Page 18 of The Wish List
I wasn’t going to change my mind. I was tired of peace and quiet. Tired of being alone. I was right where I wanted to be—lumpy mattress, crowded apartment, overly excited child, and all.
Because everything was connected to her.
* * *
“I am so full,” she murmured, setting down her utensils. She sat back, picking up her wineglass. “Since when do wealthy single men cook for themselves?”
I laughed. “I can do breakfast, and I make this casserole. That is it. My housekeeper taught me this recipe in case she was gone for a while so I wouldn’t starve.” I winked at her. “You are totally in charge of dinner tomorrow.”
“Speaking of that, a fifteen-pound turkey for three people?” she scoffed. “Plus all those vegetables for side dishes? And the desserts? We’ll be eating like kings for weeks.”
That had been my plan. Although, the more time I spent with her and AJ, the more I was convinced they would be in my life for a very long time. I would make sure the kitchen was well stocked. Preferably the one in my condo. I could already see Rosie in there making dinner, AJ playing on the floor in the living room, and me watching them both. Making sure they were warm, safe, and happy.
I kept my mouth shut, though. Rosie already thought I was too impulsive.
What she didn’t realize was that it was only when it came to her. Everywhere else in my life, I was circumspect. Cautious. One encounter with her and that all went out the window.
“I like leftovers,” I said simply.
She smiled, looking shy.
“What?” I asked, leaning over and stroking her soft cheek.
“I like knowing you want to be around for them.”
“I do. More than you know.”
Her brow furrowed, and I moved closer again. “I’m not going anywhere. I can’t explain why or how I know, but I do know it. I trust my gut all the time. It has never let me down.”
She became teasing. “And your gut likes me?”
I winked, leering at her. “Everything below my belt likes you, Rosie.” When she began to laugh with me, I smiled. “Everything above the belt too.”
“Okay, then.”
“Finish your wine. I believe an excited little boy wants to go for a walk and watch a movie before he puts out his stocking. We have a busy night ahead of us.”
She grinned. “Yes, we do.”
* * *
AJ was out for the count. Between the walk, the movie, and the wrestling match we had, he was exhausted enough to fall asleep by nine. I helped her put out the few gifts for AJ from Santa and fill his stocking. “What about you?”
She smiled and added a couple of boxes under the tree. “I wrap up a few things from around the house so I have something to open.”
I refrained from telling her this would be the last year that happened. In fact, it wouldn’t be happening at all. Instead, I nodded. “Good thinking, Momma.”
She went for a shower, and I called and left my sister a voice mail. I told her I wasn’t alone and I would explain when she got back. We didn’t make a big deal about Christmas apart. We celebrated when she returned, but I knew she would be pleased to know I was with someone.
Rosie returned, dressed in pajamas with Santas on them. They were fuzzy and warm-looking and made me smile. I grabbed a fast shower in her small space, missing my far more luxurious shower. I hoped one day soon to show it to her.
Back in the living room, she looked nervous. The pull-out bed was ready, and she was perched on the end. “Ah, do you have a favorite side?”
I bent and kissed her. “Whatever one you like is fine.” I cupped her face. “Relax, my girl. I’ll be a perfect gentleman.”
She chewed her lips. “I hope I can return the favor.”
I winked. “Just nudge me. I’ll be ready.”
