Page 44 of Essence of his Soul

Not that it’s any of your business.

“Yes, well, we’ve worked through that,” I said, trying to keep my tone neutral.

“Is he staying here?”

“Heavens, no!” I gasped. “He’s staying with his parents.”

A satisfied light entered his eyes. “Good.” Malcolm curved his arm around my waist again, pulling me close and kissing my temple lightly. But instead of comfort, all I felt was a growing discomfort.

I managed to pull back slightly, sighing. “Malcolm, this really isn’t a good time. I’m tired, and I’d like to get Tyler in bed and send Mark on his way.”

“Would you like me to help?” he offered, his voice warm.

I looked at the man I wished I had stronger feelings for and shook my head. “No. I can handle it.”

Malcolm hesitated, then flashed me a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “All right. Only if you and Tyler promise to have dinner with me Tuesday night?”

A soft smile touched my lips. “Okay.”

“Good, I’ll pick you up around six.” He brushed a light kiss over my lips, but it left me feeling empty, wishing those were Mark’s lips instead.

Damn you, Mark, for turning my world upside down.

When Malcolm finally left, I went in search of Tyler. I could hear his laughter echoing down the hallway, guiding me to the bathroom, where the door was slightly ajar. Mark was kneeling in front of the tub, shirtless, his broad back facing me. “Okay, Champ, let’s get those legs,” he said, his voice filled with a tenderness that tugged at something deep inside me.

The sight of him, so at ease with our son, nearly unraveled me. The way his muscles moved under his smooth, bronze skin as he bathed Tyler and the sound of my baby’s delighted laughter was almost too much. I shook off the feeling, reminding myself that the only man I should be interested in had just walkedout the door. Tyler was playing with his toy boat in the tub, completely absorbed in his little world.

“What’s my favorite man doing?” I asked, lowering the toilet seat and flopping onto it, trying to sound casual. Mark didn’t turn around. He focused on Tyler, swooping his hand through the water like a wave, making the boat rock back and forth.

“Your boyfriend didn’t have to leave on my account,” he said, his tone easy but with a hint of something deeper.

“He’s not my boyfriend,” I snapped back. Then, I wondered why I lied.

Mark looked over his shoulder at me, his gaze steady. “Then what is he? After all, you made it pretty clear a couple of days ago that the two of you were involved.”

I pressed my lips together, unwilling to get into it with him. Not now. “

Okay, Champ. Let’s get you out before you shrivel up like a prune.” Mark raised the lever, and the water began to drain from the tub. He wrapped Tyler in a large towel and lifted him out, still keeping his back to me as he carried him across the hall into his bedroom. I followed. “You want to hand me a diaper?”

I reached for one from a large box on the floor beside the crib and handed it to him, watching as he got Tyler dressed for bed. It was a ritual I’d handled alone until recently, but now, seeing Mark take on the role so naturally.

Mark slipped Tyler’s shirt over his head, then stood up, turning to face me. My mouth went dry, and my brain turned to mush. The sight of him standing there, bare-chested, wearing low-slung jeans, made it hard to think straight. I inhaled deeply, trying to steady myself. Mark was gorgeous. Lean muscles rippled across his torso, his shoulders broad, his complexion was like dark roast coffee beans, and a dusting of dark hair trailed down his chest, disappearing into his jeans.

“Essence.”

“What?” I snapped my gaze back to his face, catching the playful smile that tugged at his lips.

“Do you mind putting on a pot of water while I put Tyler to bed? I would love a cup of hot cocoa.”

“Uh...sure,” I replied, though my voice was shaky. I couldn’t think straight with him standing there looking like he just stepped off the cover ofEbony Man.

But despite knowing better, my gaze drifted back to his chest. The way his muscles clenched as he towel-dried Tyler’s hair—it was too much. It was time for Mark to go.

“On second thought,” I began, forcing my gaze upward above his neck, “I’ll put Tyler to bed.”

“I can do it,” he offered, his tone soft but firm.

“And so can I,” I shot back, feeling selfish as I held out my arms. “Come on, sweetheart. It’s time to go beddy-bye.”

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