Page 23 of Night Moves

“Pretty observant?”

“Art classes and waitress. You have to pay attention in both.”

“Speaking of, are you blonde or brunette?”

“What? How…”

“I saw a picture of you.”

“He posted a picture of me? On his bullshit Memory wall? He must be pretty sure I’m going to die.”

“Not happening on my watch.”

CHAPTER13

Diesel

She sits up. “I should go. I need to check on Eizlee and let you get some sleep. Did Silo leave?”

“I checked on her before coming in here. Silo is camped out on the couch. And I’d like you to stay. Even if it’s just to sleep together.”

“Diesel, I—I’m really attracted to you. But I know I’m a terrible catch. One screw up after another. Look at the mess I’m in right now.

“I can’t seem to make a relationship work. I can’t hold a job. Like I told you, my whole life: rinse and repeat. But contrary to what it seems, I’m not some booty call. I want something real.”

“I understand more than you think, Willow.

“I’ve been attracted to you since I saw you at the bus stop. I wanted you right then and there. But I need you to want me, for me. Not for Eizlee Jane.

“Nobody wanted the boy who grew up poor in basically a whore house drug emporium. Parents kept me away from their kids at school, teachers overlooked me as a looser. I’ve been chased because of dance moves, wanted for my body, a sex toy to play and pay. I can act all those roles, Willow. But none of them are me.

“I found my true self in the army. I’m a mechanic, the guy who likes to fix things that you can fly or drive. The soldier who saw too much battle and lost true friends. A teammate and friend to my squad. The friend to a friend who’s got your back and helps you move for the hundredth time.

“I’m learning to be a father, and I want to be a husband. I want something real.”

“But I’m a screw u?—”

I press a finger to her lips. “A beautiful caring person who sees the good in everyone. Willow, it’s not your fault that you were used. That’s all on the assholes who took advantage of you. There’s nothing wrong with NOT seeing evil. The pure of heart never do. While you were trying to watch out for others, you just never had anyone who had your back. I will.

“I don’t want sex, Willow. I want a connection. You are the first woman in more years than I care to admit that made me even want to try.

“But I need it to be for me. Not the baby you love. So, lets just hold each other tonight and see where tomorrow takes us.”

She nods. “I need to use the bathroom.”

“I don’t know what you’ve been sleeping in. But there’s one of my T-Shirts and pajama pants on the counter.”

When she comes back dressed in my clothes, I’m standing by the bed waiting in just lounge pants. “Is it okay if I don’t wear a shirt? I’m a little hot blooded.”

She smiles. “Good, because I’m always cold.”

I hold out a hand. “Come on. I know you want to check on her. We’ll go together.”

Willow straightens Eizlee’s blanket. I smooth her hair. Back in my room I double check the baby monitor that’s just like the one that I have installed in Willow’s room.

I let her climb in first then take the other side of the bed. After a couple moments she asks. “Can we snuggle like we were before when I woke up?”

Rolling to my side I burrow her back to my front. I agree. This feels right. Soon she’s asleep and I’m feeling more content than I ever have.Vicky, if you’re watching over me. Let this be real.

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