Page 43 of Essence of his Soul

“Hey, sweetheart.” He pulled me into his arms and kissed me on the mouth before I had a chance to react.

By the time he released me, I found my voice. “When did you get back?”

“Two hours and fifteen minutes ago. I couldn’t wait to see you, so I came straight over from the air—” Malcolm stepped into the house, then stopped short when he saw Mark. He looked from me to Mark, then back to me again. “I’m sorry, I didn’t know you had company.”

I closed the door, feeling Malcolm’s eyes on me. “Um... I’d like you to meet Mark.”

Mark lowered Tyler to his feet and stood, his expression unreadable. “I’m sorry, I didn’t catch your name. You are...” He extended his hand, his voice calm and composed.

“Malcolm Cole, real estate attorney,” Malcolm said as he metMark’s hand with a firm grip.

“Captain Mark Saunders, United States Army... Tyler’s father.”

I didn’t miss the surprise that flashed across Malcolm’s face before his eyes flickered with something—disbelief, maybe?

“So... you’re finally home,” he said, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

Mark’s mouth curved into a tight smile, more of a grimace than anything. “More than you know.”

Malcolm slipped a possessive arm around my waist, drawing me close. “Well, you have a great son.”

“I know,” Mark replied, his gaze never wavering.

I could feel the tension between them, thick and heavy. I stepped aside, leaving Malcolm’s embrace, my laugh nervous. “We just finished decorating the tree.”

Mark shot me a look that seemed to say, “We?”

Okay. Maybe I hadn’t helped, but Malcolm didn’t need to know that.

Tyler started toddling around the room, and Malcolm crouched down, calling to him. “Come here, Tyler.”

Tyler looked at him, then Mark, before turning and running straight into his father’s arms. “Da-Da!” he squealed, arms outstretched.

Mark’s face softened as he lifted Tyler in the air, the love in his eyes unmistakable. “Daddy’s right here.”

I cleared my throat, feeling a lump form as I watched the scene. This was so awkward. “Tyler’s grown quite fond of his father,” I said, trying to explain the apparent connection.

Malcolm snorted, the sound rude and dismissive. “I find that quite interesting, especially since he’s never been around before.”

Mark’s jaw tightened, but he kept his tone even. “Some things couldn’t have been helped. But now that I’m back, I planto stick around permanently.”

The challenge in Mark’s voice was clear, and I knew I had to step in before things escalated. “Mark, didn’t you have somewhere you needed to be this evening?” I asked, trying to defuse the situation.

Mark shook his head. “Nope. No place I need to be. But don’t mind me. You and Malcolm make yourselves comfortable while I get my son ready for bed.” He raised Tyler onto his shoulders and walked down the hall, leaving me and Malcolm to stare after him.

As soon as he was out of earshot, Malcolm turned to me with a glint of disapproval. “How long has he been back?”

I hugged my arms to my middle, feeling like I was on the edge of a cliff. “Two weeks.”

Malcolm shook his head. “You should have told me he was back. I could have cut my trip short. I’m sure his return has been difficult for you.”

More than you’ll ever know.The thought of the attraction between Mark and me made my heart race, the memories of his touch lingering.

Malcolm looked at me, his gaze intense. He was a perfect gentleman, the ideal choice for any woman—except me.

He was handsome, with that round face and large, dark eyes framed by lashes most women would kill for. His nose was broad, his mouth full, complementing his light milk chocolate complexion. He was a few inches taller than me, with a lean body that he kept in shape by running three miles every morning like clockwork. Even after a long flight, he was dressed as if he’d just stepped out of a courtroom—black suit, black tie, everything perfectly in place.

“He has a lot of nerve showing up after abandoning you,” Malcolm hissed, his eyes hard.

---