Saving Mel

“Was doing laundry and giving baths part of your degree?”

I laughed. “Not exactly, but I don’t mind doing it.”

“I just don’t want to hold you back,” Evan said.

Now I was starting to worry a bit. “You’re not holding me back Evan. But if you want me to go—”

“No!” he said quickly, assuaging my fear. “I just don’t want you to give up something you’ve wanted for us.”

But you’re what I’ve wanted, I almost said. Instead, I offered, “If I ever start to feel that way, I promise I’ll let you know.”

He nodded, seemingly relieved. “Good, because I called and fired the nanny this morning.”

“You did what?” I asked.

“Yeah. She was nice and good with the kids, but she didn’t have anywhere near the connection that you have with them. Plus, you’re easier on the eyes,” he said, grinning.

I giggled and playfully slapped at his arm. “Oh, so all I am is eye candy?” I teased.

Evan grew suddenly serious. “Not even close, Melanie. You are beautiful, yes, but you are so much more than that.”

And when I looked at him, I felt every bit as special as he thought I was.

I leaned in and pressed my mouth to his, groaning as his tongue licked over my bottom lip. His hands came up around me and pulled me into his lap. He tugged gently on my hair to expose my neck and sucked at the tender skin along my jaw, causing my nipples to harden and my breath to become ragged.

When I couldn’t take anymore, I brought my mouth back down to his, but before our lips could meet, he pulled back.

“So, you’ll stay?” he asked, a storm raging in his eyes.

“For as long as you want me.”

CHAPTER 23

EVAN

A rhythm started developing between all of us. Melanie had been with us for a couple of weeks, and I was feeling really good about things. Her father was doing remarkably well, and so Melanie stayed more nights than she went home. The kids loved having her around and I was beginning to bring in more orders for my woodworking. Though I didn’t need the money, I found that the work kept my mind occupied and off the need for pills. The money I brought in was just a bonus; one I set aside in a secret fund for the kids.

But there was still something lurking in the back of my mind.

There was something that simply wasn’t right with Melanie. As close as we’d gotten, she still wouldn’t let me in, and no matter how many times I tried to get her to understand that she was safe, she always seemed to be looking over her shoulder. Liam had wanted to go outside a couple of days prior to making snow angels, and I caught her staring over at my shed.

Her eyes were lined with tears and it seemed as if she was frozen in her spot.

There was still so much I didn’t know about her. I was dying to know what she was keeping buried inside of her so I could help her through it, but a part of me wondered if I could. Was it something I could help her with? Was it something I could heal? The thought of not being able to help her made me feel like shit. It also brought up doubts about our relationship. Weren’t people who cared about one another supposed to lay all their cards on the table? I had shown her mine, but she had yet to show me hers.

I didn’t know how this was going to work long term if she didn’t let me in. If we were going to occupy the same space, she would have to open up. She would have to learn to confide in me, especially if I had any hope of us ever getting through anything tough. I wanted to be with her, and I wanted her to be with the kids. But I wasn’t going to have a superficial relationship with her.

Especially since I’d poured my life into her lap two weeks ago.

I went to the bank to deposit the money I’d made, then drove back to the cabin. It was much later than I’d thought it would be, and I knew the kids would be asleep once I got there. Darkness draped over the mountain as my tires crunched over the icy pathway, and the smoke pouring from the chimney was a welcome sight.

Climbing out of the truck, I noticed most of the lights were off in the cabin. I figured Melanie had probably gone to bed as well, and part of me was disappointed about that. I was hoping to get some time with her, just to see if I could make her feel comfortable enough to talk with me. If anything, I could express to her my own hesitations with the situation, and maybe that would prompt some sort of discussion.