Page 24 of Loving Her
Tinny looks up at me and then back at her mom. I already know what’s coming, so when she tries to jump into her mother’s arms, I steady her lower body until Indy has a firm hold on her. “Don’t worry, Mommy! I’ll protect you. Bwaker loves me. He won’t hurt you if I tell him not to.”
I watch the two of them closely, surprised, but happy. I can see the surprise on Indy’s face. It’s as if she’s afraid to move. “I do love you, Tinny,” I say before Indy can say something that might make her daughter doubt me.
“I know that Bwaker. You always play with me and hug me.”
“He does?” Indy asks, and I rub the side of my face, scratching my beard in thought because I’m unsure of how Indy will react to the knowledge that I’ve been spending a lot of time with her daughter. It’s not that I’ve tried to keep it a secret—I haven’t.I just have been so busy fighting down my need for Indy that I always left before Indy got off work. I’m actually a little surprised Iva or Tinny herself haven’t mentioned our time together to her.
“Sure, Mommy. We play puzzles and color while Aunt Iva catches up on work in your office. We have fun.”
“I bet you do,” she says, and slowly her smile completely returns. “What are you guys doing this morning?” She asks her daughter the question, but she looks over her daughter’s head to smile at me, her eyes twinkling. It could be wishful thinking, but I can almost see happiness in her eyes—or maybe something deeper.
“Bwaker is making us food! I’m going to help! I get to do the eggs. I told him about the eggshells, but he’s going to use his magic spoon to get rid of them!”
“Now this, I have to see,” Indy laughs. She looks over at me and I smile at her as I take an egg out for Tinny. It’s probably not the right time to tell her, but I know in my heart that I’ll neverwant more than what I have right here in this room. I’m claiming both of these women as mine.
Now, I just have to convince Indy.
Chapter 14
Indy
“Night, Bwaker,” Tinny says, as he lays her down on her bed. I help as she pulls the cover around her. His fingers run along the side of her face so gently, it doesn’t seem possible.
“Night, Kiddo. I’ll see you tomorrow, okay?”
“Okay,” she says with a big yawn. He then leans down and kisses her forehead before straightening and looking back at me. He smiles, then heads out.
“You need anything, baby?” I ask, while I turn on her nightlight.
“Love you, Mommy,” she mumbles, her eyes already closing. I’m not sure she even heard my question.
“Goodnight, my sweet baby,” I whisper, kissing her forehead while letting my fingers sift through her hair. I straighten back up and notice that Breaker is still standing at the door, staring at me.
I walk toward him and as I get to the door he puts his hand on the small of my back and lets me walk in front of him. Once he pulls Tinny’s door closed, my heart picks up speed as he leans down to whisper into my ear. “Tell me you want me in your bed tonight, Doc.”
“Breaker,” I breathe, unable to say another word.
“Nothing happens you aren’t ready for, honey. You’re in charge here. I’ll be happy holding you like last night. I just don’t want to leave you.”
“I don’t want you to go anywhere either, Breaker. I’m just …”
“Just what, Doc?”
“It’s just so fast. I’m scared. I don’t think I’d survive another mistake.”
He turns me around gently so that I’m facing him. I feel like I can’t catch my breath. I know there are probably unshed tears shining in my eyes. I’m terrified of making the wrong decision. My daughter is getting attached to Breaker. What if keeping him around opens her up to pain? Considering the man that I picked to be her father broke her heart and mine, I can’t afford to make another mistake.
“Doc, I know there’s a lot unknown about me, and I may not remember my past, but I know from the top of my head to the soles of my feet that whatever happens between the two of us, it will never be a mistake.”
“I can’t dry my daughter’s tears because another man hurt her heart, Breaker. I just can’t do it, especially when I’m so attached to that man that I can’t think of anything but him most days.”
“Fuck, Indy,” he groans, sliding his hand against the side of my neck. His fingers curl around, making his hold even firmer, refusing to let me go. “Woman, trust me, whatever you’re feeling, I’m right there with you. You may not trust that but give me a chance and I’ll prove it.”
“Let’s go to bed.”
“Doc—”
“To sleep,” I warn him. I’m just not ready to take it farther.