Page 30 of Make You Stay

“Well, that was interesting.”

I sneak a glance up at Chloe as she leans across my sawhorse. “Was it? What did they say?”

“Not them. Me, trying to act normally after hearing you say you want to kiss every inch of me.”

“You heard that?” There goes my heart, racing again, knowing it’s all out in the open.

“The more important question is, did you mean it?”

“We both know the answer to that.”

She nods, winding her way around the sawhorse and positioning herself directly in front of me. “What do we do about it?”

So many options, beautiful. Tons and tons of positions—I mean, options.

Moving flush against my body, she traces a line down the front of my shirt, my muscles flexing as her slender fingers drift over me. “Too bad I don’t believe in casual sex. I bet we’d have an unforgettable time together. But I don’t share, especially not a man like you. I’d keep you all to myself. But that’s not how you plan to play it, is it Aidan?” She presses a finger to my mouth before I can answer. “You don’t need to say anything. I already know the answer, which is why I will continue to dream about you every night and imagine that real life would be that much more incredible.”

Rising on her tiptoes, she wraps her hand around my neck, pressing those soft lips against mine.

There’s no pressure, no asking for more, just existing in this moment.

Together.

The only trouble? I want more. Much, much more. But before I can react, wrapping my arms around Chloe and proving I have no intention of sharing either, she pulls away, a soft smile coloring her mouth.

“In another life, I would make you fall madly in love with me.”

Then, she turns and walks away, leaving me with a cock straining for release and my blood pounding in my ears.

What Chloe doesn’t realize is I don’t need another life. I’m falling madly in love with her in this one.

* * *

I’ve spentthe better part of the afternoon running every scenario through my head, every reason why I shouldn’t march upstairs and claim Chloe for myself.

The reasons—myreasons—that made sense a month ago seem ridiculous now. But am I leading with my heart or my head?

See, I loved Enid. I still love Enid in a different fashion. But it wasneverthis powerful, over-the-top, ridiculous attraction. That’s why our marriage worked for so many years… it was more friendship with the occasional screw thrown in for kicks. When Enid met Jeff, she found her passion, and I’m thrilled for them both.

As for me, I’ve experienced plenty of passionate moments, but none I couldn’t live without.

Until Chloe. I’ve never even touched her, and yet she’s all I think about.

You only date single mothers, and Chloe wants a baby. In fact, she’s planning on having a baby. Way too sticky a situation. Snap out of it, man.

Hell, maybe I should have slept with Barbara last night. Perhaps I should date her. She’s attractive, smart, and personable—all excellent qualities—and if I wasn’t a decent guy, I’d jump on that ship.

But dating Barbara would be unfair to us both. Her, because I’m in love with Chloe and me, for the same damn reason.

A loud crash sounds from upstairs, startling me from my reverie. Taking the steps two at a time, I find Chloe on the floor next to an overturned chair, a pained expression on her face as she clutches her ankle.

I kneel by her side, gently pressing the joint. “Are you okay? What happened?”

Chloe winces, pointing to a box perched on top of the bookshelf. “I slipped trying to get that box.”

Leaning back on my haunches, I shoot her my best glare. “I’m right downstairs. Why didn’t you ask me to get it?”

“I’m stubborn? Bull-headed? Pain in the ass? Take your pick,” she mutters, struggling to stand.

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