Page 73 of Holding Ground

As soon as I’ve cleared the doorway, he pulls me into him, and his lips land on mine. And like every other time, I melt into him, not wanting to stop. Our kiss doesn’t last long—it can’t, when Baylor is just down the hall—but he rests his forehead on mine after.

“I’ve been thinking about you all day.” His voice is low, and though his words are innocent enough, his tone feels like an innuendo.

“I’ve been thinking about you too.”

“Were you thinking the same things I was?”

I rest my hands on his chest. “I don’t know. Were you wondering what you were going to make for dinner too?”

He gives me a smack on the ass. “Brat.”

I chuckle and step back before we risk getting caught by Baylor. “How was your day?”

He blows out a breath and scrubs a hand over his face. “It was good until I picked Baylor up from school.”

“What happened?”

Elliott tells me about Baylor’s breakdown in the truck on the way home. My chest tightens for her, and I wish so badly that I could do something to make it better.

I take one of his hands. “I feel awful for her, but it sounds like you handled it as best you could, given the situation.”

“It’s not like I never thought the subject would come up. And of course her friends would wonder why her mom isn’t in her life, but I thought I had more time. I mean, kindergarten? Really?”

“No matter what, she has you, Elliott, and that’s what’s going to make all the difference for her. She’s never going to have to wonder if she’s loved. She’ll know.”

I think of my parents. I know there may be moments when Baylor struggles with the knowledge that her mother left, but what’s going to lead her through those feelings and out the other side is the love of her father.

He brings my hand up to his mouth and kisses my knuckles. “Thanks, Em. I hope you’re right.”

I can’t help the smile that slowly creeps across my face.

“What?” Elliott’s forehead creases.

“You called me Em.”

He’s shortened my name once before—at the poker game—but this time feels more special.

“Is that okay?”

I nod. “Yeah, it’s just…I like it, that’s all.”

“Good.” He winks at me. “I should get Baylor’s snack ready before she comes looking for it.”

“All right. I’m going to go text back that woman about my bio mom.”

“You’re ready?”

“Yeah. If your five-year-old can be brave, so can I.”

CHAPTER

TWENTY-NINE

Elliott

On Friday night, I ask Ansel to watch Baylor after she goes down for the night so that I can take Emelia to the Whispering Pines Pub to have dinner on the patio overlooking the water. There are heaters out there, so it extends patio season for them.

As soon as Ansel heard why I wanted him to come over and hang out at my place, he was all for it. I just had to endure a good ribbing.