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“I don’t have a problem with Nikki,” he says through an exhale. “All that shit is water under the bridge in my mind. She handled things wrong, but maybe I did, too.”

Silence again. I’m not sure what to say. “That’s pretty generous of you.”

He glances at me, and a smile spreads across his face. I’m confused, but not for long. “I asked Mariska to marry me. She said yes.”

“What?” Now I’m smiling. “Well, damn. Congratulations.”

“Yeah.” He leans back and looks out the window again, still smiling. “None of that past shit matters anymore. It was stupid anyway.”

We’re at the condo, and my partner slaps my back before heading up the stairs. I’m feeling good as I go to the elevator. Marcus and his playboy swagger cross my mind, and I remember how Stuart was before Mariska came along. I wonder what girl’s going to knock our hotshot attorney on his ass.

Jason is filling in for Walt again. He hits the elevator button and smiles, a wistful look in his dark eyes as the elevator comes down. “That little guy of yours is one cute kid. I used to dream of having one of my own.”

“What’s holding you back?” I glance at him as I wait.

His dark head bows. “You have to woo the fairer sex, and I’m financially challenged.”

I can’t help thinking his sallow complexion and oversized nose might also be challenges, although the right lady would overlook such things. “Money isn’t a necessary evil. Be creative.”

Shaking his head, his melodrama continues. “I’m not creative either, sir. It’s my curse.”

Clapping his shoulder as the elevator doors open, I’m ready to be upstairs wooing my own lady. “Only one person can change that situation, my friend.”

“No truer words.” He waits as I get inside and hit the button for the top floor “Have a good night, sir.”

The condo is dim when I arrive. Dex, I’m sure is sleeping, and as I step through the kitchen area, I see Melissa sitting on the black leather couch in front of the gas log. A glass of white wine is in her hand.

I drop my keys on the oak table, and she looks over her shoulder. Our eyes meet, and hers are soft and full of love. “How are you feeling?” Her voice is a gentle wave in my direction.

I don’t waste any time going to her. She’s wearing only one of my white dress shirts, and I’m feeling awake in every part of my body, most of which are located below my belt. Leaning forward, she puts her glass on the table, but I don’t want her to get up. I want to scoop her into my lap and hold her.

“I’m not used to feeling weak,” I say, sitting beside her and loosening my tie. My eyes never leave hers, and her cheeks flush under my gaze. “I’m ready to be back to normal.”

I lift my tie over my head, and she leans forward to unbutton my top button. “I know,” she says and kisses my throat. “At least you’re here with me.”

Her movements give me a nice view down the front of the shirt loosely covering her body. She’s bare underneath, and my thoughts are moving away from this conversation to the bedroom.

“We had some excitement at the office today.”

“Is that so?” She shifts so she’s straddling my lap. “Tell me about it.”

My hands slide up her smooth thighs to her ass, and I tease the edge of her panties with my fingertips. “I’ll give you the short version.”

A little shiver, “Okay.”

“Slayde came to see me. He apologized, but he also wanted to know if I could find his dad for him.”

“I had a feeling he would want that.” Her elbow rests on my shoulder, and her beautiful cheek is against her slim hand.

I can’t help thinking the best part of my day is holding this woman in my arms, talking. I understand now she needs this, and damn if I’ll give her any reason to put my shit on the doorstep again.

“I was ready to tell him I could when the asshole walked in the door.”

Her head lifts, and her expression changes. I was sure she would’ve heard this from Elaine who heard it from Kenny by now, but I guess not.

“Derek!” she whispers. “Oh my god. What happened?”

Pulling her to me, I kiss her soft lips. They melt to my pressure, accepting my comfort. “Nothing to me, as you can see. Slayde had the confrontation I think he’s always needed...”