Page 9 of One Night Rendezvous

“There’s a new comedy special streaming tonight,” I offer. “You could hang out and watch it with me … if you want to.”

He folds the dish towel and drapes it over the center of the sink. “If I stay here with you, we won’t be watching a comedy special. You know that, right?”

“I’m sort of counting on it. I’ve been thinking about that kiss in the front seat of your car since it happened … and I’d been imagining kissing you from the moment we met.”

He moves toward me, each step slow and deliberate, like he thinks I might change my mind. Not going to happen. I need this. I think maybe I need him. When he gets close enough, I just launch myself at him. His hands are on my hips, pulling me in closer and then his lips are on mine. It’s hot. Scorching.

I don’t even realize he’s been walking me toward the couch until I fall backwards onto it, and he comes down on top of me. Ford might be lean, but he’s solid muscle. Everything about him is rock hard. And I do mean everything.

I lock my legs around his hips, pulling him closer.

He drags his mouth away from mine, but only to kiss my neck. His teeth scrape over my skin in a way that makes me shiver. Then he’s pulling my hair—just hard enough. His other hand slides beneath my shirt, his hand cupping my breast while his fingers tease my nipple through the thin lace of my bra.

I can’t say what it is that makes him stop. I’m so dazed I don’t even know what’s happening. All of a sudden, he’s sitting up and putting distance between us.

Then I hear it. A soft whimper from the bedroom. Immediately, Ford is on his feet heading straight for her. And then Felicity cries out for her daddy, and the fear in her voice is like a bucket of ice water being thrown on me. And even as Ford is rushing down the hall toward her, he looks back at me. His eyes aren’t hot when they land on me. They’re full of guilt. I’m pretty sure mine are too.

EIGHT

Ford

“Is she okay?” Ashley asks as I come back into the living room.

“She’s fine, was upset for a bit, but she’s back to sleep now.”

“I’m glad, I should leave.” She whispers, going over to grab her phone.

“I feel guilty.” I whisper, dragging a hand through my hair. “Like how could I be out here doing this while she’s been in there struggling? What kind of father does that make me?”

Ashley walks over, grabbing my hand. “It makes you a person, one who needs to live his life. That doesn’t stop because the mother of your child screwed her up. You’re okay to live it, Ford. You just need to give yourself permission to do it. I’ll be here when you do.”

She kisses my cheek, and then leaves, while I struggle with what the fuck I’m supposed to do.

That kiss with Ashley turned me upside down. So much that it's been a few days since I've seen her. I had someone else drop her car off to her at the store, because I didn't trust myself with her. Not after the hot moments we shared in her trailer, on her couch. I haven't made time for myself since Fee came to live with me. When I was called by CPS, I was told that she was found in a room by herself while the house was filthy. There were drugs all around, and Bridget had overdosed. Eventually they told me that in order for Bridget to get drugs, she’d allowed people to take pictures of Fee. If I ever find out who did that, I will kill them with my bare hands.

Since she didn’t have someone to go to bat for her, I've lived for her. That kiss with Ashley? It awakened a part of me that I’d put to sleep because I had to.

Now, all I can think about is what the two of us could do with an uninterrupted night and a little privacy.

I've stayed away from her, but fuck I'm tired this evening as I head home. It's been a long fucking day, and I don't want to go home to my daughter, where I'll have to answer endless questions and be an adult. I want to see Ashley, for just a little bit, because although I’m confused, I miss her.

Pulling up to the store, I park, and cut the engine. Leaving my hands on the steering wheel, I take a deep breath and try to convince myself this is a bad idea. But then I get a glimpse of her behind the register, and she looks as bleak as I feel. Goddamn, I recognize the despair and hopelessness in her gaze, and I want to be the one to remove it. I want her to help me to find the happiness I know is there. It's attainable for both of us, we just have to reach out and take it.

I grunt as I open the door and get out, walking into the store. If one of us doesn't start, then the other won't follow. If I have to make the first move, then so be it. I go over and grab my energy drink for the morning and then slap it on the counter, startling her.

"Are you okay?" She quirks a brow, true concern etched on her face.

"I'm fine, just wondering when we're gonna give up this pretense of not caring about each other."

"What?" She laughs. "Are you talking about?"

This annoys me. She has to know what I'm talking about. I can't stop thinking about her, and how much Fee loves her. "I want another chance on the couch with you. Only this time Felicity won't wake up from a nightmare."

"Ford ..." She tilts her head to the side, her eyes full of understanding and concern. "That's not her fault. She's obviously dealing with a lot."

"She is," I agree. "No matter what I've pushed for with therapy, sleep aids, or whatever, she never does as well as she does at home. I should've known that and not let her fall asleep at your place. Especially because I knew I wanted to spend time with you. I wanted to get lost in something that wasn't my sorry excuse for a life." I push the energy drink toward her.

"Your life isn't sorry, Ford. Your daughter loves you and there are a ton of people who respect you. I respect you, and I appreciate what you've done for me," she says softly.