Page 52 of Unexpected

“Thank you,” she whispered, wiping away her tears. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry that I keep pushing you away only to pull you back in again. I’m just… I haven’t dated anyone in a long time. And I’ve never dated anyone so much younger than me.”

I smirked. “I haven’t dated anyone in a long time either. And I don’t see your age, I don’t see your supposed flaws, I see you.” I cupped her cheeks, weaving my fingers through her hair.

She blinked up at me, her eyes glittering with unshed tears. “I see you too. I see your heart and your potential. I see the way you interact with Sophia, the way you take care of our family.”

I pressed my lips to hers, feeling even more connected to her than I had before. It was a sweet kiss—a kiss of promise and forgiveness.

I led her over to the bed and pulled back the covers for her. I tucked her in, so tempted to stay, to tell her I loved her.

As I was leaving, she grabbed my hand. “I know it’s not fair to ask you this, but will you stay? Just for a little while?”

“Of course.” I kicked off my shoes and lay on the bed next to her, gathering her into my arms.

I’d stay for as long as she’d have me.

Chapter Fifteen

Lauren was on the phone when I arrived at the property for a walk-through, so I waited in the kitchen. As I was responding to emails, my phone chimed with an incoming text message.

Preston:Hope you’re having a great day, beautiful.

I immediately smiled,typing out a response.

Me:Not too bad. You?

Preston:Sophia and I are enjoying the pool.

A picture camethrough of Sophia waving from atop the giant flamingo float. Then another of Preston shirtless, wearing aviators and a sexy smirk. I wanted to kiss it off his face.

I wanted to do that and so much more. I’d never had so much sex in my life as I had the past few weeks, yet I was insatiable when it came to him.

Me:You play dirty.

Preston:Only with you. ;)

I laughed,thinking of how much I was enjoying this little summer fling. It was fun, carefree. I’d never felt sexier or more desired. But there was more to it than that. Much as I wasn’t prepared to admit it, I was falling for Preston.

He’d been through so much, yet he was still kind. He was loving and affectionate. And he was so sweet with Sophia, it made my heart swell to watch them together.

“Ooh, girl. Who are you texting?” Lauren asked, her heels clicking against the wood floor.

I opened my mouth, prepared to lie and tell her I was texting with a buyer, when she said, “And don’t tell me it’s Mateo. Because he told me you shot him down for a second date.”

I bit my lip and glanced up at her. I’d been sleeping with Preston for weeks now and still hadn’t told her. “I’m scared to tell you.”

“As long as you’re not getting back together with Cal, I couldn’t care less who it is.”

“Cal?” I cringed, recoiling at the thought. “Seriously, Lauren? Do you really think so little of me?”

She tapped her long, manicured nails on the marble countertop. “You’re stalling.”

“It’s Preston,” I blurted.

“Yes.” She drew out the word, making it sound like a hiss. “Boy is fine.” She snapped her fingers.

I squeezed my eyes shut. “Can we please not refer to him as a boy? It makes me feel like even more of a pervert.”

She placed a hand on my shoulder. “First of all—you’re not a pervert.” Even with my eyes closed, I could feel her watching me. She gave my shoulder a good shake. “Repeat after me: I’m not a pervert.”