Page 21 of Hot Rucking Canadian

In the end, Becca engaged me in a discussion about what I enjoyed most about my job working steel fifty stories above the ground.

Isaiah’s focus appeared split between the two conversations, although he left me to my conversation with the charming woman.

I encouraged her to talk about motherhood—a discussion I rarely got to partake in. Most of the guys I worked with, even if they were fathers, didn’t share the intricacies of raising four children and being over-the-moon excited about the prospect of adding a fifth. Oh, and having a husband who traveled often. I’d assumed Cassandra would be roped into helping—and she was, on occasion—but Becca’s mother-in-law lived with them and, apparently, loved grandmothering.

Again, I might’ve thought that would be intrusive, but Becca’s glowing words made it clear her affection was true.

I loved it.

In the end, the hour was late by the time we called it quits.

Johnnie drove away in his beater car.

Roger, Cassandra, and Becca took off in their minivan.

I wondered how they could fit all those kids in that thing. I supposed there was a way.

“Are you coming home with me?” Isaiah snagged my hand.

“Are you inviting me?”

“Only if you promise not to leave me before saying goodbye.” His eyes flashed hurt.

“I…most guys don’t want me to stay the night.”

“I’d like to think I’m notmost guys.”

I chuckled. “No, you’re definitely not.” I pressed my hand to his chest. “Yes, Mallow, I’ll come home with you.”

He grinned. “You know the way. My gate code is 2704.”

Four digits I could remember—despite how my heart rate increased and the tightening in my jeans.

The night drizzle continued. “I’m going to be a little wet.”

“Oh, I plan to make you a lot…uh…” His scrunched his forehead in an absolutely adorable way. “I don’t think I got that right.”

I chuckled. “And yet I knew what you meant.”

Slowly, he ducked his head. He released my hand, then cupped my cheeks.

Oh my God, he’s going to kiss me. I don’t kiss.One of few rules I had. Kissing was an intimacy I didn’t dare enjoy with anyone. Lest my heart get broken. Yet my eyes drifted shut as he pressed his lips to mine.I’m a goner.

Chapter Ten

Isaiah

Anticipation thrummed through me as I drove home.

I kept Badarse in my rearview mirror as I approached my building. Giving him the code had only been for if we got separated. If he was close enough, I could just use my remote for both of us.

We were close enough.

Every time I’d tapped his foot tonight, that closeness had, for me at least, increased. I couldn’t be certain about him. He played his cards very close to the vest. He let little through.

Except for moments when he’d let his guard down. When talking to Becca. When sharing some dark parts of his life with Cassandra.

Like when he’d kissed me.

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