Page 92 of Everlasting Promises

I sigh. “Sorry, I need to take him out,” I say to Hope, regret dripping from every single word.

Her smile is timid. “That’s okay. It’s probably for the best. I’ll see you in the morning.” She takes a step backward into her room.

“Sleep well, Hope,” I whisper, pressing a soft kiss against the top of her head and drawing her delicious scent deep into my lungs to tide me over.

I take the steps two at a time and push the folding patio doors open. Rex bolts outside, and I follow. The cool air is a sharp contrast to the heat boiling beneath my skin—it’s just what I need.

Rex comes back and sniffs at me, barking sharply, and I rub his scruff.

“Yeah, thanks, buddy.” Waves crash in the distance, and I glance out at my dark backyard, then back to Rex. “It was probably for the best. She’s only been here a few hours, and I’m already breaking my promise to myself.” I rub between his ears. “Good save, buddy.”

He licks my face and races back out into the darkness.

44

BEN

I’m antsy.

It’s the only way to describe the energy thrumming through my body. Knowing Hope and I will be alone tonight is making it hard to focus on anything. After having her and Evan in my space two weeks ago … looking after them is all I’ve thought about.

She’s been doing the single parent thing for pretty much Evan’s entire life. Even though she was married, Wyatt was often away serving our country, leaving Hope to raise their son alone. Then the unthinkable happened, leaving her the sole parent. She works so hard to provide for them both, and even though she’ll say she’s done a terrible job of raising Evan, she’s still given him everything she has.

Tonight, I want to pamper her, care for her, and help her relax. I want to give her the break she deserves.

Wyatt’s parents picked up Evan fromThe Paw Palace, and I came straight home to clean up the house and prepare dinner before Hope comes over straight from work. Soft music playsover the speakers, and the steaks are marinating for a special dinner. I have the bathroom upstairs ready and waiting and her favorite shows lined up. I want to make tonight special. She deserves to be treated like a queen, and that’s what I intend to do.

Rex races to the front door as a car pulls into the driveway.She’s here.

I walk to the front door with a glass of wine in hand and push it open. When she reaches the porch, her eyes land on me and sparkle beneath the afternoon sun. “Hey.” I kiss her cheek and pass the glass of wine to her in exchange for her purse and overnight bag, then hold the screen door open.

“Hey.” She holds up the glass with a sassy smirk. “This is nice,” she says as she walks beneath my arm, ducking inside with a familiarity I’m thrilled about.

“It’s only the beginning.” I close the door behind us, and she bends over to greet Rex. It’s hard to believe she was ever concerned about him with the way she loves on him. “How was work?”

She blows out a long breath. “Busy. Saturdays are always crazy busy. I’m glad I only work one Saturday a month.”Something I bet she does so she’s not home alone all weekend when Evan is with his grandparents.She sips her drink as she walks down the hallway toward the back of the house. I’ve noticed she likes to sit on the back deck and watch the ocean. “I only work because Evan spends the weekend with Wyatt’s parents, and I couldn’t bear to be home alone all weekend.”

“Makes sense.” I hook the straps of her purse over the banister and take her hand, tugging her back toward the stairs. “Follow me.”

She tilts her head to the side, but follows without question. I lead her through my bedroom and into the ensuite. Her gaspechoes against the tiled walls and floor, and her wide eyes find mine. I smile at her, pleased with her reaction.

“This is gorgeous.” She places her glass on the bathroom counter beside a group of lit candles, then slides her fingers across the wall tiles. “I love these tiles.” Her eyes scan over the room, taking everything in.

I lean over and start filling the tub, checking the water temperature to make sure it’s perfect for her. “I’m happy with how everything turned out. I still need to renovate the main bathroom and downstairs powder room, but with only me here, I didn’t see the need to rush.”Maybe I should move it higher up my list of things to do. Just in case.“Do you think I should use the same combination of tiles and counters in the other bathrooms?”

“I guess so. It would help keep the feel of your home consistent.”

Hopefully, one day, it’ll beourhome, but I’m getting ahead of myself.

I stand and turn in time to see Hope snap her eyes away from me, then swallow. That pink blush I love so much makes its way up the side of her neck. I’ve caught her gaze lingering on me more often since the first time we kissed. It gives me hope that maybe she’s getting closer to moving our relationship forward.

She waves her hand around the room. “What’s with all the candles and the bath?”

“Well.” I step closer to her and lay my hands on her shoulders. My thumbs stroke her delicate collarbones with no direction from me, and I watch as a shiver makes its way through her body. “You work too hard and I want to pamper you … starting with a quiet glass of wine and a long soak in the tub.”

“Oh, yeah?” she asks with a sexy lilt to her voice. It’s playful and I love how she’s relaxed enough with me that she’s letting her flirty side out a little more. “What else do you have planned?”

I tap the end of her cute nose, loving the freckles there. “You’ll have to wait and see.” I kiss the spot I just tapped and back away before I drop my mouth to hers. Walking backward, I grip the door handle and take one step over the threshold.

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