Page 32 of Bewitched

Maybe he should take her out on a date and show her that he was a good man to have with her. What happened between them when they had their clothes off was reason enough to stick together. But he figured that wasn’t going to be nearly enough to convince Paige to keep him around. And that’s exactly where he wanted to be: around. Was he purely motivated by the baby? Or was it simply…that she got to him in a way that no one else ever had?

Paige popped some bread into the toaster and then leaned her hip against the counter. “Please don’t say anything to my parents about wanting to stay here. If you do, then they’re never going to give me a moment’s peace.”

“We do have a future. We have a baby to raise together. One way or another, we have a future.”

“Hell’s bells, you know what I mean. Don’t give them any idea that we’re going to be a couple. I’m not asking for anything from you except that. I’m not going anywhere, so I’m the one who must live with their disappointment when nothing happens. I don’t want to give them false hope.”

Frowning, he ran his hand through his hair. “Thanks for your faith. It’s making me feel all warm and fuzzy.”

Straightening, she walked over and stood between his legs, then took his hands. “I’m being realistic about our prospects. The chances of anything happening romantically long-term are not great. All I’m asking is that we not drag my parents into it. They’re going to like you. Let’s just leave it at that.”

Pulling her forward, he wrapped his arms around her. “For a woman carrying my baby, you sure are playing hard to get. You’d think you would be a little more open-minded about me, considering I made you come three or four times since last night.”

Slapping his shoulder, she let out a chuckle. “Sex is not the same as love. And love, despite what the songs tell us, is not all we need. I’ve seen my parents’ marriage, and they are well-suited with common interests and goals, and they have worked most days to make their union a success. I don’t have any rose-colored glasses on about what it takes to make a happy life with someone. Just because we made a baby doesn’t mean we have to make a life together.”

“Or it could be the very best reason in the world to give it a try. Just leave the door open and let’s see what we come up with.”

“Okay. Why not? It’s not like I can go out and date now anyway.” Pressing her mouth to his, she managed to give him one hell of a kiss.

“You’re stuck with me for a while, so let’s just keep kissing.” Before she could respond, he kissed her again. It seemed to work better than anything else, so he might as well.

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