Page 46 of Wrapped in Winter
“What can I do to help?” I ask, glancing around. I see the table is already set, and there's even a candle in the middle of it.
“Nothing. We’ve got it under control. Sort of. Just have to fry up these last two pieces, and we’ll be all set.” He wipes his hands on the towel, then steadies Lily on the floor. “Run to the bathroom and wash your hands.” When she scurries from the room, he comes close to me. “Thank you for trusting me today with her. I know it was a lot for you to do.”
His words fill my heart. I’m glad he acknowledged it, and it makes me feel less controlling. It also makes me feel it’d be okay to let him help again.
He takes my hand, running his fingers over my wrist. “You know, actually cooking dinner rather than just buying it, is a bigger act. It requires more thanks. So, by my count, you owe me a lot.”
I smirk at his comment and lean in closer, tracing the collar of his shirt. “How many times have you jerked off thinking about me?”
“Countless.” he replies without thinking.
“Then bymycount, it seems you owe me.”
His eyes dilate then wash over me like a touch I can literally feel. He steps back, still holding my hand, and twirls me slowly before pulling me in close to him. He’s done this move before and it makes me feel so powerful. Like, he just has to put me on that pedestal and make sure I know it. “January, I’ll fucking owe you every night for the rest of my life if you’ll let me.”
“Come on, baby girl, climb on in.” Lily snuggles into her bed, and I hand her one of her favorite stuffed animals, a little turtle that Courtney gave her.
“Can Drake put me to bed?”
“Oh, sweetheart. I don’t think so.”
“Please? I just want to say goodnight.”
My heart constricts in my chest because she’s gotten so attached before we’ve even established anything between us. Exactly what I didn’t want to happen is happening, and I can’t stop it because it’s already too late. She watches me with big blue eyes, and I give in.
“Let me go get him.”
When I turn into the hallway from her room, I run right into Drake. “I wasn’t spying, I promise.” He laughs, and I shake my head. “I was coming out of the bathroom and heard her ask for me.”
“And you wanted to see what I would say?” I purse my lips.
“Well, yeah, kind of.” He leans in, kissing me on the forehead. “I’m glad you said yes.” He squeezes my hand and walks into her room. I lean against the door jamb and watch as he sinks to the floor by her bed.
“You need to sleep, Pretty Lily. We had a big day today.”
She nods. “I had lots of fun with you.”
“And I had lots of fun with you.”
“Can we go for cookies again tomorrow?”
He chuckles and glances back at me. “If your mom says it’s okay, sure. But I have to work so it will be later in the day.”
She watches him with a grin on her face before letting out a big yawn. He tucks the blankets in around her and begins to stand.
“Wait!” she says and sits up, throwing her arms around his neck. Tears sting my eyes instantly. “Good night, Drake.”
He wraps his arm around her, hugging her, then hands her the little turtle again as she settles back on her pillow.
“Good night, Pretty Lily.”
He backs from her bed, meeting me in the doorway. We step out together and shut the door. He grabs my hand and we walk to the living room, where he hands me a glass of wine and picks up his own.
He gulps it then looks at me and laughs. “Maybe I should bring you the bottle. Your face is looking like how I’m feeling right now.”
“Shock?”
He laughs nervously. “Just a bit.”