On cue, my hearts sinks, confirming what I’ve known all along. He cares. Just not enough. And maybe these thoughts in my head need to stop. Just like my relationship with Jason. I pulled the plug when things weren’t as they should’ve been. If I did it once, I can do it again.
Masen’s gentle snores start as he falls asleep peacefully at my breast. Haden lifts him up slowly and pats him, prompting a loud burp before moving him to his crib and wrapping him tight. Lying here, semi-naked, I’m vulnerable both physically and emotionally. Haden removes his shoes and climbs back into the bed with me, this time moving under the sheets. My body appears flushed, and the way his eyes are laced with desire can only mean one thing.
Kitty is back and has her cheerleader outfit on. Give me an F . . . give me a U . . .
“Presley, I can’t hold this back anymore.”
His luscious lips have found their way to mine, and with his tight grip around my waist, it’s impossible to pull away . . . especially with my body betraying me. His tongue circles mine as we both moan into each other’s mouths.
Out of breath, I pull away for a brief moment. “Haden, we can’t.”
His lips have already moved to the base of my neck as he mumbles. “I need you.”
The rush he gives me shoots straight down below, and between my legs I’m soaking wet. I’m struggling to hold onto my morals as my physical side demands that he give me all of him. Just one more minute . . . then I’ll stop.
He knows I’ll stop him, and with a desperate rush he has made his way down to my breasts, licking circles around my nipples and causing my back to arch in pleasure. It’s difficult to keep my moans to a silent plea, and sensing my desperation, he moves his right hand towards my mouth and covers it with his palm.
“Just let me have a taste . . . just one taste . . .”
I don’t have to let him. He takes what he wants, and the moment he sucks on my nipples, an impending orgasm is on the verge of breaking loose. No . . . no . . .
“Haden . . . we have to stop!”
I manage to push him away just as the orgasm is about to hit, and Kitty throws a massive tantrum, kicking and screaming and demanding I finish.
Guiding his head back towards my face, I watch his eyes and the fire burning within them.
“We can’t do this. Not while you’re in a relationship. I’m not that person.”
His chest is pumping hard, and trying to catch his breath, he finally speaks. “I know it’s wrong. I just want you, Presley.”
“I want you too, Haden. But we can’t . . . not unless you end things with her.”
He pulls back. “Is that an ultimatum?”
“No,” I correct him. “It’s called having morals. I’m not a mistress, nor do I want to have an affair. I can’t deny what I feel for you, but I’m not the one engaged here.”
I see the turmoil in his expression and pull him closer one more time, for one last kiss.
“I should probably go,” he whispers, disappointed.
“You probably should.”
Reluctantly, he climbs out of the bed and slides his shoes back on. He adjusts his crotch and I ignore how hard he looks beneath the fabric. Why, oh why was I raised to be a good, moral woman?!
Walking towards the door, he stops and turns back to face me. “Give me time to sort out my life, Presley. I want you in it . . . I just need to fix the mess I created.”
Those are his final words, and for me, tonight, it’s exactly what I need to hear. A promise of a future.
That night, I dream of Haden Cooper. The man my heart and soul wants so desperately. That part about my heart being fragile . . . it’s too late. It belongs to him. It’s all his. All he needs to do is keep it safe, secure it up in bubble wrap, and ensure that it doesn’t shatter.
That should be easy, right?
Chapter Twenty-Four
The next day I get a surprise visit from Haden’s mom. Armed with a bag of wool and knitting needles, she insists I take a couple of hours off to do whatever the hell I want to do. At first, I’m reluctant. Masen is almost four weeks old and I haven’t been away from him at all.
“I understand you feel conflicted. The first time I left Haden with my mother-in-law, I was a blubbering mess. It didn’t help that she was the wicked witch of the west. God rest her soul.” She raises her head towards the ceiling and