Page 34 of Essence of his Soul

“Come on,” he encouraged, flashing that sexy smile that always made my heart skip a beat.

The three of us together—it felt too much like a family. I hesitated, unsure if I was ready for what that could mean. Mark, noticing my silence, arched a brow.

“Scared to be alone with me, Essence?” he teased, his voice dipping low. “It’s just lunch.”

I straightened up, defenses kicking in like clockwork. “Lead the way, Captain.”

I told myself this was just about spending time with Tyler, nothing more. I returned the hat to Tyler’s head, stood up, lowered him to the floor, and happily dashed across the room.

Mark grinned, clearly enjoying this. “Don’t act tough on my account.”

I rolled my eyes and moved to the closet to grab my coat. “Give it up, Mark.”

He didn’t respond, but the look in his eyes said it all—Not a chance. He wasn’t giving up.

He followed me and Tyler out into the hallway, and I could feel his gaze drop to my backside. I bit back a smile, heat rising to my cheeks, but before anything more could happen, a group of co-workers stepped out from inside the teacher’s lounge and swooped in to see Tyler.

I noticed the speculative sparkle in their eyes as they gave Mark the slow once-over. I sighed inwardly, knowing they’d ask questions about the gorgeous man beside me.

A few glanced between Mark and Tyler, their eyes flickering with curiosity. Mark kept quiet while I proudly showed off myson; I was grateful for that. After telling another teacher on my team that I would grab a bite to eat while my class was in PE, I urged Mark to follow me to the door.

As we neared the exit, Linda, the older woman sitting at the reception desk, stopped us, cooing at Tyler. “I just have to say, you have a gorgeous family.”

“Thank you, Linda,” I replied with pride as Tyler bounced in my arms.

“He has his father’s eyes. You and your husband should be proud,” she said.

I opened my mouth to correct her, but Mark stepped in, smooth as ever.

“We are very proud. Thank you,” he said as if claiming the title.

He ushered me out the door and to his vehicle, the weight of what just happened settling over me. Mark climbed in and drove off after Tyler was fastened in his car seat. Beside him, I was quiet, my mind replaying the scene in the hallway.

“Does what that woman said bother you?” Mark asked, breaking the silence, his tone softer than before.

I shrugged, trying to play it off. “No, it’s a logical assumption. Tyler does look like you.”

“Hair and eyes, maybe, but he reminds me of you.”

I couldn’t help but smile at that. “You think so?”

“He’s also good-looking, stubborn, and unaware of what’s happening right before his eyes.”

I turned to stare out my window, a swirl of emotions tugging at me. “I’m aware. I’m just content with my life the way it is. I have a beautiful son and have already begun building a life for us.”

“Won’t you even consider building a life with me?” Mark asked, his voice dipping into something more serious, more vulnerable.

I grinned, turning to look at him, trying to keep it light though my heart was racing. “Mark, you’re beginning to sound like a broken record.”

His fingers gripped the steering wheel, and I could see the frustration building in his eyes. “I have been trying to play it your way for the last few days, but damn! I never thought I’d have to beg a woman to be with me.”

“You don’t have to marry me to be Tyler’s father. This past week has proven that marriage isn’t necessary.”

“It is if he’s my child,” Mark shot back, his tone laced with conviction.

I glanced at him, wondering why he couldn’t leave well enough alone. We had been getting along so well the last few days, and, as usual, he had to push just a little too far. I twisted in my seat to check on Tyler, who was happily chewing on a cracker and making a mess in Mark’s SUV. “I really don’t think Tyler minds.”

Mark had a stony expression on his face when we pulled up at the drive-thru window at Popeyes. When someone came over the intercom asking for his order, he looked at me. “You still like spicy wings, dirty rice, and biscuits with honey?”

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