Page 46 of Fight for Me

CHAPTER X

TODAY IS SUNDAY, WHICH means that, in keeping with our new tradition, we spent the afternoon with Brody and Ruth. As in most cases, we were also joined by Amelia and her fiancé Mark, but with my pregnant friend getting a little closer to giving birth, their stay didn't last very long today.

Aunt Ruth had to take care of a new girl in the middle of dinner, who turned up at the shelter in a not-so-good condition, and so it was just me and Brody left. And of course, Henry, who often acts as a buffer when the atmosphere between us starts to thicken.

To be honest, I'm confused about Brody's behavior lately. Every so often I get signals from him that show me that he is interested in something more than simple friendship, only to act a second later as if nothing had happened.

He’s been adjusting his work schedule, to come and see me during my lunch breaks, and we have been regularly seeing each other at the shelter for weeks now. He wouldn’t try to spend that much time with me if he weren’t interested. Right?

Not to mention all those times, when he makes the small little remarks about how good I look, what a great mother to Henry I am, and how much he admires me. Topping all of that with taking hold of my hand, sporadic forehead kisses, and those subtle, seemingly innocent touches, and I’m a fucking mess around him.

These little gestures, intense glances, and sometimes even shameless flirting on his part drive me crazy. If he feels the same chemistry between us as I do, why doesn't he do something?

After all, it can't be about me having a child. At first, I was afraid that the reason for keeping me at a distance is because of Henry. It soon became apparent that Brody is delighted with my son and is more than happy to spend time with him when we visit.

It cannot be about my past. Nor about the age difference. That part is behind us for some time now, I think.

Then why the fuck doesn’t he kiss me already or ask me out, or anything?

I’m thinking all that, when, as usual, Brody walks me to my car, sleeping Henry in his arms. Before we can step outside, he halts me. “Wait, it started raining. Take him for a sec, and I’ll go ask Aunt Ruth for an umbrella because I don’t see one here.”

Without a word, I take my sleeping son from him and watch his fine ass as he retreats from the room. Damn. When the fuck did I get so horny? Lusting after Brody, while my innocent baby sleeps in my arms.

“Get a grip, Jenny,” I mutter and whip my head around when I hear steps closer to me than I anticipated.

“Talking to yourself now? You sure have been quiet today. Was the company not meeting your requirements for a good conversation?” Brody teases, umbrella in hand.

“Just a lot on my mind,” I say evasively. “Shall we?”

Brody nods, and together we walk into the evening. The rain isn’t too heavy, but the dark clouds above us foreshadow an oncoming storm.

“Does he always sleep like this? I swear the kid doesn’t even stir,” Brody wonders, as he puts Henry into his car seat, and straps him in, his movements practiced now.

“It’s a blessing.” I smile, and go around to get in.

I turn to say bye, and am surprised by how close to me Brody is standing, umbrella in hand. His face is mostly in the shadow, but I notice the way he eyes my lips.

Just kiss me, I chant in my head, then frown when Brody steps back and clears his throat. “Better get on that road before the storm.”

I nod, trying not to show my disappointment. “Bye, Brody. Thank you for the lovely evening,” I say grumpily, and his eyebrows lift.

“Was it lovely? It’s hard to read that from your tone.” He smiles warmly.

I roll my eyes but reciprocate the smile. “Yup. It was. Good night.”

“Good night, sweetheart,” he says, then closes the door for me, and waits until I start the car.

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