Page 542 of One More Kiss

Mick

My mother had advocatedfor me religiously, and she’d been a weekly visitor to the jail, rain or shine. While it seemed as if everyone else had forgotten about me, she was a calming presence in that horrible place. I was a sheep among wolves, a stupid kid thrust into the pits of hell. I had to fight and claw my way up the food chain, proving with my wits and my fists that I couldn't be taken advantage of.

The first year was the worst. My body bore the scars of the fights and scuffles that had ensued, the older men who had wanted me for themselves. But I hadn't let them break me. Their persistence only made me stronger and more determined to persevere. It didn't matter that I had killed someone unintentionally—that almost made it worse. Killers were watched warily by the others, but the white-collar criminals, the petty thieves were easy prey. Growing up in the barrio, I'd learned to defend myself at a young age, and that mentality had become useful.

I left my mother’s house and hopped down the three cracked concrete steps that lead to the even more deteriorated sidewalk. The sound of my name being called had my head jerking up. Immediately, my gaze landed on the small girl with strawberry blonde curls, and a huge smile broke over Madison's face as she waved to me. Beside her, Andrea walked sedately, Madison's hand in her own. Though she smiled at me, her expression was guarded. I couldn't blame her.

What I should’ve done was get in my car and leave, but I couldn't bring myself to do it. I’d be lying if I said she hadn’t occupied a good portion of my thoughts during the past week since she’d driven away from the shop. I wanted just one more minute with her so I could revel in the way she made me feel. So I remained routed to the sidewalk, waiting for them to approach.

“Hi, Mick,” Madison called out as she bounced toward me.

“Hey, Madison.” I regarded the little girl with a smudge of dirt streaked across her face. “Looks like you've been playing hard.”

Her toothless grin beamed up at me. “We just left the park.”

I shoved my hands in my front pockets and nodded. “I used to play there when I was little.”

“Really?” Her eyes sparkled, but it was her mother’s voice that captured my attention.

“I didn't know you were from around here.”

I hitched one thumb over my shoulder toward my mother’s house. “Grew up right here. I just stopped in to visit my mom.”

Andrea smiled a little, though she still looked tense. Madison spoke up, pointing down the block. “Our house is right down there.”

“Then you and my mom are neighbors.” I smiled at her before turning back to Andrea. “How's your car?”

“Good.” She tucked one unruly curl behind her ear. “Thank you again for that.”

“No problem.” I shifted uncomfortably. “Well, I should probably let you guys go.”

“Would you…” My gaze snapped to Andrea, whose cheeks were flushed bright pink. “I was going to make some dinner. Would you like to join us?”

I knew I shouldn't get involved, even on a friendly basis. I was certain her offer was just to reciprocate the act of kindness I’d extended her a week ago. “Are you sure? I wouldn't want to put you out.”

“It's no problem at all,” she assured me.

Unable to help myself, I fell into step beside her. If this was all that could ever be between us, I would gladly take it. There was something about her that I just couldn't resist, something I hadn't experienced before. I’d missed out on so much of my young adulthood that I didn't really know how to interact with women other than my own mother. All I knew was I liked the way she made me feel, even for a few minutes. She made me feel like a man instead of an ex-con.

We made small talk over dinner, and Madison regaled us with stories from school about her friends and their class pet, a hamster named Bucky. After dinner, Madison started her homework at the kitchen table, and Andrea and I moved to the living room with our cups of coffee. I wanted to drag this evening out as long as possible before I had to go back to my own dreary life.

“Thanks again for inviting me over.”

She looked nervous before she spoke. “I was going to stop by the garage to see you, but I didn't know if you would like that or not.”

My eyes flared wide at her admission. Like it? I loved the idea of her stopping in to see me. It was a stupid thought, considering she knew nothing about me or the man I truly was. She was a single mom with a six-year-old. She didn't need a criminal in her life dragging her down. As much as I wanted to tell her how I felt, that she could come to me anytime, I kept my mouth shut.

She seemed to sense my hesitation, because she dropped her gaze to the coffee cup in front of her. “I'm sorry. You probably have a girlfriend, and...”

“It's not that,” I spoke up quickly. “I don't have a girlfriend. I do like you—too much. But there's…” I trailed off. I didn't want to lead her on. There could never be anything between us, so telling the truth, as much as it hurt me to see the look in her eyes when I did so, was something I had to do.

I drew in a deep breath. “I told you I've only been back in town for a few weeks.” She nodded a little, a question in her eyes. I steeled myself as I got ready to say the hardest words I’d ever have to utter in my life. “Before that… I spent the last twelve years in jail.”

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