Page 27 of The Ruckup
“Ugh.” I roll my eyes because my parents are the same way. Thankfully, they didn’t have any sons, so they weren’t churning brand-new chauvinists into the world. They did manage to screw me up though, so I guess damage was still done.
Damage I will never do.
“If I ever have a son, you can bet your ass he’s going to know how to cook.” I say it offhandedly. Just as a general statement.
When Leo’s eyes come to me, carrying an amount of focus I don’t expect, I realize maybe it wasn’t as offhanded as I thought.
“Do you want kids, Miss Miller?”
I rub my lips together, an odd feeling fluttering in my belly. Once upon a time, I did want kids. But that was before. Now?
Now I still want kids, but I’m much better equipped to find them the kind of father they deserve.
I give him a little nod. “Someday.”
At one point in my life, I was in a rush. I wanted everything and I wanted it right then. My parents always made it seem like getting married and having children and taking care of a husband should have been my ultimate goal.
Now I know that’s not true. Now my ultimate goal is finding out what makes me happy. Deciding who I am and who I want to be.
Then I can consider becoming a wife and mother.
But even though I’m not in a hurry for any of those things, I still find myself asking Leo, “What about you? Do you want kids?”
Leo’s answer is quick. “I do.” He gives me an easy smile. “Someday.”
It’s easy to imagine Leo as a dad. Running around with his kids in the yard. Throwing them over one broad shoulder while they squeal and belly laugh.
The vision has a smile curving my lips as Leo plates up our simple meal. He sets a fork on each serving, then helps me down off the counter.
“Now,” he says, aiming us for the dining room, “let’s go eat our under-seasoned dinner so you can tell me what spices you want me to get and pick out your side of the bed.”
10
Christmas is Ruined
Leo
FOR THE SECOND morning in a row, I wake up next to Maddie. It’s fucking wonderful. Everything I could have hoped it would be.
Like yesterday, she’s draped over me, her arms and legs flung across my body, face smashed against my chest as she softly snores. There’s a drooly wet spot on my T-shirt and her hair’s tickling my nose, but there’s no way in hell I’m going to move her. She’s obviously not been sleeping the best—understandable and justified—and I want her to be able to catch up on as much of it as she can.
If I’m late, I’m late. Everyone will have to get over it.
All too soon, the woman against me sucks in a deep breath, limbs uncurling as she stretches with a cute little grunt.
I’ve slept with women before. Made breakfast for more than a few. But it was always directly preceded by fucking. That’s not what’s happening with Maddie. And I can’t deny how different it feels when her head tips up, rocking against my pec so she can give me a sleepy smile.
I smooth back her dark hair, working a few of the tangles free. “Merry Christmas.”
Maddie’s smile widens. “Merry Christmas.” She yawns, wiping at one watery eye. “What time is it?”
“Almost eight thirty.” I love being the first one to see her in the morning. The first one she sees. “Did you sleep good?”
“Mm-hmm.” Maddie blinks slowly, her brows coming together to form a little line between them. “Aren’t you supposed to be at your parents’ house at nine?”
I lift one shoulder in a half shrug. “I’m not worried about it. Alexis and Gavin will be there. They’ll probably get started without me.”
My sister might always be the first to sneak out of every party, but she’s also always on time. Gavin isn’t usually more than a few minutes off, so my mom and dad will have plenty to keep them busy until I arrive.
