Limitless Love (Lotus House #4)(26)
I didn’t say any of that. Instead, I fired back the one thing I needed to know more than anything. The question that would tip the scales one way or the other. It was the only way I could risk it all.
“What do you have to gain?” I heard how tired, lost, and everything in between I sounded. My mind was mush, on complete and utter overload.
His next words floored me.
“Can’t you see? I have everything to gain. Lily, and all of this.” He gestured around the general vicinity of my home, the warmth I knew he found there. “Mostly though, it’s…you.”
Chapter Six
The heart chakra and the body need love. The best way to receive love is to give it freely. Kiss and embrace often. A gentle pat to the back, a kind word of affirmation, even a hand to the shoulder provides a peaceful energy exchange. Making another smile will make you smile. Happiness is contagious.
CLAYTON
Monet was warming to me. For the first week of her recovery, I went to the Holland home each night to make the clan dinner. To some it might have sounded like work or a pansy-ass attempt at getting close to the raven-haired, freckle-nosed beauty, but I didn’t care. Monet was getting stronger every day. Arm movement seemed easier. She winced less when handling things or hugging her child. Sure signs she was on the road to recovery.
And as always there was Ms. Lily.
The things that kid said had me laughing up a storm. I couldn’t get enough of the little bugger. Atlas said that proved I was indeed ready to settle down. Of course he’d say that. He had a baby on the way and walked through his days beaming like a spotlight was on him, smiling for the world to see. I was happy for Atlas and Mila. They’d each had rough childhoods, and the beginning of their relationship hadn’t been easy. I didn’t begrudge them their piece of the proverbial American dream. Selfishly, I also wanted a piece for myself.
Monet could very well be that crucial fit I’d been looking for. My attraction to her was off the charts. Even wounded, makeup-free, and dressed in house clothes, the woman was still the most splendid thing I’d ever seen. From the tip of her dainty feet to the top of her head of silky black hair, she was perfection. I didn’t care about the scar that ran up her back, but I knew she did. It would take a while for her to come to terms with that change to her appearance. Even more so would be the impact the experience had on her life. I imagined that as a therapist, she knew what was coming. So far she hadn’t made any mention of therapy for herself. Just spoke often about when she planned on going back to work.
What was that saying again? Doctors made the worst patients? I had a strong feeling Monet was going to crumble at some point if she didn’t talk about what had happened. Mila and Atlas were content to let her push it aside and pretend it didn’t happen. I, on the other hand, knew from experience—hiding from this would not be possible. The vulgarity and viciousness of what Kyle did would creep up to the surface in one way or another. I just hoped I’d be there to help her through. If she’d let me.
In just over a week, I’d wheedled my way into a groove with this family. It had been so seamless too. I hadn’t been kidding when I told Monet I wanted to let the spark between us play out. And over the past week it had…in spades. Even while healing, the woman was strong and determined to be a good mother and provide a solid, healthy home for her daughter. I’d caught her trying to pick up toys off the floor, lift a laundry basket, and more. Several times, Mila, Atlas, and even I scolded her. None of us wanted the healing process impeded because of her endless drive and determination. The woman was a machine. She’d taken on healing and taking care of others like it was her job. And I guess in a way, it was.
Things had changed between us too. I went out of my way to touch her, hold her hand, kiss her cheek, and I was getting to know Lily better. Monet was responsive if not a bit skittish, but my goal was set. Win her over with kindness and stability. Show her I could be the type of man she could count on for the long term.
I pulled up to the Holland home, bags of food at the ready. Tonight, I’d planned on pleasing the queen with homemade pizzas and salad. Instead of grabbing the bags, I jumped out of my car and used the key Mila had given me to open the door first. No sense in waking Monet by knocking or ringing the bell if she was taking one of her naps before dinner.
Atlas strolled past as I opened it.
“Hey, man, what’s on for tonight?” he asked, following me out to my car.
“Homemade pizzas and salad.” I walked to the back of my SUV, lifted the hatch, and the two of us organized the bags.
“Dude, this is more than the fixings for tonight.”
I shrugged. “Got enough for a couple days and some breakfast items and lunch. Wanted to make sure you were all set for a while.”
Atlas frowned. “Because you’re not coming back?” His voice was lower than normal and carried a slight strain I hadn’t heard before.
“No!” I shook my head. “I wanted to make sure Monet and Lily have everything they need for every meal. That’s all.”
His frown turned upside down quicker than a snap. He slapped my back with a harsh man-pat. “Atta boy. Making sure your girls are set. I get you.”
“How’s about you help me get these bags in? Unless you’d rather make your own dinners again?” I stated sarcastically.