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Her face is glowing. She’s so beautiful.
“We’ll be okay, right?” she asks. “I don’t want this to be awkward, but I also don’t want to keep you at arm’s length. We’ve crossed so many lines already. I don’t know why I’m being so weird about all this.”
“You’re not,” I say. “I understand. You have a lot to process and you need space. I respect that.”
“Thank you,” she says. “But I don’t want you to feel excluded, either. You’re going to be a dad, you deserve to be a part of this. So, from now on, I’ll make an effort to include you more, okay?”
“Okay,” I agree. “And I’ll make an effort to ask. I’m here for you, for both of you.”
She kisses my cheek. “I know. And I appreciate it.”
We smile at each other, and then she yawns.
“You should go home and rest,” I say, checking my watch. “You look exhausted.”
She laughs. “Gee, thanks.”
“You know what I mean,” I say, standing up. “Come on, I’ll drive you.”
“Wait. Can we talk first?” she asks. “I was going to come find you later.”
“What is it?” I ask.
“Well, I’ve been thinking about your offer to move into your spare bedroom,” she begins. “I mean, if it still stands, that is.”
“Of course it does,” I tell her.
She bites her lip. “Okay. So, I’ve decided to accept it. But I have a condition.”
“Name it,” I say.
“I want to pay rent,” she says. “Half of it. Half of everything.”
That wasn’t the plan, but I also understand her need for independence and equality, so I nod. “Okay. Half of everything.”
“Good,” she says. “And I already packed. The bags are in my car.”
I grin. “Then what are we waiting for? Let’s get you home and settled in. I’ll make you something to eat.”
Alycia smiles and takes my hand. “I have a good feeling about this.”
“Me too,” I say, and I really do.
CHAPTER 22 – Alycia
Thursday, November 6
I’ve been sharing an apartment with Raul for four days and it’s already been a completely different experience than living with Declan ever was.
We’ve talked about our rules and expectations in the past. We’re not together, we’re not dating, we’re just co-parents and friends. And it works.
He respects my space, my privacy, and my opinions. He supports me and makes me laugh. He’s also hot. He cooks for me, massages my feet, and rubs my back.
He makes me feel good, in every way. And it’s so tempting to cross that line again and give into the attraction.
But we don’t. We agreed to take it day by day, to focus on the baby, my healing after divorce, and to see how things go. And so far, so good.
“Want a ride to work?” Raul asks over breakfast, putting a plate of eggs, bacon, and toast in front of me.
