Page 49 of The Disputed Legacy

“No cops.”

He’d said that last night. I still wanted to know why, but I couldn’t bring it up in front of Oscar.

Oscar headed off to grab his backpack, returning to life as usual, and I went to get dressed to walk him to school. I hurried,getting back to Saul in the kitchen as he drank his coffee. “I’m, um, I’m going to take him to school.”

That was implied, but I wasn’t sure what else to say to him. Nervousness kicked in as I tried not to blush after the memory of what we’d done surfaced.

He nodded, calm and not at all nervous or shy. Of course, he wouldn’t be. That was the kind of strong, unapologetic man he was.

“I need to tend to some business things,” he replied.

Ah. So he wasn’t planning to stick around. “Okay.”

This conversation felt so domestic yet awkward that I didn’t know whether I should be relieved he’d see himself out or if I should protest and suggest he stay longer. The more I studied him in my space, like he could belong here, I wanted to ask what could come next.

No. Nothing comes next, you idiot. Last night was a one-time thing. Nothing else.

“You can just see yourself out,” I said, reaching for my purse. “Whenever you’re ready.”

He lifted his mug, seeming pleased that I wouldn’t rush him out of here. It was strange to have to trust him in my place without me here, but there wasn’t anything he could use against me as far as my possessions went. The only valuables I had were my son and the contents of my purse, and they’d be with me.

“Whenever I’m ready,” he agreed. “Thanks.”

His thanks felt silly when I should’ve been the one thanking him. For saving Oscar. For showing me that perfect blend of tender and rough loving. For making me breakfast.

But I left it at that.

Going out the door with Oscar as he waved and told Saul he’d see him later, I winced and wondered when and how we would see him again.

It wasn’t smart to start something with him, but my heart—and body—were campaigning for me to consider letting him stay… for as long as he wanted.

20

SAUL

Willow was surprised that I’d stayed. This morning when she came out of the bedroom, her shock was unmissable, but she covered it up as soon as Oscar turned toward her from the table.

With how stubborn she was to keep me at arm’s length, it was expected. I’d been counting on her to react with guilt or regret after caving to me. She probably assumed she’d be waking up alone after last night.

Well, she’d be surprised again when she came back from walking Oscar to school.

I was still here.

And I would still be here when she returned. I risked overstaying my stay, but I just wasn’t done with her. Cleaning up in the kitchen didn’t take me long, but I intended to wait here for her to come back, regardless.

Too many questions remained unanswered between us. With the lines we’d crossed last night, I wasn’t willing to fall back to that distance she wanted. That aloof attitude to keep me away and stick me in the friend zone.

I hadn’t lied, though. I did have some business to tend to. And I would tend to it… right here from her kitchen table. It wasn’t my fault if she took my reply to mean I’d leave. She could interpret our last words as a farewell, but that wasn’t what I meant.

She didn’t even bother with a goodbye if she thought that was the last she’d see of me.I rolled my eyes at that crime.

I knew we would have to take this slowly with her, but I refused to retreat and wait forever. After last night, I wanted to keep the momentum going forward.

I got my phone out and hoped I’d be able to knock out these calls before she returned. Then I could give her all of my attention.

Hugo was first. He and I were supposed to meet up today, but there was clearly a change of plans now. If Willow needed me—regardless of it she’d admit it—I would stay. Hugo and the other soldiers could manage in my place for a while.

“Where you at?” he answered.