Page 89 of Because of Her

Now, though, my whole thought process has changed. I no longer hold on to a belief that my infertility is a sign I should never be a parental figure. Weirdly, it was accepting my becoming an aunt that made me realise I can open up my heart to a child. And more importantly, her dad. And I trust and believe Callum when he says he never wanted more children.

After yesterday, I feel confident in my place in Callum’s life. I feel confident in how I can fit in with his family. And I need him to know that.

“What time do you have to pick her up?” I push myself up, leaning my weight on my elbow. Callum’s eyes dip and I feel their intense longing as he takes in my naked body. My nipples pebble under his gaze.

Instinct makes me want to reach and pull the cover up, but years of knowing this man have left me wanting to be open and vulnerable around him now. I pull my bottom lip into my mouth, willing my pulse to remain steady, at least until I know if we have time to spare.

Callum sucks in a breath, the hand still under the sheet stretching down as he adjusts himself.

“We have time.” He leans over and takes one nipple in his mouth. The gentle suction combines with the roughness of his beard, sending a rush of sparks over my body.

I reach down to pull him up to me. Kissing him, I keep the contact short and innocent. Despite the throb in my core, I feel sticky with last night’s sweat. Our exploration of the way our bodies combine lasted well into the early hours of the morning, and I’m spent. And I really need to pee.

“We have all the time in the world now,” I whisper as I guide him back off me.

It takes us longer than it should to get ready. No matter how tired I thought I was. We get distracted in the shower. And again when I’m walking around the apartment, wrapped in a towel as we search for my underwear.

I duck across the hall to change into clean clothes, while Callum finishes cleaning up the house. As I pull out a khaki sundress, I’m thankful Amira has already left for the day. Although, I’m desperate to tell her, wellalmosteverything, I know Callum’s ex can be a stickler for time. I don’t want to ruin their newly forming peace.

Callum’s face lights up when I burst back out into the hall. Dressed in chino shorts and a simple white tee, his arms are on full display. When he reaches out to take my hand, it hits me why I recognise his dragon tattoo.

“The black dragon,” I say as I grab his hand and use the other to trace the lines of its wing around his forearm. “From that game we used to play.”

He pulls me in for a kiss and I can feel his smile against my mouth. When we pull apart, I’m smiling, too. Still beaming, I turn my back to lock my door. The beaded keyring Noah bought me jingles as I return it to my bag.

“Some of the best nights of my life, even now.”

Nostalgia washes over me because I still look back on those game nights sometimes, too. Remembering how fun it was to put on a persona and play out a literal fantasy. To call him Master while he called me Rogue, the nicknames far more innocent then than they are now. Nodding, I lean into him as we enter the stairwell.

It’s not until Callum pulls open the heavy lobby door that I consider the huge step I’ve assumed we are taking. We hadn’t spoken about me coming with him to pick up Maisie. And while we discussed how I would fit into theirfather-daughter relationship, I don’t want to expect something he isn’t ready for.

I hesitate before walking through, asking, “Should I be coming or?”

“I want you to come, but if it’s too much you can wait.”

My mouth widens to a grin as I take two little skips towards him.

“It’s not too much.”

The car rumbles on the long gravel driveway, and when Callum pulls up to park under a tree, I keep my seatbelt on and settle into the seat. What Callum and I have found feels fresh and new. I’m ready to introduce it to Maisie, but not sure I’m ready to introduce myself to her mother.

Callum pauses after climbing out, turning back to see I haven’t moved. As though he can read my mind, he gives a small nod before heading to the house.

I sit and scroll through my phone while I wait, enjoying the stuffy heat that forms in the morning sun. I’m about to step out for some fresh air when footsteps crunch along the driveway. One set quickens to a run, but I still jump when Maisie yanks the passenger door open.

“Cassidy,” she squeals as she climbs on top of me to throw her arms around my shoulders.

The giant pink bow is back in her hair, holding a high ponytail in place. Maisie looks like the perfect little fashionista in her denim pinafore and white shirt. I’m amazed at how white her little sneakers are, and hope they are new. If not, a five-year-old is better at keeping her shoes clean than I am.

“I missed you,” she whispers into my ear before climbing across the centre console and into her car seat.

A cough sounds from outside the car, pulling my attention from Maisie.

I step out, straightening my dress as I stand.

Audrey.

Her eyes squint in the winter sun and something that feels like dread swirls in my stomach. I shouldn’t have been so bold as to come today. But more than that, now I’m here, I should have introduced myself.

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