11. Aiden #2
“That sentence might be sexier than the work boots.”
“Careful. I’m trying to keep breakfast on the stove.”
“And exclusivity does not mean you own my time.”
I want more of her time than I have any right to claim. Hearing her draw the line doesn’t change the want, it just gives it a direction. A way to move toward her without walking over her.
I meet her gaze. “No ownership beyond what we both choose.”
“You can ask.”
“And you can say no.”
“Look at you learning.”
I reach across the island, curl my hand around the back of her neck, and kiss her once. “I learn quickly.”
Her lips stay close to mine. “You had an exceptional teacher this morning.”
“That confidence is getting dangerous.”
“You seemed to enjoy it.”
“I fucking loved it.”
She smiles and takes her plate to the small table by the porch doors. Our legs brush under the table. After a moment of comfortable silence, she speaks. “Cold-water swimming is terrible judgment. So is wearing that shirt in public.”
My phone vibrates on the counter before we finish eating. It’s my Mom.
Across the table, Paige lifts her eyes from her coffee.
I swipe to answer. “Morning.”
“Your daughter has been awake since six and has asked me four times when she can call you. I told her breakfast first. She ate three bites, so she figures that counts.”
I glance at the clock. “Put her on.”
A rustle comes through the phone, then Josie’s bright voice fills my ear. “Daddy?”
“Hey, bug.” A smile pulls at my mouth. “Are you having fun with Grandma and Grandpa?”
“When are you coming home?”
“Before nine, like I promised.”
“But I’m done with breakfast.”
“Three bites don’t count as breakfast.”
“I ate strawberries too.”
“That improves your argument.”
Paige presses her lips together. The laugh still shows in her eyes.
“Can we ride when you get here?”
“If you finish your toast and put your boots by the door.”
“All of it?”
“Yes, all of it.”
She sighs as if I have imposed an unreasonable hardship. “Fine.”
Paige gestures for my attention. “Can I tell her something?”
“Miss Paige wants to talk to you.”
“Yes!” Josie shouts.
I hold out the phone, and Paige takes it with a smile.
“Good morning, Josie.”
“Hi, Miss Paige. Daddy says I have to eat toast.”
“I support his decision.”
I raise an eyebrow. Paige ignores me.
“The summer-reading program starts Tuesday,” she continues, “and I need an official page-turner for story hour. You would have to listen carefully and make sure I don’t skip anything.”
“I can do that. I never skip pages.”
“I know. That’s why I’m asking you.”
“Do I get a badge?”
“I can make you a name tag.”
“With glitter?”
“We’ll negotiate.”
Josie accepts that answer far more easily than she accepted the toast. “Okay. I’ll tell Grandma.”
Paige hands the phone back, and I lift it to my ear. “Finish breakfast. I’ll see you soon.”
“Love you, Daddy.”
“Love you too, bug.”
The call ends, and I set my phone beside my plate.
The teasing leaves Paige’s expression, replaced by something quiet and warm. “You sound different with her.”
“How?”
“Gentler.” She considers it. “Still bossy.”
“She needs both.”
“I think you need both.”
I reach beneath the table and cover her bare knee with my hand. “I was gentle with you last night.”
“You were also bossy.”
“You needed both.”
Her smile turns warm and private. “Maybe.”
I want to stay here all morning, proving just how much she likes the combination. Instead, I glance at the clock.
“I need to leave in about ten minutes to make it home by nine for Josie.”
“You never have to justify going home to your daughter.”
“I just want you to know the plan.” My thumb moves over her knee. “I’m not going to walk out without telling you. Last night was more than borrowing your bed.”
Paige covers my hand with hers. “I didn’t think that.”
“Good. I still want you to know.”
We clear the table together. She rinses while I load the dishwasher, turning the first plate so it faces the direction she wants. I set the rest the same way. Her look tells me she notices.
At the door, Paige slips her feet into sandals, then disappears down the hall. She returns carrying the paperback from her nightstand.
She holds it against my chest. “Take this.”
I look at the bare-chested man on the cover. “You’re sending me home with homework?”
“You keep making claims about being better than fictional men. You should understand the competition.”
I turn the book over, reading the back cover. “Is there anything useful in here?”
“Chapter twelve has potential.”
“Potential?”
“The execution could use work.”
I tuck the book beneath my arm. “I’ll study it.”
“I thought you might.”
On the porch, I pulled her close and kissed her slowly. She tasted like coffee. Her hands slid beneath my shirt, and the need to stay was a physical pull. That’s how I knew I had to leave. I drew back before I could convince myself Josie could wait. “Next Friday.”
“That sounded like a demand.”
“It was a request.”
“You’ve hidden the question well.”
I brush my thumb over her lower lip. One Friday at a time has gotten me here. I already know I will spend the next six days wanting more.
“I want every Friday you’re willing to give me.”
Paige rises onto her toes and kisses me once more. “You can keep earning them.”