Page 81 of When Alec Met Evie
I meant what I said. Some things really are worth waiting for, and I don’t doubt that about Evie. But something about that response doesn’t sit right with me. Because if I’mwithEvie, itshouldn’t always be me waiting for her while she takes care of the baby. I’ll be taking care of the baby too.
A twinge of anticipation pushes through my chest. If things work out, if Evie and I end up together long-term, committed,married,I’ll be adad.
I’ve thought about it a few times now, and I keep waiting for it to feel overwhelming. Everything I know about babies, I gleaned from having Evie and Juno live here for a couple of weeks. I’m not naive enough to believe that adds up to being an expert. But all my thinking has done is make me want it more. I want to come home to Evie after practice. I want to watch her play her violin and hang out with Juno and be the reason they both smile. I want her to come to my games and wear my jersey and meet me after so I can kiss her senseless. I want to learn everything there is to learn so Icanbe an expert.
I realize it’s early to want all that. I can imagine Nathan lowering a hand on my shoulder and telling me I’m running when I really need to walk, and it would probably be very good advice.
But I’m not sure I can make myself stop. Not when it feels like I’ve finally found something real.
CHAPTER 21
EVIE
Early Saturday morning,I stand next to Alec’s very fancy coffee pot, listening to it whirr and hum as it makes my coffee. It’s barely past six, and since I don’t have to work today, it feels beyond stupid to be awake. But once I fed Juno and she fell back asleep, I started thinking about Alec, and then I started thinking aboutkissingAlec, and suddenly sleep was the furthest thing from my mind.
I thought I might find him up already—he’s proven himself an early riser—but so far, it seems like I’m the only one awake.
Did I spend an extra five minutes taming my hair and brushing my teeth before coming downstairs? Yes. Yes, I did. Am I going to linger in the kitchen and drink my coffee here hoping he’ll still show?Alsoyes.
“Good morning.”
I let out a little yelp and spin around, one hand flying to my chest. Alec is standing in the doorway, looking sleep rumpled in gray sweatpants and a plain white t-shirt.
His shirt is tucked under itself on one side, making me think he just pulled it on. My eyes snag on the triangle of exposed skin.Pretty sure that last night, my hands dipped under his shirt and touched that exact spot.
The thought makes my cheeks flush with heat, and I force my gaze up to Alec’s face.
He offers me a sheepish smile. “I didn’t mean to scare you.”
“That’s okay, I was just…”
Thinking about your body.
Thinking about last night.
Wishing that you would kiss me right this second.
He slowly walks across the kitchen, stopping right in front of me as my words trail off, and I force myself to look at his face. To ignore the way his sweats stretch across his very defined thighs. I used to think dancers had the best quads, but I take it back. Hockey players win.
On the left side of Alec’s head, his hair is slightly creased on one side, mussed from sleep. I lift my hand to the spot, running my fingers through his hair to smooth it down. Alec is always so poised and put together, and noticing this tiny imperfection triggers a wave of affection for him that makes my heart crawl into my throat. The vulnerability in his eyes as he looks down at me doesn’t help.
“You were just…?” Alec repeats.
I bite my lip, because as fun as this teasing is, a tiny part of me is still afraid last night was a crazy impulsive decision that Alec already regrets.
But then he lifts his hands to my waist, tugging me against him before wrapping me up in a hug. It’s a confident gesture, and all my worries evaporate in a matter of seconds.
I melt against him as I breathe in the clean, woodsy scent of his clothes and wrap my arms around his waist. I bury my face in his chest and let out a little chuckle. Because honestly, what is even happening right now? This isAlec.
And he’s got his arms aroundme.
“I was just thinking I can’t believe this is happening,” I finally say.
“Me neither.” His deep voice vibrates through his chest. “But I’m really glad it is.” He presses a quick kiss to my forehead, then lets me go long enough to retrieve two mugs from the cabinet and pour us both some coffee. He adds cream and sugar to mine before handing it over.
“What am I going to do when I don’t have you around to make me perfect coffee in the morning?” I take a tentative sip, but there’s no need. The healthy dose of cream Alec added brought the temperature down enough to drink without caution.
“Have terrible coffee, probably,” he says. He leans down and kisses me on the mouth this time, his lips soft and coffee-warm. “You could always just stay.” He kisses me again, sliding one hand up to my face, where his thumb grazes across my cheek until it reaches the side of my bottom lip. “I like you in my house when I wake up.”
