Page 45 of Dibs
“Sure.”
We crawled back into bed, and I turned on the television, switching the channel to ESPN.
Rolling my head to the side so I could look at him, I said, “So, about what happened earlier with Miguel—”
“As I said, I’m really sorry for losing my cool.”
I shook my head. “You don’t need to apologize, but I was curious about something.”
Chase’s brow furrowed. “About what?”
“When Miguel asked if we were dating, you said no. Things were heated, and I don’t think that moment was the right time or place to say anything about us, but are we keeping whatever this is”—I gestured between us—“a secret for now?”
He took a deep breath. “Santiago is the last person I want to know any personal details about me, but what are you thinking?”
“I’m not ashamed of us.”
“I’m not either,” he interjected.
That was a relief.
“But …” I ran a hand over my head. “Our boys are best friends. It could affect their relationship if things don’t work out with us. Besides, I’ve had a rule not to introduce my kids to someone I’m dating until I’ve been with them for a few months. Of course, things are different because they already know you, but I still think we should wait a bit.”
He nodded. “I agree. I’m having fun keeping you all to myself for now, and I think we’ll know when we should talk to the kids. I’m sure they’ll have a ton of questions once they find out.”
“Hell, I still have questions.” I chuckled.
“Me too,” he admitted. “Never in a million years did I think the next person I would date would be a guy, but spending time with you and doing what we’ve been doing …”
“It feels right.” We were so in sync that I could finish his sentence.
“Yeah.”
“Since we’re laying our cards out there.” I twisted so my entire body was facing him. “I need you to know this isn’t just a casual thing for me. I want to be with you, and see if a relationship between us can go somewhere.”
“Dating wasn’t really on my radar right now.”
My shoulders slumped and I glanced away. “I get that.”
He placed a hand on my face and turned my head toward him. “You changed that for me. I think there is definitely a connection between us. Something that is deeper than just sex. And I want to see where it goes.”
A grin spread across my face, and I pulled him in for a kiss. “Glad we’re on the same page.”
“But let’s stay in our own little bubble for a little while longer because sneaking into your bedroom makes me rock hard.”
“I’ll agree to that.”
We continued watching television for a bit before we both drifted off.
* * *
My phone ringingwoke me up from the nap I was thoroughly enjoying while tangled up with Chase. I grabbed my cell from the bedside table and saw Tyler’s name on the display.
“Hey, buddy. What’s up?” Chase stirred next to me, so I lowered my voice. “Is everything okay?”
As much as I wanted the boys to have a relationship with their mother, I was always on edge the entire time they were gone. It was why I bought them both cell phones years ago.
“Can you come pick us up?” Tyler asked.
