Page 46 of Twenty-Three Years of Longing

“Joey doesn’t know any of this.” I knew Joey wouldn’t understand. How could he when I didn’t? I had spent years trying to, but there was no good reason that I could come up with. I mean, how could he just abandon his own son like that when he knew I had no family close by who could pick up the slack?

“I won’t tell him. I’m just here to support you in any way I can.”

“You have been doing that since the day we met. I am not sure I would have stayed here if it weren’t for you. You make me feel...cared for,” I said, avoiding a word that I battled saying.

“I do care about you very much. And I’m glad you shared what happened with your ex. I might want to knock his ass out if we ever met, but I’m glad I know. It helps me understand what Joey has been through too. He hasn’t had it easy,” Orion said. “And neither have you.”

It didn’t matter how hard it had been on me. I was the one who brought Joey into the world. Now it was my job to do everything I could to help him grow up to be a good human being.

“No, but I try hard to give him everything he would’ve gotten with two parents. And having Kathy around is a huge help. She is the one watching Joey for me until I can bring him here.” I couldn’t believe that I almost forgot to share my good news with Orion. Guess you’re a bigger distraction than I thought. “You’re never going to believe it, but Bennett confirmed that Joey will be here in three days,” I said smiling. “I can’t wait for you to meet him.”

“Three days?” He looked around the living room, then back to me. “I think we have a lot to do in this place to get it ready,” he said.

Decor was not on my mind. And Joey didn’t care. “It’s fine,” I replied.

“No. It doesn’t represent you. It looks like a single guy lived here. Maybe tomorrow after work we can go shopping and find things to decorate the place. What do you think?” he asked.

“I am not sure I want to spend that kind of money just yet.” I was still a single parent and needed to save because it all fell on my shoulders.

“Don’t remember asking you to pay. This is just my fixing up the place for the new people who are going to be living here. Simple,” he smiled.

“Speaking of places, how do you like your new one?” I asked. “Is there anything you need to shop for? It is more important than this place.”

“Why would you say that?” he asked.

“Because it’s not like anyone important will be stopping by here.” I realized that didn’t sound good. “Not that you’re not important, because you are. I mean, you’re the Vice President, but when we’re together, I somehow forget that.”

“Good. Because when I’m with you, all I see is the woman before me. The world vanishes, and it’s just us,” he said, his voice husky.

I knew we never finished talking about tonight. Did I want to spend the night with him? Was it going to be a mistake? It wasn’t like I hadn’t made one before, but Orion was nothing like Joseph. He wasn’t a player. If he were, he’d have made a move the first time I kissed him.

“Orion, I’d love to stay and continue this...conversation, but I have to get to work,” I said.

He looked at his watch, then got up quickly. “We better go now, or you’ll be late.”

I rose and replied, “Time does get away from us, doesn’t it?” He nodded. I continued, “But there was a question that was left...unanswered.”

“What was that?” he asked.

“If we should save on travel time and spend the night here. Together,” I said.

He looked down into my eyes and I felt his need right to my soul.

“I didn’t want you to feel pressured. I don’t mind traveling back and forth if that is what you feel more comfortable with,” he stated.

Mustering all the confidence I could, I said, “I want to stay the night with you. Unless you have changed your mind.”

“Hell no.” He pulled me into his arms and said, “The only thing I am reconsidering is how late is too late.”

I chuckled. “Tardiness is not in my vocabulary, and I don’t think it is in yours either.”

“Never thought it was, but for you, I might even consider calling in sick for the day, never mind being late. And I know exactly how I would spend my day too,” he grinned.

I gave him a playful slap on his biceps and said, “Keep it up and you will be spending your day in detention. Now, are you giving me a ride or am I walking?”

He kissed me and it ended so quickly that I didn’t even get a chance to kiss him back. Releasing me, he reached into his pocket, pulled out the keys, and dangled them in front of me. “Last chance. Do I lose them or not?”

He was tempting me and each time it was getting harder to say no. I reached for the keys and he let me take them from him. I knew he expected me to toss them aside, but instead, I said, “I always wanted to drive a big SUV. Maybe I should drop you off at work instead.”

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