Caro stepped forward. I saw the battle in her eyes. She didn’t like how I’d handled this situation, not asking her first, but she sighed resignedly. I held out my arms for a hug, and she shook her head.

“Thank you, Easton. You’ve been very kind.” Her words were stiff and formal. I fought hard not to laugh. A few hours ago, we’d been on the verge of going at it on her bed while the kids and Junie were one wall away. At least in this condo, there’d be more room, and I knew from experience—thank you, Kaden—the rooms were well soundproofed.

“You’re welcome. It’s my pleasure.”

I met her gaze and held it. Despite all my protests to the contrary, I couldn’t come up with one good reason not to have a sexual relationship with the mother of my children, at least not one I wouldn’t throw out the window given half a chance. We were hot for each other. We weren’t seeing anyone else. There was nothing to stop us. We were both old enough to know the difference between sex and love, even if we hadn’t as teenagers.

If both of us understood the mutual benefits of hooking up without emotional strings, what would be the harm?

Yeah, what would be the harm?

I’d been a kid and thought I’d loved her once. I’d broken into a million pieces when I’d walked away from her, yet I’d done it not just for my career but hers. She’d wanted to go to nursing school. Following a hockey player around from team to team didn’t make such an education feasible.

I’d done the right thing by leaving her. Should I do the right thing by leaving her alone?

Maybe, but I couldn’t.

Ever since she’d come back into my life, that emptiness had faded. I felt purpose, I felt happy, and I felt something I hadn’t felt in years. Yeah, I was a new father, but those kids weren’t the entire reason my life had turned around.

Right now I had everything I’d ever wanted, and I was fucking hanging on to it with all the determination and grit I possessed.

I wasn’t talking about a long-term relationship or even love, just a great sexual relationship without all the emotional encumbrances, drama, and heartache I associated with a full-blown relationship.

A few days ago, I’d sworn to keep my hands off Caro. Today, I was plotting how to get those hands all over her hot little body.

If I didn’t know better, I’d say I was a hot mess like Kaden, but I wasn’t. I was in control, not being controlled by a woman.

Or I was fucking delusional.

Chapter Sixteen

Shameless

~~Caroline~~

I had to admit the truth.

I looked forward living in the spiffy new condo for the next several months. And if I was really honest with myself, being across the hall from Easton wasn’t so bad either—primarily so the kids would have easy access to their father, of course. Nothing to do with me.