Zoey told him her decision that evening, out in the repair shop. “So you see, Mike, I can’t add more into her life right now.” She’d just finished what felt like a lame explanation, and she couldn’t see his face to see how he was feeling about it. She was wrapped up in his arms in their desktop nest in the shop. Her back to his chest as he leaned on the cushions in the corner. His legs were wrapped up and over hers, entrapping her completely. It was usually her favorite place to be, but this conversation had her on edge.

“I’m not sure what you’re saying, Zoey. Are we...done?”

“No! I don’t want to be done.” Please, no. “Unless you want to be? We just have to keep it quiet awhile longer...maybe a long while. I think we can do that, don’t you?”

“Oh, we definitely can do it.” He kissed her hair. She smiled—he wasn’t angry if he could still crack jokes. “But I gotta be honest, I’m not thrilled about the Hazel situation.”

She stiffened. “This isn’t a Hazel situation, Mike. She’s a thirteen-year-old kid and she hasn’t done anything wrong.”

“I didn’t mean it that way. It’s just...when do you think she might be ready for you to be dating?” He shifted his weight, holding her securely against him. “And how’s she going to feel if she finds out on her own? Or finds out you’ve already been dating for a while without telling her?”

“We’re not dating.” The denial came automatically. Dating was something public and official. They weren’t doing that. But now it was Mike’s body that went very still behind her.

“As much as I love the feel of you naked against me, I want to have you dressed and against me—with me—too. I want to be a part of your whole life, Zoey. And that includes Hazel. You know I think she’s great. And she seems to think I’m a relatively acceptable adult. Can’t we at least try...?”

She didn’t answer right away. She wanted to be with him outside of the bedroom, or this old office, too. But that was what she wanted as a woman. The mom in her made a promise that had to be kept. She turned her head and looked up into Mike’s eyes.

“Look, I don’t know how to do this. She’s already worried she’s becoming less important in her father’s world because of Genna and the baby.”

“I thought she liked Genna?”

She reached up to touch his cheek. “You can like someone and still be afraid they’re taking your place.”

He frowned. “But she won’t think I’m doing that. I’m a guy. I’m...”