Chapter 36

At the end of November I realize that my life hasn't changed much from what I had in Florida. Except there's a beautiful woman who keeps me awake at night and lusting after her during the day. Knowing what Indie went through changes our dynamic. Our friendship deepens, but I keep my mouth and my hands to myself when we're in the same vicinity, no matter how strongly I want to pull her into my arms.

Before we know it, the holidays arrive. We're invited to the trimming of the tree at the Deckers' house. I have a hard time keeping up with everyone's names, but it's not impossible. Someone should give me a medal for not going all die-hard fan on . . . Well, almost all the family, I thought to myself, suppressing my inner fanboy tendencies.

The next week, we get invited to Gabe's house. I'm surprised when I learn that it's the gotcha day for Cora and Caleb, when Gabe and his wife Ameline officially adopt them. While Myra is playing with Cora in the backyard with some other friends, Indie approaches me, with a hesitant but determined look on her face.

"Have you thought about telling her, yet?" she asks.

I glance at her, unable to stop my eyes from drifting down her body. She looks so beautiful I can barely stand it. I want nothing more than to pull her into my arms and kiss her senseless. But I resist the urge—somebody give me a fucking medal.

"Have you talked to your therapist?" I ask instead, deflecting her question. I can't tell Myra anything until I know Indie is ready.

She gives me a suspicious look, eyes narrowing. "Why are you so insistent?"

"Other than I think it will help you?" I say. "I'm fucking selfish and I would like my benefits back if you don't mind?" I grin, trying to lighten the suddenly serious mood.

"Focus on your child," she retorts, giving me an unamused look.

And that's when my child approaches me. "Daddy, can you meet a mom who wants to adopt me?" she asks eagerly.

"Excuse me?" I almost choke on my own saliva.

Indie covers her mouth, but I can see those brown eyes dancing with amusement.

"A mom," Myra repeats. "I want a mom. Cora got a new one and a dad too."

"See, pretty simple," Indie states, lips quirking.

Myra gives her a sweet smile and those doe eyes open wide. "Would you like to adopt me and be my mom?"

In that moment, Jacob Decker walks by and flashes me a stern, warning look that makes me gulp. "Go and look for someone else to fulfill that role. My child is off-limits."

I lift my palms in surrender, taking a nervous step back. No way I was messing with a protective Jacob Decker.

Indie squats down to Myra's level and whispers something that makes Myra nod happily. She turns to Jacob with an angelic smile. "Can I have some more cake, please, Mr. Decker?"

"What exactly did you tell her to do?" I ask Indie suspiciously.

She shrugs, a secretive smile playing on her lips. "Nothing."

"But you did," I persist, narrowing my eyes at her.

"I'm just keeping him away before he starts badgering you. You're welcome," she says casually. Then she turns on her heel and walks away, hips swaying enticingly.

I watch her go, desire burning through me. My eyes trace over her body, lingering on her curves and remembering the feel of her in my arms. I want her, badly. But until she's ready for more, I have to restrain myself no matter how difficult it is. I let out a frustrated breath and drag my gaze away before I give in to temptation. I know the wait will be worth it.

"I don't know how I let you convince me to come with you," Indie complains as I'm driving toward my house. "Anyone could've dropped me later so I can get my car from your garage."

"It's fair since you helped Myra convince me to let her stay for a sleepover," I claim with a grin. "What happened to no sleepovers until they're seven?"

"Are you complaining about tonight or tomorrow night?" she asks wryly. "I'm the one who'll be dealing with a horde of little girls, not you."

"Your sisters are coming to help," I remind her, glancing her way. The late afternoon sun caresses her skin, highlighting her beauty. I force my eyes back on the road.

"No, all the Decker girls will be invading," she says. I don't have to look to know she's grinning.

"It's funny that you're still the Decker girls," I point out.

"Our families call us that, no matter how many times we tell them we're all grown up—why fight the system?"she responds. "Thank you for letting us take over your house."

"Thank you for welcoming Myra into your family," I respond earnestly, taking her hand and brushing a kiss over her knuckles. Her breath catches at the contact, giving me hope. "So, therapy?"

"I actually switched therapists. I wasn't comfortable telling my old one what happened to me. It felt wrong," she responds, gazing out the window. "It's . . . a step. Recognizing what really happened and finding a way to stop blaming myself. I refused to be the victim so I decided to do things under my terms."

"It always has to be under your terms," I say with a small smile, eyes on the road.

"No. I think there has to be something more . . . like communication and mutual respect," she argues.

I simply hum in response. We drive in comfortable silence the rest of the way. Finally, I pull into the garage at my house, the motion sensor lights flickering on to chase away the growing dusk. I shift into Park and turn off the ignition, but make no move to exit. There's something I need to say first.

"I'm proud of you, Indie," I tell her gently. "I know how hard this is."

"Because someday you might be able to ask for your benefits back?" she asks, one eyebrow raised.

"No, because you're finally taking charge of your life," I state, turning in my seat to face her fully. "I only want you to be okay."

"Why?" she asks, brows furrowed in confusion.

I want to say, Because I love you, because between you showing up that first morning when I was desperate and afraid of what my future would look like in this city and this moment, I've fallen completely and hopelessly for you.

But neither of us are ready for something that big though. So instead, I reach out and tuck a stray lock of hair behind her ear, my fingers trailing lightly, yearningly over her cheek. "Because you deserve to be happy, Indie," I say softly. "And I'll do anything I can to help you get there."

Her breath catches at my gentle touch and the tender look in my eyes. For a long moment we stay suspended like that, gazes locked, faces inches apart. The air between us seems to hum. Then, as if drawn together by an invisible thread, we both start to lean in.

My eyelids drift shut as her lips meet mine, soft and seeking at first, then firmer and more passionate. My heart pounds wildly in my chest as we kiss. One of my hands slides around to cradle the back of her head, tangling in her hair, as I pull her closer.

She makes a small, breathy sound against my mouth that sends desire rocketing through me. Her hands clutch at my shoulders, then travel up to frame my face as the kiss deepens further. In this perfect, private moment there is nothing and no one else in the world but me and her.