clicked on the TV. They left the lights low, and after about ten minutes, Lainey was asleep again.
Avery came closer, his lips beside her ear. “Sorry if kissing you was too forward.”
She shook her head, her eyes staying on Lainey, making sure she didn’t wake up. “It wasn’t. I mean, maybe we shouldn’t.”
“Too complicated.”
She jerked back, meeting his gaze. “I don’t ever want to hurt Lainey.”
“Neither do I.”
“If this doesn’t work?”
“If it doesn’t, we still remain friends. We won’t ever jeopardize what is best for Lainey.”
Amelia held his gaze. “Do you really mean that?”
“Yes.”
“We should slow things down.”
He nodded. “I have time. We both do.”
Tears filled her eyes, and he wrapped his arms around her, holding her close.
Maybe it wasn't that easy, but maybe it was.
Perhaps they could have something. She still needed time to get things right in her mind.
There were some things that she had to settle before she could really be in a relationship, but she had faith they could work on it together.