Page 36 of Perfect Strangers

He groans like every other child does during bedtime. “Mommmm, really? Just a little bit longer?”

I keep my face stern, fighting his cuteness. “No, it’s late. Put on your pajamas and brush your teeth. Then come out and say goodnight, okay?”

He slumps with defeat. “Yes mommy.”

Major follows me as we exit his room, allowing Crew to get ready for bed. We enter the kitchen as Major says, “He’s a great kid.”

I spin around, thanking him. “Yes, he is.”

His dark eyes meet mine. “You’ve done a good job raising him.”

I smile with a hint of sadness. “I’m sorry it took so long.”

He shakes his head, not wanting to discuss the dynamics of our rocky relationship. A few minutes later, Crew greets us in his PJs ready for bed. We head back to his room and tuck him into bed.

I slip down to bend and give him a kiss on the forehead. I step back, heading for the door as Major bends down to him.

His voice whispers softly to his son. “Goodnight buddy. Sweet dreams.”

Crew sits up, wrapping his arms around Major. “Goodnight daddy.”

We shut the door, watching as he nestles into his bed and closes his eyes. I head into the kitchen and glance behind to ask Major. “You want some coffee?”

He huffs. “Coffee? No. Actually, I better get going. It’s getting late.”

Disappoint seeps through as I watch him grab his jacket and slip into it. He sends me a smile before opening the apartment door. “Thanks for tonight Dylan. I really appreciate it.”

“You’re welcome. Listen, you could stay if you want.”

He shakes his head no. “Don’t think that’s such a good idea right now. I have some things I need to think about.”

I step closer, wanting to touch him, just for a brief moment. Just as my hand reaches his arm, he opens the door and heads out into the hall. I watch as he jogs down the stairs. I slip back into the apartment, shutting the door. My back leans against it as I let out a deep breath, holding back the tears.

I miss you.

I lock up the door behind me and my steps take me to the living room and I slouch on the sofa. Just as I hit the power button on the TV remote, a low tap sounds from my door. I sit up, wondering who could it be at this time.

I sneak up to the door, looking through the peephole, only to see Major on the other side. I quickly unlock the door and hold it open as he leans with both arms on the door frame.

“Major?”

He’s gasping for air as if he just ran up these stairs.

“You alright?”

He sucks in a deep breath as his deep dark eyes stare into mine. “I drove around the block before I realized something.”

My brow arches. “Yeah?”

His hands slip off the door frame and cradle my hips. His body presses into mine; his lips inches away from mine.

“I need you.”

And at that moment, our lips lock. The familiar taste of him bring my sensations to a high as we kiss in the hallway. He presses my back against the wall as our lips tangle with one another. My hand presses against his chest and just as I pull him closer, he breaks away.

My breath catches as he licks his lips. “I should go.”

In agreement with him, he smiles one last time before heading back down the stairs. Just as he turns the bannister, he looks up at me. Right then and there, he races back up the steps to give me one last kiss.

---