Page 135 of Protecting Love

“I wouldn’t have you spend the night with Ian here. Not at first at least.”

Her heart was thumping more in her chest.

“We can work our way up to it.”

“So he’s gone for the night and it’s just you and I,” he said.

His mouth lowered to hers. He was trying to distract her.

She put her finger to his lips and shook her head. “Not yet. Talk first, play next.”

“You’re like a drill sergeant.”

“I never realized I could be. I kind of like it.”

“I like it too.”

She picked her bag up off the island and followed him into the open area. There was a dining room table off to the side, four chairs at the island where she assumed most of their meals were consumed.

A large sectional in front of a fireplace and an awesome view of the city.

There were two halls and she was guessing bedrooms on each side, giving them separation.

She’d love something like this.

“Tell me about Ian.”

He pulled her to the couch. “He stopped over to ask about spending the night at a friend’s for a party. He wanted to ask in person since I hadn’t met the kid yet.”

“Do you always have to meet his friends?”

“Yes. And their parents. Or know who they are. Those are the rules. Or I was stricter before.”

“And now?”

“He expected me to say no. The fact that his best friend that I know lives in the building and will be there helps. It’s Stefan’s mother’s brother. I’ve got the kid’s full name and his parents’ name and the address. Stefan even came down to get Ian with his mother, who verified it all.”

“That was nice.”

“I think they assumed I’d have an issue.”

“They knew about your previous job?”

“They did. But that took care of that. Before we left the office, he brought up you smelling like flowers again.”

She slapped his thigh. “I knew you were caught.”

“I was. I won’t lie.” She listened to him explain the conversation, how it started one way and now they were dating. “He was good about it.”

“Does he know I’m here tonight?”

He put his thumb and finger on her chin. “He does. I said you could meet him in the morning when he comes back.”

“Now you tell me that,” she asked, all but jumping back.

“You’re not nervous, are you?”

“I would have brought something better than leggings and a sweatshirt to wear tomorrow.”