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How the hell did she get this packed? I end up looping Audra’s blanket through the handle before slinging the strap over my shoulder.
Maisie’s hand on my arm stops me. “You don’t have to walk me, it’s like twenty feet away.”
I pin Maisie down with a stare even as I loop my fingers with hers. “I’m walking you. It’s dark, and you’re carrying Audra. Come on.”
“Fine.” She rolls her eyes at me, but is still smiling, so I take the win.
I lead her through the house — keenly aware that she’s behind me. Her hand fits into mine like it was made to be there. At the base of the stairs, I drop her hand. “You go first, just in case you stumble.”
“I have walked up stairs before Harlan,” she sasses me.
I don’t respond and just place my hand at the small of her back and usher her up the stairs. After unlocking and opening the door, we both step through.
Maisie reaches out and squeezes my forearm. “I’m just going to put her down, be right back.” She and Audra disappear down the hall, and I look over the small changes that she’s made to the space. Decorative towels hang from the stove, and there’s a rug in the living room with new lamps on the side tables. A knit throw is tossed over the back of the couch, and a few toys linger on the floor in the living room. She hasn’t been here long, but the place already feels homier. Like she’s settling in and that makes satisfaction soar through me.
“Sorry about that. Here let me take that.” She reaches forward for the diaper bag that’s still hanging on my shoulder, and I slip it off before setting it on the table.
“Thanks for watching her tonight, Harlan. I really appreciate it.” Maisie’s hands are twisted in front of her and she’s picking at her thumb.
Does she want to touch me again?
I want her to touch me again, but I don’t want her to be uncomfortable. Her gaze drops from my eyes to my mouth, and her tongue swipes across her own before her eyes find mine again. I’d swear there’s heat in them.
And I want to test it.
To test if she’s ready for something like this.
If she tastes as good as I think she does.
“Don’t panic, okay?” I say, reaching out with my hand and linking it with hers. I use my grip on her hand to tug her a little closer before I lift my other hand toward her face.
And. She. Doesn’t. Flinch.
There’s a wary caution in her gaze as I dip my head down until millimeters of air are the only thing that separate our mouths.
“Is this okay?” I ask, staring into that silvery blue.
I nearly miss her small nod as she swallows thickly.
That tiny nod is my permission, and I’m done for.
I close the distance. Brushing my lips against hers in a butterfly kiss. A light tease of pressure for us both before backing off. My lips tingle where hers were pressed against mine and the smell of her perfume goes straight to my head.
“Goodnight, Maisie,” I say as I step back.
There will be time to talk about the kiss and what it means later. But if I don’t walk out of this apartment — now — I’m not sure that I’d be able to, and I refuse to fuck this — whatever it is — up.
“Goodnight, Harlan.” Maisie’s quiet voice follows me out of the apartment, and I wait until I hear the deadbolt slide into place before adjusting the granite erection pressing against the front of my jeans.
“It’s going to be a long fucking night,” I mutter under my breath and start down the stairs intent on heading to my cold, lonely bed.
“You’re smiley as fuck today.” The voice comes from my office door, and I look up to see Jedd standing there. Out of all of my brothers, he stops in the most since his garage is close enough to walk.
“Smiley?” I ask, not looking up from my computer screen.
“Yeah. Smiley. You know, like this.” Jedd’s lips spread until he’s baring his teeth at me, the joker-esque spread to his lips… kinda scary.
“Stop it. I don’t look like that.”
