Page 44 of Headed for Home

My palms roam along her sides, as if offering comfort on their own. “I see how much you have going on. The moments you sacrifice for me are already a strain on you. Like right now, I’m sure there are a million other things you’d rather be doing.”

Cassidy cuddles into me. “I’m exactly where I want to be.”

“On the same page as me,” I murmur into her hair.

Her gaze latches onto mine. That unwavering attention feels bottomless. “I had every intention of making this a one and done.”

“Oh?” Paisley’s words haunt me, the truth clanging against my skull. “But now?”

“I’ve realized you might be irresistible. Charlie and Kenzie more than likely influenced my decision.” She pulls away slightly and goes quiet for a moment, studying me closely. “The twins are your biggest fans. Please don’t take that for granted.”

I flinch. “You think I could do that to them? Or you, for that matter?”

“No, but shit happens. Just consider their feelings before acting like a dick.” She kissesany chance of an argument off my lips.

I grunt into her distraction method. “What’s best for you and your kids is my top priority. I hope you trust me enough to believe that.”

She’s already nodding. “It was mostly a precaution.”

“Completely unnecessary.” The start of our conversation circles back to me while we’re discussing the kiddos. “Where were Charlie and Kenzie that first Saturday we saw each other? If my math is mathing correctly, they should’ve been with you that weekend.”

“Somebody is sensing a pattern,” she laughs. “Shawn and I switch if there’s something going on that the kids should be part of, or a conflict that’s better for them to avoid. The flip flop is frequent, so good luck keeping track.”

My pulse drums faster. “Am I allowed to ask about him?”

“I’m shocked you haven’t already,” she guffaws.

“It’s been a hard-fought battle.”

Cassidy quirks a brow and shrugs. “I commend your patience, but there’s not much to tell. We were little more than fuck buddies when I got pregnant. Shawn was really involved andthere for me, but it was obvious we weren’t a love match. Thankfully we get along and respect each other. That’s made co-parenting a breeze.”

“Huh,” I say. “That sounds very… civil.”

“It is. We’ve got a good system. No jealously or animosity. Shawn is married to a lovely woman named Pam and they have a baby girl. The twins already told him about you.” Her tone is nonchalant like this is a normal conversation, and it probably is for her.

But my blood pressure is trapped on a rollercoaster. “He’s okay with that?”

She blinks. “Yeah, why wouldn’t he be?”

“I dunno.” And I really don’t. This is a situation I’m completely unfamiliar with.

“You’ll meet him eventually, if this goes anywhere serious.” She motions between us.

“Isn’t it already?”

Cassidy’s grin softens. “Maybe? I like you a lot and we’re having fun, but I’m not expecting a commitment. This isn’t me sending mixed signals or playing games. I’m realistic. There’s no spare time for romance. My responsibilities and priorities come first, always.”

“I feel like you’ve rehearsed that speech. Didn’t we already tuck this under the covers?” We share a laugh but hers sobers much faster than mine. “I’ll settle for whatever you’re willing to give me.”

“But you shouldn’t have to, Drake. You’re sexy and rich and hung like a bedazzled horse. Why would you want to saddle yourself to a single mom with no spare time and spends her days shoveling shit?”

“Don’t sell yourself short,” I chide. “Don’t act like you’re not the woman I’ve been dreaming to find my entire life. Don’t make your situation sound like a burden to me. It couldn’t be furtherfrom the truth. You’re the one for me and your kids are an added bonus. Like you said earlier, I’m exactly where I want to be.”

“Damn,” she chokes. “That’s a great speech.”

“It’s my truth. I’m already yours. Can’t you see that?” My thumb drifts along her upturned jaw.

She leans into my touch when I tuck loose hair behind her ear. “Logic and common sense suggest you’re too good to be true.”

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