Page 55 of Make You Stay

Yep, that did it. Mind? Straight to the gutter.

I can’t help it. I’ve wanted to touch this woman for weeks. Any mention of her body and bed in the same sentence, and I don’t stand a chance.

“What smells so good?” I ask, stopping short as I walk into the kitchen.

“I made you breakfast. I figured since you had the girls that you might be running behind.”

There, on the table, is a spread that would make a diner weep. Eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, fruit, and juice are laid out, along with two place settings.

“This looks fantastic.”

“Don’t stand around and stare at it. Dig in.”

She doesn’t have to tell me twice. I’m starving, and I know she’s a mean cook. It’s a win-win. Glancing up, I smile when I notice Chloe is wearing the choker. “I was right. It looks stunning on you.”

“I love it,” she replies, fingering the gold filigree. “I never get presents.”

Okay, time to dive in with both feet. God, give me strength. “You know how you told Natalie to wait for the right guy instead of settling for justanyguy? You need to follow that advice.”

Chloe nods, taking a bite of eggs. “I know, but it’s hard for me to get close to people. I tend to hold everyone far away from my heart.”

“You didn’t do that with me.”

A flush crawls up her cheeks. “You’re special.”

No, beautiful,you’respecial.

“Are you going out with Zeke again? I saw you two speaking at Enid’s party. I was about to intervene when he stalked off.”

I really want to wring Zeke’s neck for the stunt he pulled on their date. He goes out with this incredible woman and tricks her into paying? Disgusting.

Chloe leans back in her chair, a curious expression on her face. I get it. I threw her with the Zeke question. But if she sticks with me, she’ll see it makes perfect sense. “I wish youhadintervened. He was dogged about a second date, but once was enough torture for this lifetime.”

Whew, one issue is out of the way.

“Good. You deserve to be with someone who appreciates you.”

“Thank you.”

“I’m serious. A man who treats you with respect and care while still rocking your world when the lights go out. Or you can leave them on—your choice.”

“Sounds perfect. If you find any men fitting that description who are interested in me, send them my way.”

There’s my opening. I lean across the table, grasping her fingers.

“Have dinner with me, Chloe. I’m going to stop pretending I don’t want to get to know you better. Much, much better. I only hope you feel the same way. I know you don’t date men with young kids—”

“I do.”

“I thought you said you didn’t.”

“I don’t.”

My brow wrinkles at this wordplay. “You’re confusing the hell out of me.”

She laughs, waving her hands. “I don’t date men with young kids—after the last time—but I do feel the same way.”

“Does that mean you’ll make an exception?”

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