Page 39 of Confined Space

"If you want. Just give me a second to take off these heels."

I watch as she maneuvers to unzip the back of her three-inch heels. Her shoes consist of strips of leather that cross over her little feet, making it look like her feet are in a cage. I hold out my arm so she can hold on to me and not fall. When she walked out of the bedroom in those heels earlier, I thought I was going to come unglued and just drive her over here to show her what that dress and those heels were doing to me, but I restrained myself. With the heels off, she drops back down in height to where she barely comes to the middle of my chest. Just where I love her to be. I take her hand as I slip off my tennis shoes, then we make our way across the hardwood floors. The main room is a great room with a corner kitchen and island. There is a small dining room. I turn down the hall.

"Here are the two spare bedrooms and guest bath. I have my workout room in one and the other is currently empty."

I show her each and then we walk across the house through the great room again to the other side.

"Laundry room, garage access, and here's my room." I open the door to my room and lead her through it to the master bath. "Stand up shower and jetted garden tub. My mom said I needed the tub because no woman would live in a house without a large tub and only a shower."

"Your mom is smart. I saw her bathroom. It’s so big. Even the guest bathroom for Archer and me has that large shower with a tub on the other side of it."

"Yeah, I do listen to her once in a while." I smile. "Come on. Want something to drink? I don't have any wine, but I have water and juice."

"I'd love water."

I grab a beer for myself and a water bottle for her. I watch as she walks over to the sofa and takes a seat. I grab the discs with the show I want her to watch and load it up along with turning on the whole entertainment system.

When I sit on the sofa next to her, I pull her into my body and we cuddle as we watch the show. She asks me questions, and I explain what's going on and about all the fantasy creatures, along with the differences in the story from the books. She laughs and enjoys watching it.

"I'm going to have to get these books. They sound amazing, like an adult Harry Potter in Chicago."

"I have them if you want to borrow them."

"Really?"

"Sure."

We end up watching several episodes, and when she starts to drift off, I wake her up and drive her over to my mom's place. I kiss her goodnight and can't wait to spend more time with her.

* * *

This day has been full of Coral getting frustrated with me. She hasn't figured out that the new Ford Edge I bought is only hers. I had to lie through my teeth that it was Marco's for when he comes to visit. She accepted the car and then fought me on the car seat that I also got for her. The biggest fight I had though was when she found out the car seat is a duplicate to the one in my truck, and they both will connect to the stroller I bought for Archer. It didn’t stop her from using it at the baseball game, though. I expected her to be more upset at my mom for all the baby furniture she bought for her house. Little does she know I've enlisted my mom to help me decorate a room at my house in a Harry Potter theme for Archer. I'm moving them in as soon as Coral will let me. I don’t regret getting into my trust fund or the money from my shares of the vineyard. I know my father would want me to use it on my family, and that is what Coral and Archer will be soon enough.

My team ended up losing our game, and we are now going to play the other losing team next weekend to see if we can at least advance to third. Melissa didn't show up at the game this time, and I'm glad because my mom wasn't there, just Coral, who was talking with the other wives and making friends.

As I walk up to the bleachers, I see she's on her phone.

"Let me see if I can get a babysitter and I'll call you right back. Thank you." She hangs up and turns to me.

"Can I get your mom's number?"

"You don't have it?"

"No, I keep forgetting to get it. I need to see if she has any plans tomorrow."

"Why?"

"I’ve been offered an extra shift. All overtime. I could use the money, but I need someone to watch Archer."

"I could do it."

"Oh, I don't know about that." She shakes her head, and I see the indecision on her face.

"Mouse, if I'm going to adopt him, I need to take care of him too."

"You're serious about this."

"I told you I was."

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