Page 60 of DadBod

“Good. Because this bowl is almost gone, and Cal hasn’t gotten any yet.”

“Yeah,” Calvin says with a nod. “I haven’t gotten any yet.”

“What did you pick?” Calvin’s been distracted, scrolling through all the choices on our streaming channels looking for just the right one.

“This one. It’s girly. Elizabeth will like it.”

I glance at the screen and am tempted to groan or at the very least roll my eyes. It’s animated.

“Hey…,” she says in protest. “I’m not girly.”

She is girly. I like that about her, though. Hell, I’d like her if she wasn’t girly.

“Start the movie. I’ll make another bowl.”

“I’ve never seen this,” Elizabeth says to my son.

“It’s awesome. The horse is the best part.”

He’s right. Maximus is the best part. To be honest, for an animated movie, this one is okay.

* * *

By the timethe film ends, Calvin’s curled up on the end of the sofa sound asleep, and Elizabeth’s head is on my shoulder. She’s even snoring a little. Something I’d hate, ordinarily, but on her, it’s endearing. I’m tempted to wrap my arm around her. Then I can pull her closer. Hell, I’d love to touch her hair. It looks like it’d be soft. It’s short, shorter than most women wear their hair these days, but it suits her heart-shaped face.

“What?” she says, lifting her head.

Not going to lie. I’m disappointed that the moment is over.

“Did I fall asleep on top of you?” She swipes the back of her hand over her mouth. Was she drooling and I missed it? God, this woman is adorable.

“You must’ve been tired.”

We both look over at Cal, who hasn’t budged even with us talking. Elizabeth leans forward and pushes herself up to standing, a little unsteady. I reach out and place a hand on either side of her lovely, curvy hips. “Whoa there.”

“Sorry, Rome. I didn’t mean to use you as my personal pillow.”

That sounds like something I’d enjoy. Snuggling with Elizabeth. Doing other things with Elizabeth.

“No worries.” I stand and walk around the table. Sliding my hands beneath my boy, I lift him into my arms. “Be right back. I’m going to put him to bed.”

“All right.” She runs her palms over her face. “I’m going to head home.”

“It’s late. You should sleep in the guest room.”

“No.” Elizabeth moves into the kitchen to grasp her purse. “I need to go. See you tomorrow.”

Why does she need to go? Is she meeting someone? “Yep.” As I make my way to the stairs, I watch her go. I should tell her about the car that’s going to be delivered in a few days, but I’ll wait on that.

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