Page 36 of Come Back to Me

When the guys are out of hearing distance, Julie turns to me and says, “Oh my gosh, he’s wonderful! I knew he was easy on the eyes from when I’ve seen him in passing, but he’s also so nice and funny. Tell me everything!”

I laugh and smile at her. “He’s great, really. We’ve only officially been dating about three weeks, but it really started about six weeks ago. I just was in denial,” I say, smiling and looking over at Jack. “He’s kind, thoughtful, fun to be around, great with his nephew…”

“And…” Julie leans forward, clearly hinting at wanting to know more.

“I’ll just say he’s great inallways, nothing more.” I laugh.

“Ugh, you’re killing me! You realize I’m the permanently exhausted mother of five-year-old twins, right? Either we fall asleep before we can think about having sex or we get cockblocked by one of the kids having a nightmare, peeing the bed, or something else. Let me live vicariously through you.” She feigns begging.

Fortunately, I’m spared having to share more details when Dan announces the food is ready.

JACK

Using the edge of Annie’s bathtub as a seat, I help Tommy into his superhero pajamas while Annie’s in the kitchen making us popcorn for our movie. Once Tommy is dressed, we go to the living room to wait for her.

When she walks into the room, the aroma trailing behind her is not that of ordinary popcorn.

“Uh oh, what did you do to the popcorn?” I chuckle.

“Just fancied it up a little. You have to try it. It’s delicious.” She smiles.

Tommy peeks into the bowl and chimes in, excitedly, “Ooh, Uncle Jack, there are sprinkles on it!”

“Oh, brother… I’m not sure I want to try it. I like my popcorn the regular way.” I smile.

However, they gang up and pressure me until I try it. Annie smirks expectantly as I take a bite.

“Hmm, it’s actually pretty good.” I laugh. “You, woman, eat the weirdest concoctions,” I say, pulling her into a hug.

After the movie, Annie and Tommy decide we need a blanket fort to sleep in tonight and they convert her livingroom into the coolest blanket fort I’ve ever seen. The woman apparently does nothing half-ass.

I feel a little fluttering in my stomach watching her with my nephew.Did I just get fucking man butterflies in my stomach? What the hell is this woman doing to me?

Once they’re done with their construction, it’s time to settle Tommy down for sleep. “Hey, buddy, are you ready to read a chapter of our book before bed?”

Tommy looks up at me and tries, unsuccessfully, to stifle a yawn. “Will it hurt your feelings if Annie reads to me tonight, Uncle Jacky?”

He’s clearly enamored with this amazing woman… and he’s not the only one. She’s damn easy to fall for.

“No, bud, that’s okay. I’ll just go brush my teeth and get ready for bed myself.”

Tommy lies down in the crook of Annie’s arm, and she reads to him. He giggles every time she changes her voice to imitate a new character in the story. Bean snuggles up on his side opposite Annie, and Gracie lies with her head across his feet. I’m pretty sure Annie’s never looked more beautiful to me.

I watch them for a few minutes, wondering if she knows how amazing she is and wondering how that fool of an ex-fiancé of hers could ever have wanted anyone else.

ANNIE

After Tommy falls asleep, I crawl from our blanket fort and Jack heads outside to take the dogs for a quick walk around the block.

I decide to hop in the shower to wash away the sweat from the heat of the day. When I’m done, I nearly jump outof my skin as I step out of the shower and find Jack leaning against the vanity, waiting for me.

“Cripes, Jack! You scared me half to death!” I whisper-yell at him.

He smirks, making that dimple on the side of his mouth pop out as he walks toward me.

“No… no, no, no. I told you tonight was rated G,” I say. There’s no real conviction behind my words, especially since I’m laughing as I reach for a towel. I hurry to dry off and then hold the towel up between us as he continues his slow approach, mischief in his gaze.

“I’m serious, Jack,” I continue, determined not to smile at him. I attempt to ignore the warm moisture I’m feeling between my legs from the way he’s watching me—like he can’t take his eyes off me.

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