Page 18 of His Little Pumpkin
Iwantto stay. The thought of waking up in his strong arms every morning… the way he looks into my eyes and strokes my cheek with his thumb… he’s mesmerizing.
I just wish I knew if Eldon truly wants me, or if he just thinks that caring for me is the right thing to do. He’s such an honorable man that he just might. But I need him to want me for his own selfish desires, too.
Because the thought of that desire makes me flush with lust and the promise of love.
Staring out the window at the gorgeous sunset, I sigh aloud. Being in love with Eldon would be the most incredible thing in the world. My life would have meaning for someone besides myself for the first time ever.
The trees sway in the breeze as I stare, zoning out a bit. I thought that a loving home was the thing I wanted most in the world. Now I know that my truest longing is for Eldon. Our passion. Our possibilities.
My phone beeps, and I rush to the table to grab it, hoping that it’s him.
It isn’t.
My face falls, shoulders curling forward as my body starts turning in on itself.
It’sher.
15
ELDON
It warms my heart to pull into my driveway and see the lights on inside, knowing that Laura is there and that I’ll be able to hold her soon.
Before that, though, I’m going to apologize profusely for overstepping my bounds and interfering with her work without asking first. On the drive over, I realized how wrong that was, especially given that she’s at a point in her life where she is taking control.
I’ll admit it: I was an asshole. But my heart was in the right place. I’m hopeful that if we talk it out, she’ll forgive me.
I park the truck and walk toward the house. The dining room window is open and I can hear Laura talking to someone on the phone. But I’ve never heard her use that tone before. She sounds…small. Afraid. Even more nervous than when I first found her.
“It’s just that I’m not sure,” she says softly, walking right past the window. “I mean, it’s my decision, right?” There’s a long sigh. “Yes, I realize there aren’t any hurricanes headed your way this season. Yet. But there’s more to it than that.”
I stop in my tracks as I shamelessly eavesdrop for a moment. I can’t hear the exact words of the person on the other end of the phone, but they’re loud. Harsh. My fingers clench to fists. If someone is yelling at my Laura, I will…
I burst in the front door just as Laura is saying, “Sure, call me back in a few minutes. But I still might not know.”
She ends the call, drops the phone on the table, and looks up at me with tears in her eyes.
I lunge for her, wrapping her soft, sweet body in my arms and carrying her to the couch. She snuggles against my chest, her hands circling around the back of my neck as she clings to me.
“To start, I’m so sorry for stepping into your business.” I stroke her back gently. “That was not my place. I just got really pissed off at the idea that jerk was screwing you over.”
Laura nods, her chin trembling. “I understand. And thank you. I know you meant well.”
“Good.” My hand caresses her hip gently. “May I ask who was on the phone?”
“My mother.”
My jaw tightens. “Well, I’m definitely not a fan if she upsets you like this. Care to tell me what happened?”
Laura nods, taking a moment to collect herself, then sits up straight and meets my eyes. “Before Mom and my stepdad moved, I offered to work from home and babysit my little brother for them. They refused.”
And then took off without her.I swear, if I ever meet that stepfather of hers, the speed at which my fist shatters his nose might break the freaking sound barrier.
“But now,” she continues, “it turns out they’re both working crazy hours at their new jobs. They have the money for childcare but want to rein in their expenses for a couple of months so they can upgrade their cars.” Her bottom lip quivers. “So nowI’m allowed to stay on the couch for two months if I babysit for them.”
I want to demand that she stay with me forever. But this has to be her choice.
“Pumpkin,” I whisper, trailing my fingers up into the back of her hair. “I want you to do whatever is right for you. I would love you to stay with me as long as you like. As long as you like me, and like our home. As long as you feel comfortable and safe. Basically, Laura, I want you to stay forever.”
