Page 18 of Lilly's Little Labor Day

“I do. How long has it been since we’ve truly hung out? Six months?”

She laughed. “A year-and-a-half.”

“Oh.”

“Yep.”

He winced slightly. “I’m sorry. I lose track of time.”

“You’re busy,” she acknowledged. “It happens.”

“Well, let’s make the most of this time. Starting”—he checked his Rolex—“starting tomorrow, actually. It’s late. You had a big night. You need rest.”

She readjusted herself until she was sitting more comfortably, her knees pulled up to her chest. She wondered if she looked as Little and innocent as she felt.

“I’m fine. Promise. We can watch a movie!”

“Nice try. You need sleep.” He stood and walked to her chest of drawers. Reaching for the top one, he said, “You go brush your teeth. Good, too. I’ll get your pajamas and—”

“Edward, don’t!”

It was too late. He had the drawer open now, with a full view of its contents.

Disposable, plastic-backed diapers and pink, plastic pants.

She rushed over there and slammed the drawer shut.

“Stay out of my stuff! You already snooped on my computer earlier!”

She felt a twinge of guilt for being so harsh, but he really needed to respect her privacy. She was a grown woman, after all. Despite what it seemed like.

“I’m sorry,” he said.

Lilly knew those were hard words for a man like Edward to say. She nodded and offered a little shrug.

“I’ll give you some privacy,” he said.

He left her alone in the room.

Lilly was torn. She had no idea if she wanted him to stay or go.

Or maybe scoop her into his arms and whisk her away forever.

Part of her feared that was the option she truly longed for.

Chapter 10

Edward stood outside Lilly’s room, just beside the door, with his back to the wall.

He exhaled sharply.

I’m getting too close. Going down a road I shouldn’t traverse. Lay off her now!

He balled his fists and focused on his breathing. He needed to calm down. He needed to ignore the excitement that roiled in the pit of his stomach. He needed to fight those desires. He could do it. He had to do it.

But when he heard Lilly sobbing once more, he was powerless. He hurried into her bedroom to find her still standing in front of the chest of drawers. Her shoulders shook violently, her head sagging as tears cascaded to the floor.

“Shhh,” he said, taking her in his arms and reeling her in close. “I’ve got you. I’ve got you, honey.”

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