Stay With Me by Jenny Anastan

Author:Jenny Anastan [Anastan, Jenny]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 1503948749
Amazon: B00X7F2YS6
Publisher: AmazonCrossing
Published: 2015-10-19T23:00:00+00:00

Olivia had fallen asleep on the corner of the couch with a plaid throw on top of her.

She’d passed out immediately, having spent the entire day playing and running. She’d even skipped her afternoon nap.

“Should I put her to bed?” Andrew whispered.

The question warmed my heart. “Yes, thanks.”

I watched his every move, even his breaths, because I was stupid and wanted to hurt myself.

He got up, trying to move as little as possible, and bent over Olly with a strange expression. I wasn’t able to decipher it right away, but then I understood.

His eyebrows were relaxed. There was a hint of a smile in his eyes, and caution in his movements from the time he picked her up until he held her head still against his chest.

He was behaving like a father. He’d learned fast, faster than I would have predicted. He was a father and he’d understood it, felt it. It was the equivalent of the maternal instinct.

I ran my hand on my throat and rubbed my eyes. I suddenly felt like moaning out of pleasure. It was a celestial vision, something I would always think back on.

Perhaps I’d never again have the opportunity to witness a scene as beautiful as that, but I would safeguard it in my heart.

Andrew returned to me in the living room. The time for goodbyes had arrived. I was supposed to escort him to the door, shake his hand, and say goodbye. Maybe even organize another date for him and Olivia.

But instead, no. I remained nailed to my spot, silent. I wanted him to stay a while longer. Just to have a moment that would be only ours. But it was inappropriate, terribly so, and I would appear as a woman who was frustrated and depressed and in need of attention from an ex—an ex who was about to get married, no less.

While I fought my internal war, Andrew sat down on the couch, and I went over to his side. My nervous system was entirely upside down.

“Olivia is adorable,” he whispered proudly. “You did a good job.”

I was ecstatic. It was absolutely the best compliment he could’ve given me. “Thank you.”

“Tell me about her,” he said as he made himself more comfortable.

I got up and went to open the cupboard, taking out a photo album.

“Here.” I handed it to him, taking a seat next to him.

“Are they of her?” he asked as he opened the album.

“Yes, I love photographing her. Here she was just born. I took it the day after we’d been released from the hospital.”

He remained silent while looking at the photos.

“This one I took the first time we went out.” I laughed as I noticed how shy I sounded. “It was the end of October; the wind was frigid.” I turned the page and lit up as I saw the photo of her first Christmas. “God, her first Christmas. Mag had given her a red velvet romper. She was so precious.”

“I see . . .” he said, devouring every image.

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