Page 113 of Almost Love

She laughed and tugged on his hair gently. “Got underwear on, horndog.”

“A guy can hope.”

“You hungry? I can heat up dinner.”

“You cooked?”

“Yup. Got home a few hours ago and made spaghetti with cheesy meatballs.”

All his brain registered when Clementine stood up was the wordshome. Then his eyes were drawn to her ass clad in darkunderwear, the bottom of the T-shirt stuck in the waistband. She walked to the kitchen and his gaze followed her, dumbstruck that this woman wanted anything to do with him. Collapsing back onto the couch, he listened to her move around the kitchen. Maybe all the things he was working himself up about were for nothing. Because there she was, in his clothes and cooking him dinner.

She returned with a bowl of food and a bottle of water, handing them both to him. She sat down beside him, hand sliding into his hair. Like it was the most normal fucking thing in the world. He stared at the deliciously steamy food, then at his girl. She raised an eyebrow and he leaned in to kiss her. Her other hand cupped his jaw as she kissed him back and when he pulled away, all the words he wanted to say to her almost tumbled out. But he stopped himself, focusing on the food.

“How was the last day?”

He nodded, eyes slipping closed as he ate. “Good. How do youalwaysmake the best pasta ever?”

“I was born this way.”

Oakley smirked and shoved another forkful of pasta into his mouth, moaning at the flavors. “The kids are so fucking talented. Brought some of the art to show you. Like…I wish I could adopt them and give them what they need.”

“Maybe you can still work with them outside the shop.” He paused mid-chew and glanced at her, who was watching him with a smirk and added, “Because adoptingsix kidsseems like a lot of work.”

The question to ask her if she wanted kids was on the tip of his tongue. Instead, he chuckled. “That’s a really good idea. I’ll speak to Auburn about getting me in touch with the center.”

“Good. I’m glad you bonded with these kids, Oak. Even if you’ve been so busy and exhausted, I can see that this makes you happy.”

“I was upset at first, because it meant less time with you. But I learned so much from those kids too,” he admitted, eating more of his dinner. She was watching him, but he kept his eyes on his food. “How did real estate shopping go?”

“Pretty good. I’m pretty sold on one of the places. I could totally envision myself setting it up the way I’ve always dreamed.”

“But…” he said, urging her on.

“But, it’s a little more than I was willing to spend. Not totally out of my budget and it would be worth it in the long run. Might need to move my finances around a little.”

“What’s the one thing about this place that you love that the other spaces don’t have?”

“Big windows, so lots of natural light flooding in. Even the kitchen.”

He smiled at the joy on her face. “Will it help to have fresh eyes on the place?”

Clementine stared at him a moment, eyebrows dipping. “Seriously?”

“Yeah, baby. This is your entire business and your future. I’d love to help.”

She grabbed his face in both hands and pressed a kiss to his mouth with a loudsmack. When she pulled back, her face was bright. “I’d love that.”

And I love you. Instead he said, “Lemme show you what the kids did today.”

Oakley set his bowl on the coffee table and grabbed his bag and returned to the couch. He pulled out the sheaf papers and held it out to her. She looked through the sketches, but he tried not to pay attention. When the rustling stopped, he snuck a peek and found her staring at him.

“This…what is this?”

He smiled and tapped the top sketch with his finger. “Told the kids to draw tattoos for my girl.”

“What didyour girlhave to say about these?”

“Seems kinda dumbstruck, if I’m being honest.”

---