Page 19 of Seduction
I nod, leading the way out of the clubhouse. At the car, he straps Mikey in his car seat, then watches as I back out of my spot.
“I’ll be right behind you.”
“Okay.”
After driving through the gates, I stop, waiting until I see him ride out. He stays behind me the entire time. Sometimes, having an escort annoys me, but knowing Einstein is there gives me a sense of safety I’ve never really felt with any of the guys.
Maybe he was right. Subconsciously, I’ve probably thought of him as a brother. It’s a good thing he didn’t succumb to my offer; it would’ve ruined the relationship we have.
He parks alongside me in the driveway, helping me with Mikey once again. I lead him upstairs, watching as he carefully lays Mikey on his bed, pulling the covers over him.
“Thanks,” I say as we descend the stairs.
“Don’t mention it.”
“Can I get you a drink?”
“Beer, if you have it.”
While I head to the kitchen, he continues to the living room. I grab him a beer and pour myself a glass of white wine.
When I join him, he flashes me a weak but beautiful smile. I’ve always thought he was cute, but I guess trying to get into his pants has enhanced my view of him. Or maybe just opened my eyes entirely. He’s absolutely stunning.
I hand him his beer, sitting next to him but keeping my distance. He takes a drink, placing the bottle on his knee and tapping his fingers on the side.
“I saw what Gage did earlier,” he says. “I know it doesn’t seem that way, but he’s just looking out for you.”
“Yeah, well, I wish he wouldn’t look so closely.”
“What do you want, Ellen?”
I look over and find he’s watching me, waiting for my answer. His gaze is intense, throwing me off balance.
“What do you mean?”
“I know you said you wanted to have fun. If Gage hadn’t interrupted, that conversation would have led to one place—a one-night stand. Is that what you’re looking for, a string of hookups?”
“No, I… I had an old man, Einstein. I’m not looking for another one.”
“I see,” he says as I take a gulp of my wine.
“Do you? There’s no man alive who can fit into Eddie’s shoes. None that can take his place in my life or my—” My voice breaks. “—heart.”
He moves closer, taking my hand in his. “It’s not about taking his place, beautiful. You just have to make some room for someone else.”
“I don’t know if I can.”
“You planned to spend the rest of your life with him. I get it. Any man you get involved with will have to understand that he was a big part of your life. You’re the mother of his son. Eddie loved you and wanted you to be happy. I see now that you’re not.”
I break down.
Taking the glass from my fingers, he places it and the beer bottle on the coffee table. He pulls me into his arms, wrapping them around me in a tight embrace. I bury my face in his chest, shoulders shaking as I sob.
“I’m here for you, Ellen. Anything you need, you can call me.”
He continues to coo in my ear, rocking me back and forth. He’s right—I’m not happy. Haven’t been for a long time. I pretend. I smile even though my heart is broken. I show everyone a picture of the woman I used to be, and so far no one’s noticed that the frame is cracked, the edges tattered. It took me throwing myself at Einstein for him to see.
I lift my face to his, staring up at him as the tears slide down my cheeks. His hands move to my face, swiping at them with his thumbs.
