Forever Hers Walters, Ednah (best novels for teenagers .TXT) 📖

the more he wanted. Not just wanting her physically. He wanted to know her likes and dislikes, dreams, goals. She challenged him mentally. He loved the way her mind worked, loved listening to her thoughts on things, events and people.

Everything he’d sworn he’d never attempt no longer mattered. He couldn’t walk away from her. Not now. He had no idea where a relationship with her would lead or even if he was capable of having one, but he was willing to try. A long distance relationship could be tricky, but he was confident they would make it work.

For now, he would start working on Raelynn.

Eddie got up and left his bedroom. In the kitchen, mother and daughter danced while cooking, the aroma of freshly baked pastries in the air. Amy, in her trademark shorts and tank top, was busy placing forks and spoons in a wicket basket she used for utensils and napkins. Raelynn, dressed similarly, stood on a stepping stool with her back to him, so he couldn’t tell what she was doing. They were both singing off-key and shaking their heads, hair flying every which way.

He stopped and grinned. The scene filled him with a warm feeling, like he was privileged to witness their special bonding moment. He was laughing by the time he lowered the volume.

“You’re back,” Amy said, her smile luminous.

“Back?” he asked.

“I checked on you earlier, but the bed was empty. I thought you’d gone jogging.”

Fatigue was supposed to be a libido killer, but it hadn’t work since he arrived at the lake house.

“I don’t need to anymore, I’m getting plenty of exercise these days,” he teased, then dropped a kiss on Raelynn’s forehead. “Morning, Princess.”

“Morning, Uncle Eddie. I’m making fruit salad.” She was plucking grapes from a vine with her tiny, chubby fingers and adding them to a bowl of sliced cantaloupe and melon. “Mommy made frittata.”

“It looks good,” he said as he closed the gap between him and Amy, but something in his eyes must have given his intentions away because she took off, hustling around the counter with the wicker napkin holder.

“That’s enough, sweetie,” she told Raelynn. “Take these to the table.”

“Okay, Mommy.” The little girl stepped down off the stool, took the basket and headed outside, where the table was already set for three.

“Breakfast is ready,” Amy said, glancing at him warily. “I’ll bring out your coffee, so just go ahead.”

“If that’s an attempt to get rid of me, it’s not going to work.” Eddie rounded the counter and moved behind her.

She stiffened. “Raelynn will see us.”

“I know.” He let his hand rest on her hip and found the bare skin where her tank top met her shorts. Slowly, he traced a line along her waist until his left and right hands met then fanned his fingers over the gentle swell of her stomach. Gently, he nudged her until she was flush against him then dropped his head and nuzzled her neck. “I think it’s okay.”

“I don’t think so.” She squirmed and tried to wiggle out of his arms.

“Why?”

She twisted and glanced at him over her shoulder. “Because you are not ready for the responsibility that comes with it.”

“I am,” he murmured in her ear then turned her around and repeated. “I’m more than ready.”

“What are you doing to my Mommy?” Raelynn yelled from behind him.

Amy stiffened and for the third time, she tried to get away from him. Eddie’s arms tightened. He looked down at Raelynn, who was staring at him with her lower lip jutting out.

“I’m giving your mommy a hug.”

Raelynn frowned. “Why?”

“Because she’s cuddly and sweet,” he said.

A confused expression crossed Raelynn’s face. Eddie wanted to let Amy go and pick up her daughter, but that would defeat the purpose of his plan.

“Is it okay to hug Mommy?” Eddie asked.

Raelynn still looked uncertain, but she nodded. “Am I sweet and cuddly too?”

“Oh yeah. Do you want a hug too?”

She raised her arms.

Eddie reached down and scooped her up, cradled her in his left hand and replaced his right arm around Amy, whose body stayed stiff as a board. “Can I get a kiss, short stack?”

Raelynn giggled and kissed his cheek. “Mommy, give him a kiss too.”

That she didn’t want to kiss him in front of Raelynn was apparent in her rigidness. He cocked an eyebrow. Sighing, she reached and planted a kiss on his cheek.

“I want a grown-up kiss,” he added. “Please.”

Raelynn’s eyes widened. Amy’s eyes promised retribution, but she reached up and pressed her lips to his. Before she could retreat, his hand come up and held her head in place. Then he ran his tongue along the soft, plump flesh, begging her to let him in. She did, their tongues caressing gently. Tension left her body and her hand reached up to grasp his shirt. When he eased his lips from hers, she stared at him with glazed eyes.

“Eew,” Raelynn said, covering her mouth. “I don’t like grownup kisses.”

Amy buried her face on Eddie’s shirt. He laughed and planted another kiss on Raelynn’s head. “Your mommy and I like it.”

Raelynn looked at her mother, obviously waiting for her verdict. Amy finally turned and smiled at her daughter, then she lifted her from his arms and sat with her on a stool.

“I’ll finish setting the table,” Eddie said, feeling pretty pleased with himself.

While mother and daughter watched him with the same indulgent expression, he carried the bowl of fruit, the frittata and serving spoons outside. He retrieved a mug from the rack and poured himself some coffee then joined them on the patio.

After breakfast, Raelynn went inside to watch TV and left them lingering at the table. Eddie studied Amy and smiled. He liked the way her turquoise top brought out the blue in her eyes. More of her natural hair had grown, so the strands were two-toned, which suited her.

 “You’re staring,” Amy said.

Eddie grinned. “I know.”

“It’s rude.”

“You’re beautiful.”

Her cheeks warmed. “Thank you.”

“I’m still waiting for the copy of your work.”

She shook her head. “I don’t know