Page 91 of The Drummer's Heart

“Giselle limits his TV watching, so whenever he comes to my place, he’s glued to the screen like this. He’ll be good here in this spot for a while.” I felt Atticus’s hand on my waist. “Come here for a minute. I want to ask you something.”

Atticus led me around the couch, which blocked Christian’s view from the floor. Before I could blink, Atticus pulled me in for a kiss. I whimpered at the shock, gradually melting into his arms. He groaned into my mouth, causing a rush of desire to travel from my head to my toes.

“Fuck. I’ve been dying to do that since the moment I walked in the door,” he muttered, kissing me harder.

He pulled back, glanced over the couch, and wrapped his hands around my face as he returned his mouth to mine.

Feeling a bit too turned on, considering the circumstances, I stepped away. “We’d better stop before he sees us.”

“Him seeing me kiss the woman I love wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world.” Atticus rubbed his thumb along my cheek. “Iwant him to get to know you as the most important woman in my life. But it’s not gonna happen overnight.” He exhaled. “Listen, I need to clarify something in case it’s not completely clear…”

I swallowed. “Okay.”

“Delirious Jones goes on tour soon, and I’m afraid that’s gonna create a huge divide between you and me again. But I need you to know that the days of me being stupid and messing around on tours are over. That was only ever a vain attempt to get over you. Now that you’re back in my life, I don’t ever want to be with anyone else, and I’m not going to be.” He looked into my eyes. “I need you to believe me. I know we’re taking things slow, but I want you to understand me when I say I have no plans to undo any of the progress we’ve made.” He looked at me a moment, but I said nothing. “What are you thinking right now?” he asked.

I sighed. “If it were easy for us to pick up where we left off before everything happened, that would be too good to be true. I do think we need to take some time before we jump back into anything. While you’re away, I need to continue working on my own stuff.” I looked over the couch at Christian. “Meeting this beautiful boy was only part of the process. Just like you’ve been seeking therapy, I need to do the same. I’ve talked about it, but never actually went. I owe it to you to work out any lingering fears because I would never want to become a part ofhislife only to disappear.”

Atticus nodded, seeming relieved at my answer. “I think that’s a good idea. I’m convinced everyone should be in therapy.”

“Well, especially people as fucked up as us.” I winked.

“Yeah.” He chuckled. “Hey, how’s Mimi? I’ve spoken to her on the phone, but obviously that’s different than being there.”

“She’s okay. Her health and mobility aren’t getting any better, but things are stable. She really likes Fiona, so that’s been a blessing.”

He shook his head. “When I left Monksville, I promised myself I would visit her the next time I came to New York. But this trip, I’m on borrowed time, so getting out to New Jersey before I have to head back to L.A. would be impossible.”

“Next time.” I smiled. “She doesn’t know you’re here. And it’s more important that you spend time with Christian. Anyway, Mimi’s showed me the videos you’ve been sending to Fiona’s phone for her. She loves getting to see your face every week.”

“Well, I regret those years of no contact with her so much. An occasional phone call and those videos are the least I can do.”

Christian suddenly appeared at our side. He handed Atticus a piece of candy. “Open, please.”

Atticus’s eyes widened. “Where did you get that?”

Shit.“I forgot I have those mint lifesavers in a jar on the end table.”

“You can’t have this, buddy. It’s a choking hazard.”

I frowned. “I have a lot to learn about babyproofing, huh?”

“Well, by the time you figure it out, he probably won’t need it anymore. So don’t kill yourself.”

I sighed. “What are you guys up to tonight?”

“I’m taking him back to my apartment, giving him a bath, reading him a story, and putting him to bed. A wild and crazy evening.” He lifted his son. “You wouldn’t want to come with us, would you?”

Despite the hopeful look in his eyes, that didn’t feel right. “I think you should have some alone time with your baby boy tonight. But what time is your flight tomorrow?”

“Noon.”

“Maybe we can meet for breakfast before you have to go?”

“That’s not as nice as sleeping next to you would be, but I’ll take what I can get. I’m in no rush as long as we’re moving forward.” Atticus caressed my cheek with the back of his fingers. “You gave me everything I ever dreamed of back in California.I’ll never forget that night. But I’d rather go slow and steady than risk losing you again.”

“Daddy, who dat?” Christian asked, pointing at me.

I couldn’t help but laugh. “He’s finally trying to figure that out. Great question, buddy.”

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