"...I also met Mrs. Lewis at the hospital."
"Really?"
"Her husband got sick while driving and had an accident."
"Oh no, how is he?"
"Much better. And how was your day?"
"It was boring. The house was clean, and there was no laundry to do, thanks to you. So, I devoted myself to Emily and finding a nanny."
"Did you find one?"
"Yes, but I wanted to talk to you about it before calling her."
"If you want advice, I'd say you have to be yourself, ask her for references, and make sure she's taken a neonatal first aid course."
I look at her, puzzled, "What?"
"You see, babies are very fragile. During sleep, they may regurgitate, obstructing the airways. They can also get sick or have pain or irritation. A little preparation can make a difference."
"I didn't know that," I reply, feeling unfit to be a father. Maddie puts her hand on mine, and my eyes look into hers.
"Don't worry. It's normal not to know everything. Being a parent also means growing up with your children."
I take her hand and stroke it. Her smile makes me melt.
* * *
We finish dinner, and she helps me wash the dishes, though I try to dissuade her.
Emily wakes up, and Maddie goes to get her. I stop to look at them. I’m sure that this is the life I’d like. With her. With my two girls.
When Emily falls asleep, Maddie takes her to my room, then comes down with the baby monitor.
"Would you like some wine?"
"Yes, thank you."
* * *
We sit on the sofa, sipping wine while she tells me about her hobbies. She asks me about mine. No one has ever asked me so many questions or listened with interest to what I had to say. Talking to her is relaxing.
She looks at the clock, then gets up from the sofa. I didn't realize the time has flown by.
"You have to get rest, Jace. I've kept you awake too long. See you in the morning," she says as I approach her. I stroke her face as she bites her lower lip, and I free it.
Our breaths quicken, and I lean my forehead against hers. Our eyes lock. I want to give her time to stop me if she doesn't feel ready.
I touch her lips, and their sweetness drives me crazy. Her lips part, and I deepen the kiss. Her hands caress my arms, then rest on my chest. I have the feeling of catching fire. The blood roars in my ears, and I hold her close to me. When we break the kiss, we’re out of breath. Can a kiss be enough to fall in love?
I get lost in her eyes, and I can see the desire and even fear in them.
"Jace...” she whispers as she slowly pushes me away. "I have ... I have to go home."
"Okay, see you tomorrow morning," I say even though I’d like to ask her to stay.
When she closes the door behind her, I feel lonely and go to Emily.
Chapter 15
Maddison
I close the front door and lean against it. What the hell happened?
Never in my life have I been kissed like this: God, his lips.
I had to run away because otherwise, I would have kissed him again and again.
* * *
My phone buzzes with a message from Jace:
'I want to do it again, and I don't want you to run away next time. I'll be here when you feel ready. Thanks for the best night of my life, Maddie. Have a good night.'
I put the phone to my chest, smiling widely. Maybe I deserve to be happy, too.
Enough to run away like a coward! Lorie’s right. I need to regain control of my life. I open the door and go back to him. I knock slowly, and when he opens the door, wearing only pajama bottoms, my jaw drops. I look up from his chest to his eyes. I approach and kiss him with all of myself. He hugs me, consuming every shred of clarity I have left.
"You're back."
I nod. "Let's say your lips are one of the reasons."
"Only my lips?"
"And the little one, of course."
He laughs, hugging me. "We're in no hurry, Maddie. And then I have Emily, too. Let's say you get two for the price of one."
"You and Emily are the best things that have ever happened to me."
He looks into my eyes. I have the feeling that he's looking into my soul.
"Jace?"
"Yes, baby?"
"Kiss me!"
His smile makes my heart melt, and his lips crash into mine. He takes me in his arms, carries me to the sofa, and sets me down astride him.
Jace’s hands caress my legs, and when they grab my butt, he draws me onto him, making me moan.
After what seems like an eternity, I move away from his lips. We look into each other's eyes, catching our breaths.
"You’re so beautiful, baby."
"And you’re sweet and too dangerous."
"Dangerous?"
I nod. "Yes, I know my heart will betray me by falling for you."
"And would that be so bad?"
"No, but I'm afraid."
"Of what, baby?"
"You might realize that I'm full of flaws, and you'll get tired of me. I don't want to lose you." I look away because I know I'm right.
"Maddie, look at me!" He moves my chin until our eyes lock. "I’ve never experienced with any other woman the emotions I felt with you. You’re not full of flaws. You’re unique! Seeing you with my daughter makes me so happy that I imagine ourselves happy together as a family. This is what I want for us. To keep you safe and love you for the rest of my life. And I know it's crazy, but it's the truth. "
He dries a tear that falls on my cheek, then kisses me.
Emily wakes up, and I go to her with the milk. Jace joins me shortly afterward as I change her. He stops in the doorway and looks at us with his arms crossed. After having rocked her and sung a lullaby, I put her back to sleep in the cot. I walk over to Jace and kiss him. "I'd better go. Otherwise, I won't be able to wake up tomorrow."
"I'd ask you to stay and sleep here, but I know you'd say it's too early."
I nod. "Good night, baby."
"Good night, sexy. Dream of me."
"You can bet your nice ass."
Chapter 16
Jace
I’m elated. I like Maddie. I like her very much. I don't want to be in a hurry. I don't want to ruin everything. I’ll respect her time. It’s worth waiting for her.
I can't help but think about the intensity of our kisses, the desire to feel her skin against mine.
Emily doesn't want to go back to sleep. It's almost seven, so we'll wait for Maddie in the living room.
When she knocks on the door, I have butterflies in my stomach. I go to open the door and find her even more beautiful.
"Good morning, Jace! Hey, princess, did you miss me?"
"We missed you so much," I tell her while she smiles and comes over to kiss me, then steals the baby.
"Did you sleep last night, sweet pie?"
"Yes, she slept blissfully."
She laughs, playing with Emily. "And you? Why didn't you sleep?"
I pour myself some coffee, trying not to look like a teenager having his first crush. My silence catches her attention as I take a sip of coffee. She places the baby in the crib and looks at me.
"I slept, although I would have preferred to have you with me."
"A wall divides us. Soon, we’ll sleep together, I promise you,” she says, coming up and taking the cup from my hands. I love it when she does it.
"There's still some coffee if you want."
"This is better because it tastes like you." I place my hands on her hips and kiss her.
"Thanks for the coffee and the kisses. Unfortunately, I have to go now."
"I know. Have a great day, baby. See you this afternoon." She blows me a kiss and leaves.
Chapter 17
Maddison
For once in my life, I feel happy. On the way to the hospital, I call Lorie, who screams with joy, promising to come and see us.
When I arrive at the hospital, I
see two policemen approaching me. This doesn't bode well.
"Ms. Wyatt, can we talk somewhere?"
"Sure, we can go to my office."
* * *
The two follow me, and I see the nurses staring at us. Once they close the door, one of the officers asks me about yesterday's accident and how it happened. I explain what little I saw. The other agent finally speaks:
"Ms. Wyatt, I'm Special Agent Cage. We've received a report from the Philly PD about your problems with Mr. McConnely. I wanted to warn you that, unfortunately, he escaped during the arrest. Do you know if he moved here?"
"It’s impossible," I whisper, sitting in the chair. "No, only three people know about my move here, and they’re all trusted people."
"We'll keep our eyes peeled. You're safe here."
"Thank you."
They say goodbye and leave. It takes me 10 minutes to calm down and start visiting my little patients.
The day passes slowly. When I leave the hospital, it’s already dark outside.
I stop to shop and get Emily some more autumn and winter onesies. The temperatures have changed, and I don't want her to get sick. I also get a couple of blankets and a baby bouncer.
Entering the driveway, I’m already calmer and can breathe. I'm going to change and shower before I go to Jace's.
Chapter 18
Jace
I open the door before she even knocks.
"Hi, baby. Wait, let me help you."
"Hi, Jace. Thanks, yes, I need a little help. I still have things in the car."
We bring everything indoors while Emily wakes up. I pick up Emily while Maddison unwraps the bouncer and puts it on the kitchen table. She takes a clean sheet and tells me to put the baby in it.
"Do you like it, princess? So you can keep an eye on Dad!"
"Maddie, you shouldn't have!"
"Oh, shut up. Look how cute they are," she says, showing me all the onesies she got Emily. They’re too cute.
"You’re spoiling her too much."
"Oh? What does Dad say? Do you think he's jealous? Yeah, I think so, too."
I burst out laughing as Maddie removes the labels and puts all the baby's things in the wash.
I find the bill and take out my wallet as Maddie goes back into the kitchen.
"Don't you dare!" she scolds me.
"Baby, that's not fair. I don't want to argue, please."
She snorts and gives up, but I know it bothers her. "Good girl. Now, you've also done the shopping, and you didn't have to. I would have done it tomorrow."
"Tomorrow is Sunday. The supermarkets are closed."
"What? I guess I missed some days."
"It's normal. You don't have your routine anymore."
"Right. Do you want to cook together?"
Her eyes light up, and she kisses me. It's all so natural. If it had been Natalie, she’d have said cooking wasn't her cup of tea.
The dinner is delicious. Emily stays up for a while in her new bouncer and then falls asleep again.
* * *
I clean the kitchen while Maddie comes down with the baby monitor.
"What’s worrying you?" I ask her. I've been observing her all evening, and even though she’s trying to hide it, I feel that something is wrong.
"Two officers came to the hospital today and warned me that Mathew escaped during the arrest."
"Mathew, your ex?" I ask her, feeling the anger mount. How the hell did that happen?
"You’re safe here, baby. I promise you," I say, hugging her. "I'll keep you safe."
"Thanks,” she whispers, snuggling into my arms on the sofa.
"Do you want to come to Mass tomorrow with us?"
"I didn't think you were religious."
"Is that a problem for you?"
"No. I don't go to Mass, except for Easter and Christmas, because of my shifts, but I believe in God."
"So, would you come with us tomorrow?"
"Are you sure you want to show up with me? They'll start talking."
"I don't care, and they already are."
"Okay, then."
We spend a couple of hours together, talking and kissing. More kissing than talking, to be fair.
Chapter 19
Maddison
The Mass is beautiful, though I feel eyes on us the whole time.
At the end of the Mass, Mrs. Lewis approaches us, and Mr. Lewis embraces me.
"Jace, Ms. Wyatt, I owe you my life."
"The paramedics saved you. I didn't do anything."
"Nonsense. They told me if it weren't for you, I would have been dead when they arrived."
"I'm pleased to see that you’re getting better, but shouldn’t you still be in the hospital? Why did they release you?"
"They didn't, but he wanted to leave because he hates hospitals."
"Pay attention and take care. If you feel something is wrong, go to the hospital immediately."
"I will. Jace, hold her tight. She's an angel."
"I have to confess, but I already knew it." She winks at him, then smiles at me.
Mr. Lewis leaves, and the pastor comes to meet us.
"Jace, my boy, they told me you became a dad."
"Yes, I want to introduce Emily, my little princess."
"How wonderful! Have you thought about baptism?"
"With all the things that have happened, unfortunately, I haven't thought about it."
"What do you say, to have it in two weeks?"
He looks at me, and I smile at him. It's not up to me.
"What do you say, Maddie?"
"The baby would be small for a dip in holy water."
"Oh, we don't do that anymore. We just wet her head with holy water."
"Then I don't see why you shouldn't do it."
Jace accepts, and the pastor looks happy. He gives us a quick blessing, wishing us much happiness and then leaving to greet others.
I look Jace in the eyes. He draws me to him and kisses me in front of everyone.
Chapter 20
Jace
My vacation week has come to an end. Tomorrow is my last day off, and it just happens to be Maddie's day off too. I text her:
‘We're going out to dinner tonight, just the two of us. I want to take you on a real date.’
'Okay, I'm on my way home.'
* * *
I get ready. When Katie, the babysitter, arrives, I go to Maddie.
Katie was our choice. She has excellent references and is studying to be a nurse. Best of all, Maddie likes her.
I knock on her door. When Maddie opens it, her beauty takes my breath away. She’s wearing a little black dress and stiletto heels, and her hair is down. She's so sexy that I want to take her home and show her how much I love her because I can no longer deny it to myself.
"You look amazing, baby."
"Thanks."
"Come on. This evening is ours."
I take her hand, and we get into the car.
* * *
The restaurant I chose overlooks the bay. It’s one of the most romantic in Nanteville. She’s stunning, and I often feel the customers' eyes on her. Living in a small town means sharing your life with others. I’m more than happy to do so.
After a delicious dinner, we go home. However, rather than enter the driveway of my house, we go to hers.
"Do you want some wine?" she asks as I draw her into my arms and kiss her.
"I take that as a no,” she says, leading me upstairs.
The room is beautiful, and the red sheets whisper many things to me.
I look into her eyes. Despite all the forbidden things I’d like to do to her and with her, I feel petrified.
I stroke her neck and draw her closer to me. "I love you, baby," I whisper as my lips take hold of hers, going down her neck, nibbling her.
"Jace...” she gasps. I know I'm playing with fire, but I want to burn myself. I want to show her all my love.
She undoes my tie and unbuttons my shirt. Every time she touches my ski
n after each button, I feel warmer. I pull down her dress's zipper by moving the shoulder straps. As I do, I kiss her soft and perfumed skin.
When the dress is reduced to a pile of fabric at her feet, leaving her in only a white lace outfit, I feel more and more excited.
She looks at me, trying to read my thoughts. I thank God she can't because they go beyond indecency.
She takes off my shirt and tries to unhook my belt, but I stop her.
"Are you sure you want to continue, baby?"
"Yeah, love. I want to be yours.” She comes over to my neck and kisses me. "I love you too, Jace."
I pick her up as she wraps her legs behind me, looking into my eyes. I want to be sure I haven't imagined it.
"Repeat it."
"What? That I love you?"
I nod, and my heart beats wildly.
Her lips touch mine. "I love you with all my heart, Jace O'Neill."
I kiss her, placing her on the mattress as my mouth savors every inch of her skin.
Chapter 21
Maddison
I love him. I said it. Hiding it would have been difficult. He entered my heart, stealing it. Every kiss makes me shiver. Feeling his breath on my skin makes me ecstatic. Rubbing his erection on my clit makes me even wetter.
I need him. I crave him.
"Please...” escapes my lips as he kisses my belly, and I feel his smile. He kisses my panties, and I wish I had taken them off.
He takes them off as he licks his lips. When his tongue lands on my clitoris, I lose all my self-control. His mouth is fantastic, and when he inserts two fingers into my folds, I sink my head into the mattress, arching my back. "Mmm, love, you’re so sweet...” He increases the speed, eating me, fucking me with his fingers, touching exactly where I want to be touched. I come, squirming as he holds me still.
In a Heartbeat Page 4