Page 144 of Five Fingers of Death

“In your bed,” I nodded. “I remember. But there are other things we can do that are still fun.”

My hand slid down his chest, between us to the growing erection I could feel pressing against me. I was tired of waiting. For all his good intentions, he was missing one vital piece of information. I wanted him, and I was done hiding behind things I couldn’t change about myself.

“Is there any chance Tahlia can watch Carli for the night?” I whispered, stroking my hand over his cock.

“I could work it out,” he choked out, pressing his cock into my hand. “Are you sure?”

“I’m really tired of thinking about it,” I said honestly. “I know I want you, and I am well aware of how good you’ll make it.”

“But the things in your past?—”

“Are in the past,” I told him. “I can’t help when something hits me out of nowhere, but I’m done hiding and worrying about something that happened before.”

His mouth landed on mine before I even finished getting the last word out. His tongue slid in my mouth, taking everything I was offering. I was so lost in his kisses that I didn’t hear the little voice calling out. Jason did and pressed me against the car, tearing his mouth from mine.

“Shit,” he hissed, resting his forehead against mine. “Carli’s here.”

I giggled, covering my mouth with my hand. “I’m sorry.”

A rueful smile crossed his face before he pressed another soft kiss to my lips and stepped back just as Carli ran up to me.

“Hey!” I smiled, bending down to greet her. She threw herself into my arms, hugging me tightly. I never thought I would want or need this from a child, but as I closed my eyes, I was filled with only happiness. I never had my baby, but this little girl was worming her way into my closed-off heart. I’d just been too stubborn to allow her in.

“Izzy! I missed you!”

“Me, too, sweetie.”

“Daddy said you were sad. Is that why he was hugging you?”

I blushed bright red as I looked up at Jason. He chuckled, shaking his head as he looked to the sky. “Yes, that’s why he was hugging me.”

Her face turned serious. “Is that why you left us?”

Normally, I would give some lie about why I was hurting, but I couldn’t do that anymore. Not if I wanted to be part of this little family. “Yeah, baby girl. That’s why I left. You know, I once had a little girl, too.”

She stared at me with wide eyes. “You did?”

I nodded. “I did, but she’s in heaven now.”

“Like my momma?” Her voice was so sweet and innocent that I pulled her into my arms and held her tight.

“Yeah, just like your momma.”

“Daddy says Momma’s still looking out for me.”

“That’s right. I bet she’s watching you right now.”

Her little eyes squinted as she stared at me thoughtfully. “Do you think she’s watching your little girl?”

My chest tightened as I thought about it. God, wouldn’t it be nice if her mother was in heaven right now taking care of my daughter? Tears pricked my eyes as I held her tighter. “I bet she is. And you know what? That would make me very happy to know she was taking care of her.”

“Like Daddy takes care of me.”

“Exactly.”

When she stepped back, I wiped the tears from my eyes, hating that I always ended up in tears, but this little girl had a way of pulling out the best of my emotions.

“I made you cry.”