Page 77 of The Assignment: Room 3

Gracie is asleep in my arms by the time we reach Celest’s house. This is nothing like I thought today was going to play out—it’s much better. That, in itself, is unsettling. I need to talk it out, and Celest isn’t the person to do that with. I told her I want to get to know her better. I can’t tell her it scares the crap out of me.

Celest shows me to Gracie’s room, and I lay her down before pulling up the covers. I always loved when my mom would tuck me in at night. It’s been so long since I’ve let myself remember those quiet moments. I swallow past the lump in my throat and follow Celest back out to the living room.

“I should get going,” I say, running my fingers through my hair. I feel—I’m not sure—nervous?

“Okay.” Her voice is small, uncertain.

I turn my attention to her mom. “It was great to meet you, Nora. That you for letting me steal your daughter for a little while today and welcoming me into your home.”

“It was lovely to meet you. I hope you’ll come back and visit soon.”

“If your daughter will let me.” I’m not sure if I’ll get an inviteafter today. I was a dick, just showing up here, thinking I knew anything about her life.

“I’ll walk you out,” Celest interjects. I guess I have my answer. She’s shuffling me out of her home as fast as she can.

There’s an uneasiness in my chest as we head outside and over to my bike. She doesn’t say anything, her hands tucked in her pockets. Fuck.

“You have a lovely home, pet.”

“Don’t patronize me, Flex. I know it’s shit compared to yours, but I’m putting a roof over Gracie’s head, and I’m doing the best I can to save enough to move to a better neighborhood. We weren’t all born with a silver spoon in our mouth.”

“Whoa. Hold the fuck up. You’re way out of line right now.”

“Am I?” she says with conviction, and it just pisses me off more.

“Yeah. Everything I have I’ve worked my ass off for. I have been on my own since… well, it doesn’t even matter. I was paying you a compliment. You do have a nice home. Your mom is a sweet lady, and Gracie…”

“She’s…” I can tell she’s going on the defensive, so I reach up and put a finger over her mouth.

“Don’t make me punish you. What I was going to say was that Gracie is amazing. She’s so smart and cute as a button. You’re obviously doing a great job as a mom.”

“It doesn’t feel like it.” Her eyes are glassy with unshed tears, and I can’t control myself. Stepping up to her, I lean in, my lips a whisker away from hers, waiting for permission.

“Celest, I…” She closes the distance, silencing me as her lips find mine. I dart my tongue out to meet hers in a slow, sensual stroke. I keep my hands to myself, cautious not to spook her. I could stand here forever in this moment, kissing her with an emotion that feels foreign to me.

When we finally come up for air, I’m left bereft. If I could, I’d take her inside, strip her, and worship her body all night long, but that’s not her reality, so it can’t be mine.

“I should go inside.” She’s breathless, the rise and fall of her chest against mine giving away how affected we both are.

“I want you in my playroom this week.”

“I’ll have to let you know. I only spend one night there because Gracie needs me.”

“Then, let me take you out to lunch. Dalton gives you time to eat, right?”

“Yes. I have a busy week, so I’ll take a look at my calendar and see what day works.”

“It’s a date.”

“Flex.” She’s about to chastise me, so I steal another kiss before getting on my bike and slipping my helmet on.

“Think of me when you touch yourself to alleviate the ache between your legs.”

“I don’t have an ache.” She attempts to play it cool.

“Are you telling me that if I slide my hand into your panties, you won’t be wet for me?” Her cheeks flush, and my work here is done. I shut the visor and roar my motorcycle to life. She stands with her arms crossed, trying not to smile, but she looks radiant.

As I navigate my way out of her neighborhood, I notice a car that was parked outside her house is behind me. It’s not a big deal, but their lights are off. They probably just forgot to switch them on, but the Navy SEAL in me is always on high alert.

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