Page 83 of Quintessentially

“You’re not going back to Chicago and never returning?”

“No, Kandace. I do need to go back, but I will return.” His grin grows. “With more than one condom if that’s all right with you.”

“Get a big box.”

He leans over me, pushing me back until my head is on the pillow and our noses are close enough to touch. “Maybe you and Molly can spend weekends here in this house with me.” He shrugs his wide shoulder. “Or I can stay at the farm.”

“I think here is a better idea.” My smile dims. “I need to see what’s happening with Dad. If Mom needs help, I won’t leave.”

“Then maybe we can sneak away on playdates.”

Lifting my hands to his cheeks, I stare into his eyes. “You’re right. I’m not ready for a commitment. I like that you’re thinking about it and that you even talked to Dad. I want to trust you and believe in happy ever after, but I don’t want to rush it. Give me time.”

“I’m only going to wait forever.”

Our kiss is soft and sweet.

“When do you need to go, back to Chicago I mean?”

Dax rolls back to his pillow with an exhale. “I would love to go back to the hospital with you, help you at the store, and be there when you pick up Molly, but I should head back soon.”

“Soon?”

He nods. “Let’s check on your dad first.”

“You’re talking today?” I ask.

“I’ll be back on Friday.”

“But you drove all night. You can’t drive back now.”

His smile quirks. “I’m more awake now than I’ll be if I do all the things I want to do. And something is happening this week at the firm.”

“Can you tell me?”

“Let’s just say I have a business proposal to present.”

I nod. “Do you think the ghosts will give me back my clothes? Delivering Mom’s stuff in only a Cubs shirt may do my dad in.”

“I think I can find them.” Dax throws back the covers and stands.

For a moment, I’m lost in the view of him until he says, “Your SUV is at the farm.”

“Yeah, I wasn’t thinking straight.”

“How about I go with you to the hospital to check on your parents and then I’ll take you to the farm?”

I do the math. “That will work. It will give me a few hours at the store before going to get Molly. I’m missing out on my weekend time with her, but she loves Chloe and Mick, and they adore her.”

“I’m glad you’ve had such a wonderful support system.”

Nodding, I look around the room. “Ruth was part of it.”

Dax slips his blue jeans on, tugging them up his toned legs before offering me his hand. “Let’s head back to Washington. Then you won’t need to do that alone or after dark.”

Placing my hand in his, I watch the way his long fingers swallow mine. Once I’m standing, I lean into his warmth, surrounded by his fresh scent. When our eyes meet, I grin. “Best nap ever.”

ChapterThirty-One

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