Page 65 of Beyond the Cage

Placing a finger to my lips, he stops me mid-sentence. He pulls me onto his lap and circles me with his arms, resting his cheek on my forehead.

“You understand…don’t you?”

I feel his nod and breathe a sigh of relief. This man is just one surprise after another. A few days ago, he didn’t even know if he wanted kids and now he does…with me! Then again, something like this is a testament to the fact that he’s serious about us. Having a child with someone means being a part of each other’s lives forever. That part fills me with optimism. He sees a future for us.

After spending the afternoon with me, he leaves to make his evening training session. He waited on me hand and foot, even made me lunch. It was just a sandwich, but hey, it’s the thought that counts. He even texted me after he left. I spend my time alone thinking about his new-found desire, not even realizing when Chels walks into my room until she snaps her fingers in my face.

“What planet were you on?”

“Planet Weirded Out,” I answer.

“What’s got you weirded out?”

“How was your date?” I try to deflect the topic of conversation.

“Later. Don’t change the subject.”

I take a deep breath and look over at her as she sits next to me, taking Sparty into her arms. “He wants us to have a baby.”

“What the fuck? So quick? He’s a serious dude!”

“Tell me about it. I think we came to an understanding about the timing, though.”

“Wow…just wow.” She shakes her head in disbelief.

“I guess the age difference was bound to catch up with us. We’re at different places in our lives.”

“Don’t worry about it. Just have fun. Enjoy this for what it is. If you two are meant for each other, it’ll work itself out.”

“You’re right, but –”

“I know how you feel about him. Just…enjoy that feeling. Stop thinking so far ahead.”

She’s right. This isn’t something to worry about. It’s way too soon, and we havetonsof time. I’m sure he understands why a baby can’t be in the cards right now. “What would I do without you?”

“You’d probably cave in and give him triplets…twice.”

“Oh, really? I wasn’t the one making love on the dance floor last night.”

She waggles her brows suggestively. “Notonthe dance floor.”

“Whatever! Back to my question…how was your date?”

“Jas, he’s…awesome! He’s gorgeous, smart…he’s anincrediblekisser. Why didn’t you introduce us before?”

“Honestly, I thought he was interested in me. It wasn’t until I saw the way he looked at you last night that I realized he was using me to get to you.”

“How?”

“He’d always invite me places…well,us. He’d make it look like a group thing. It doesn’t matter now. When are you seeing him again?”

Her face lights up. “Tonight.”

“Ooh…don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”

“Like fucking in a crowded club?”

“Chels! You’re not going to let me live that down, are you?”