Page 76 of The Last Thing
“And the one who takes perfect care of her every single day.”
His hand pauses on my leg. “Did you tell them that too?”
“Maybe,” I whisper. “I wanted them to know I’m safe and happy.”
He shifts on the couch, moving closer and brushing his thumb over my cheek. “Are you happy?”
“Yes. It’s impossible not to be when I’m with you and Sophia. You say I bring out the fun side of you, well you two bring out my joyful side. Even if my parents hadn’t asked to meet you, I would’ve wanted you to come.” I look to the side, forcing my emotions down. “You make me feel safe.”
“I will do everything in my power to make sure you always feel that way.”
He lets out a long sigh, his hand slipping from my cheek, and damn my stupid, ignorant heart. It wants to beg for more.
“When do you want to leave next weekend?”
“Saturday morning? We can meet up with them in the afternoon, have some dinner, then stay at my old apartment. My parents haven’t rented it out yet. Then maybe I could take you to a couple of my favorite spots in the city before we come home later on Sunday?”
“Sounds good to me. I’m sure my mom can watch Sophia.”
“Actually, I was thinking maybe Frannie could watch her. Soph could go up there or Frannie could come down here. That way Sophia can pretty much be at home, and she and Franniecan get to know each other better. It’s good for them to bond since Frannie will sort of be like Sophia’s aunt.”
My cheeks heat a little, and he watches me, a slow smile spreading up his face.
“Hellion, are you imagining us as a family?”
The mix of intensity and joy in his eyes is hard to ignore. Especially because I’m tired of lying or trying to convince myself it’s not true.
“Something like that.”
His warm eyes stay locked on me for another moment, then he sweeps a strand of hair behind my ear.
“I think that’s a great idea.”
“Good,” I breathe. Then I yawn because I’m still exhausted.
“You need to sleep.”
“I—”
“Nope.” He stands up and holds out his hand, pulling me up from the couch. But he doesn’t make a move toward the bedroom. Instead, he wraps his arms around me, breath tickling my ear. “Let me takeperfectcare of you.”
I gulp at the devious promise in his words. Not because of any sexual implications. Because I know he means every syllable of every word. He’s going to tuck me into his bed, wrap himself around me, and make sure I have everything I need all night. Then he’ll do it again tomorrow. And the next day. And…
He guides me down the hall, arm wrapped around me in a way that’s both comforting and possessive.
The last of my resolve is washing away, and as if it’s the glue holding my walls together, I can already feel them starting to crumble.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
WILSON
“We’ll be fine, Dad,”Sophia says dramatically when I give her another hug.
I rarely leave her overnight. Other than the weekend I met Hallie, I can’t remember the last time I wasn’t there. And back then, we lived with my mom, so she was still home.
She’ll be home now. With Frannie.
“She’s right. We’re going to have a super fun girls’ weekend,” Frannie says. “It’s only a few hours away and for one night. You can do it.”
