Page 18 of Where Love Lies

“So, you’re a romantic.” His head tilts to the side, his smoldering blue eyes looking through me. “I’m more of a horror movie guy myself.” Well, he and Paige have something in common.

“What’s your favorite?” I ask.

“Jason,” he clips.

“I know it well. A movie where the woman’s running and he’s walking but still seems to be right behind her the whole time?” I shrug. I could keep going on about the guy. “Paige likes him too.”

“Shit, the water.” He runs past me to the pot boiling over the top, spilling onto the stove. Turning it down, he grabs the pack of noodles off the counter and pours them in. Following him into the kitchen, I grab two glasses from a cabinet and open the wine. Hints of blueberry and blackberry make my mouth water. Turley is a favorite of mine. Gently pouring Heston and me a glass, I hand one to him.

“Yes. Thank you.” He wipes his hands on his jeans and takes it from me. Both of us take a sip, our eyes connecting over the rims of our glasses. I’m so lost in his intense stare, I don’t even taste the liquid filling my mouth until he looks away to set his down.

“I wasn’t sure if you liked red, but I’m guessing you do.” He gestures toward my glass, and I peek down, noticing it’s almost gone.

“Yeah, I like it, but I’m more of a Moscato drinker,” I admit, setting my empty wine glass down.

“Same,” he replies.

“We have a lot in common,” I point out, and he grabs me by the hips, pulling me toward him.

“Mmm, seems we do, don’t we?” His husky voice and large hands make me want to melt into him. It’s been so long since I’ve been this close to a man that I can barely contain myself. I want to pull my shirt over my head and let him ravish me right here. But, let’s be realistic, that can’t happen. It’s too soon, and Paige is also in here.

“On my way here, I was terrified you’d shut the door on me. Showing up like I did…I haven’t done this before,” he admits, and I find it charming.

“I’m glad you came.” I rest my hand on his shoulder, and he smirks. Fuck, I love that.

“When I looked you up, there were only two Adlers in the area. One, a Cameron Adler, then you. You were pretty easy to find.” The way he says that makes me uneasy, but I know he means well.

“Cameron is my ex-husband.”

“Ex? As in you’re separated but still hook up or you two don’t—”

“As in, that boat sailed, sunk, and waters will never be treaded again,” I interject, and his brows rise.

“That bad, huh?”

I fill my glass a little more. “Yeah, that bad.”

Taking a sip, I turn and watch Paige flip through channels for something to watch.

“Only reason I put up with him is for her,” I continue, my hand tensing with anger.

“Well, it’s just us now.” He brushes my hair from my face, his nose sliding into the crook of my shoulder and neck. He’s so touchy-feely tonight, but I like it. I really do. It feels good to be wanted.

Sitting at the table, Heston serves us his homemade dinner, giving Paige and me both a bowl. Steam rises from it, dancing into the air. It smells so good.

We all eat silently. The hot buttery food is the best thing I’ve had in a long time.

“This is really good,” Paige says around a mouthful, her fork holding a tangle of pasta mid-air.

He finishes what he’s eating and smiles at her. “Yeah, I never get tired of it.”

“Mom hates cooking,” she says, throwing me under the bus.Again.

Coughing on a noodle, I glare at her. How dare she tell him my flaws. I can’t wait until she gets a boyfriend.

He sips his wine and reaches across the table to hold my hand.

“I don’t hate it. I just have to be in the mood,” I explain. Paige’s eyes land on our hands, her face expressionless. She’s never seen me with anyone but her dad. I can’t tell if this is too much for her. Not knowing, I give Heston a tight smile and pull my hand away to reach for my glass.

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