The swings slows down, and I spot Jade, her hair windblown and chaotic. Henry’s actually smiling.
I could take a lesson from the kid. Some things are always scary starting out, but worth it in the end.
“I’m not going to convince you how wrong you are about everything you just said. I’m not going to sit here and counter each argument one-by-one—which for the record, the prosecutor in me very much wants to do.”
I chuckle, then stand, brushing the dirt off my ass. “Thank you.”
“What I’m going to do is prove it to you. See, Victoria”—he corners me between the cement wall and the metal gate while the kids wait patiently on the other side of the ride for the attendee to let them out— “I want a woman with goals. You want to get your degree. I’m behind you. You want a career and a family. I’m your equal in parenting responsibilities. You want to have a loving and supportive boyfriend. I’m him. This thing between us isn’t my imagination. There’s chemistry and energy bursting between us every time we’re together. But I refuse to push myself on you because I want you to come willingly, and I guarantee you will.”
“Mommy!” Jade’s loud voice has Reed stepping back, but his cocky smile says he means every word of what he said.
It’s all I can do to lock my knees and stay standing. “Did you have fun?” I ask when she jumps into my arms.
“So much fun! I’m starving.”
“Let’s go eat then.” Reed high fives Henry. “I’m so proud of you, bud. You conquered a fear.”
Henry beams but stays silent, per usual.
I watch Henry’s hand find its way into Reed’s, he glances over his shoulder to make sure Jade and I are following. A small pit forms in my stomach.
I can’t be wrong. In my experience, if it seems too good to be true—it is.
Chapter Fourteen
“MOM!” Jade screams from the front door.
“Coming.” I hop along, sliding my foot into my right heel then walking through to the kitchen.
She’s standing there, her hair in a haphazard ponytail, her spring coat unzipped. But can I really complain? She’s dressed, her backpack is on, her lunch is in hand.
I glance over at my mom who is sitting at the kitchen table, reading the paper.
“I can take her if you like,” she says.
Most days I would be grateful for my mom’s offer. I’d say yes thank you and give Jade a kiss on the cheek before dashing out the door. But today isn’t Tuesday or Wednesday or Thursday or Friday—it’s Monday. And as much as I hate myself for it, I’m not skipping a Monday morning drop-off.
I might not be able to have Reed as my own, but he’s like that late-night snack you know you should stay away from. You regret it after it’s in your stomach, but while you’re consuming your craving, you’re in bliss.
It’s a love-hate thing with Reed. I love to see him. I love to interact with him. I hate myself afterward.
“Nah, I got her.” I slide my arms through my coat and grab my bag. “Thanks for the coffee.” I raise my to-go cup at her.
“Make sure you eat breakfast,” she says, straightening her paper.
“Love you.” I blow her a kiss because the three steps out of my way seems more like a mile after an activity-filled weekend and a late night studying.
“You, too. See you after class tonight.”
“Finally.” Jade throws the door open. “Bye, Grandma, love you.”
“Love you, bug.”
Jade heads down the walkway to the sidewalk while I shove my phone into my bag, double checking that I have everything.
“Henry?” Jade’s confused voice triggers a reaction in my body—equal parts panic and excitement.
My heart thumps harder in my chest and a light sweat forms along my hairline because where Henry goes, Reed follows. At least on Mondays. I might not want to want him, but he pulls the giddy school girl side out of me anyway.
I lock the door behind me and then circle back to the street to find Reed outside his usual Uber car with Henry and Jade already in the backseat.
“It’s only three blocks,” I say.
My heels click on the concrete and I don’t miss the way Reed’s heated gaze takes me in, igniting the familiar pull between us. It must be that look I’m addicted to. The one that makes me wear sexy undergarments even though no one will see them. The one where I want to do my hair and makeup.
“Well, in those heels, I bet it’d feel longer.” It’s only his gaze raking up my legs, but it feels so much like a caress that I have to fight to keep my eyes open.
“I can handle it.”
“Of course, you can, but you’re riding into work with me today.” He nods to the car.
“Excuse me?” I pretend I’m annoyed by his proclamation, but in truth, the idea of Reed bossing me around has my nipples peaking. In the bedroom. In all other areas of my life, I prefer my independence.
He opens the door where a smiling Jade and Henry are waiting for me.
“It’s pointless when we’re basically going to the same place and I’ve decided that it’s more convenient this way. I have court tomorrow and I tend to get uptight the day before when I’m prepping. You help with my anxiety. Besides, why would you want to take a train when you can enjoy the pleasure of my company?”
I can’t even control my lips. A full-on smile gives away how much this guy has already won me over.
“I guess since you have it all figured out, I should be thanking you.”
“No thank you necessary.”
I slide into the car and he shuts the door, folding himself into the front passenger seat. I double check Jade’s seatbelt but of course she’s already buckled in.
Three stop signs later, the car pulls up to the curb and Reed gets out first, opening my door before I can.
“Not so manic this Monday, huh?” I eye his already done up tie and tie clip then step out, ignoring the prying eyes of Darcie and Georgia.
“I was so excited to see you, I woke up early.” He winks.
I roll my eyes, not wanting to give away how much I love the way he wears his feelings on his sleeve.
“Have a great day, Jade.” I hug her to me, but she’s already trying to wiggle away from me.
“See you, bud.” Reed fist bumps Henry.
We watch them walk into the school and wave to the principal.
“Get in.” Reed ushers me back in the car, sliding in behind me and shutting the door. “Go, Abe, go!”
The Uber driver looks at Reed much like I am, confused. Where’s the fire?
Knock, knock.
“I’m late, Darcie,” Reed speaks through the glass.
Not a fire exactly but it’s possible she breathes fire because dragon lady is an apt description.
I tighten my lips trying to hold in my laugh and avoid looking at her.
“Reed, I need to talk to Vicki.”
“I’m really sorry, Darcie, there’s no Vicki here.” How he can say it with such a straight face, I have no idea.
“Reed.” Her eyes narrow and the laugh leaves me like an overinflated balloon.
“I need to get to the office. Gotta go.” He faces Abe again. “Just go.”