Page 45 of Essence of his Soul

But Tyler had other ideas. He moved to stand behind Mark’s leg, clinging to his father’s calf as if he never wanted to let go.

“Tyler, come to Mommy,” I said, trying to sound patient. When he didn’t budge, I added, “Don’t you want me to finish reading the doggie story?”

He shook his head, his grip on Mark’s leg tightening.

“Tyler, please come give Mommy a kiss,” I said, trying to keep my voice even. But it stung, knowing my son preferred his father over me.

Mark looked down at our son, his expression gentle. “Tyler, go to your mother.”

Tyler’s lips quivered into a pout, and when his eyes filled with tears, I couldn’t stand it.

“It’s okay, honey. Mark, you go ahead and put him down.”

Mark must have seen the frustration in my eyes because he didn’t hesitate. “How about we do it together?” he suggested.

I nodded, relieved when Mark reached for his shirt and pulled it over his head. I wasn’t sure how much more of him Icould take without completely losing it.

I flopped onto the bench seat by the window, watching Mark read to Tyler while they sat together in the rocking chair. Tyler, content and sleepy, sucked on his bottle of milk, his little hand clutching Mark’s arm for comfort. It wasn’t long before he drifted off to sleep. Tyler had quickly grown attached to his father, earning a special place in Mark’s heart. If only Mark could open up his heart to me, too, I could accept his offer of marriage. Then our family would be complete. But instead, Tyler would be torn between two people. I wasn’t sure how he’d react when he no longer saw Mark every morning.

There hadn’t been many men in Tyler’s life. His grandpa, Liz’s husband, Tamara’s husband, and yes, Malcolm. Tyler was a friendly child and liked Malcolm well enough, but his attachment to Mark was instant. Tyler liked Mark from the start.

I frowned, realizing I hadn’t anticipated Tyler becoming attached so quickly. After what happened in the bathroom, I was worried. What would happen when Mark left? His leaving nearly destroyed me two years ago. What would it do to our son?

“I think he’s asleep,” Mark whispered, breaking into my thoughts. With Tyler in his arms, he rose from the rocking chair and moved to the bed, gently laying him on the mattress.

I stood and moved to his crib, grinning as I looked down at Tyler. “Yes, he is.” I adjusted his blanket, brushed my hand over his dark curls, kissed his head, and exited the room behind Mark.

“He was one tired little guy,” Mark commented as we stood outside Tyler’s door. Now that he was asleep, we were finally alone.

Nodding, I added, “He had a full day at the mall.”

“I can tell.”

A reluctant grin tugged at my lips. “And don’t forget the Christmas tree. I have to admit that was a good idea.”

Mark massaged the back of his neck and smiled. “Thank you.”

I walked into the living room and glanced out at the night sky. Small flakes were falling again, sticking to the ground as I searched for the right words. “I’m concerned about Tyler.”

“Concerned about what?”

I inhaled deeply, realizing Mark had come to stand directly behind me. I lost my train of thought when I felt the warmth of his chest against my back. He wrapped his arms around my waist, resting his chin on my shoulder.

“Baby, tell me what’s bothering you.”

I couldn’t ignore the electric current his touch generated through my body. I braced against the impact he had on my senses and steeled myself not to respond when his mouth brushed against my neck.

Mark turned me slowly around. I gazed into his eyes and found the muscle on his face was tense, and the look in his eyes was serious. His breath fanned my face, fed the flame now spanning my length. “I want you.”

Before I took my next breath, I leaned down and covered my mouth with his own. He took things slow, teasing and coaxing my lips apart, tasting me and encouraging me to taste him. Before I realized what I was doing, I reached up and placed my arms around his neck. He pulled me snuggly against his erection, letting me feel his hard length pressed against my pelvis. Pleasure and heat began flowing through my body and settled between my legs. I found my senses spinning as I lost myself in the soft kisses that teased and tormented me. Suddenly aware of what was happening, I froze.

“Essence, what is it?”

I held up my hand to stop him from reaching for me again. “I can’t think straight when you touch me.”

He frowned, and then his mouth turned up into an earth-shattering grin. “You have a similar effect on me. Only mine is much more obvious.”

I tried not to look down at theobviousbelow the waistband of his jeans, but my gaze was drawn to that area just the same. He looked as if he strained for release. I had the insane desire to lower the zipper of his jeans and stroke him.

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