Page 129 of DadBod

“I do.” With a serious expression, she advises, “He’s going to have accidents. Don’t get angry when he does. We have to expect that until he acclimates. We can all help clean up after him, but you can be certain, he’ll get it figured out. He’s a smart boy.” Turning to Charlie, she squats next to his crate. “Aren’t you, boy? You’re a smart boy.” His tail is going a mile a minute. Her voice must activate something in him, because he didn’t have that reaction to either Calvin or me.

“We’ve got time if you’d like to take him on a short walk now.” He probably needs it.

“You want to go with me, Calvin?”

“Yeah!” Calvin practically jumps off the ground. “But let’s hurry. I’m starving.”

* * *

After dinner,the four of us transport all of Charlie’s gear up to Ryann’s room. She tells us she wants it right next to her bed, that way she could reach out and pet him if he needs comforting. She asks us, nicely, if we’d help her straighten up her room. “I want him to have a stress-free place to live.”

Also good in case Charlie ends up chewing on things like shoes.

The four of us work together, and in no time, Ryann’s satisfied with Charlie’s new digs. “I’m going to walk him one more time; afterward we’re going to bed to get a good night’s sleep.”

I’d laugh at all of this if she weren’t completely serious. “He needs rest and quiet.”

While Ry cares for her dog friend, I instruct Calvin, “Time for bed.”

“Elizabeth? Will you read to me?”

Just as she agrees with “Sure,” I shake my head and say, “Another night, Cal.”

Guess who wins?

“Fine,” I grouse. “I’ll be downstairs.” God. I can’t wait to be alone with her. It feels like it’s been months since I’ve kissed her, held her, touched her.

Sipping a glass of wine, I’ve got myself in the chair facing the stairs. From this spot, I can see her the moment she descends. I’ve calculated the amount of time it’ll take her to read a chapter, and that time is just about up. Would it be in poor taste to go up and check?

Okay. I know the answer. But damn it. I need to see her. I’m seconds from sneaking up the steps when I hear a creak. “It’s her.”

I see her feet first, then her lower legs, her hips, her belly, her chest, neck, and finally… finally her face. I blow air out of my mouth, relieved. When she sees me, she does that thing that makes my heart stop beating for a second or two. She smiles. At me.

And I know for sure… She’s mine.

Elizabeth has always been mine. The minute she walked into my restaurant to apply. She was the one. The one I needed––but now it’s not just me in the picture. Calvin needs her, and God knows, Ryann needs her too.

She’s fucking beautiful. Even after driving all day, she’s stunning––as gorgeous as the day we met. Fuck. She’s going to be the death of me. Me and my fucking dick. Because every time she smiles, I see that gap, and all I want to do is take her mouth.

“Calvin’s out like a light,” she says, stopping at the bottom of the stairs. I can tell she’s not sure what to do now. She’s taken a step toward me, but right after, she backs up again. I watch as Elizabeth glances to her right into the kitchen and, right after, left to the front door. Is she planning a quick getaway?

“Stay” is the only word I can make work. Up from my chair, I walk toward her slowly. What I’d like to add to that is the word forever, but it’s not the time. Not yet.

“I should get home.”

“Stay. I’ve missed you, Elizabeth.” Honestly, I think I’ve been missing her my entire life. She’s the kind of girl, now woman, who I always wanted. Kind, generous, caring, beautiful but she doesn’t realize it, and someone who could be my best friend. The perfect woman, all rolled up in Elizabeth… Taking her hand, I guide us back to the sofa. Sitting first, I wrap my hands around her waist and coax her to sit next to me. Reaching down, I pick up her legs until they’re over my lap. Once she’s settled, I smile because this is perfect. Cozy. “What’s your middle name?” I don’t know why I haven’t asked before. I know on her documents she only listed an initial: B.

“Bennet.”

Hang on… “That’s from a book.”

“It is.”

Shit. I should remember this from my mom. “Which one?”

“Pride and Prejudice.”

“Jane Austen.”

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