Chapter Fifty - Make Every Second Count

***Paxton***

McKenna had fallen asleep on my chest. I smile because it feels right. It is where she belongs with me. I am glad we sorted things out. It doesn’t mean it’s going to be easy. We still have to hide our relationship from Carter and the rest of the world. I would happily let everyone know she is mine if there wasn’t so much risk to go with going public or fallouts. 

Once I return to reality, I am worried we won’t see one another much. She can’t fly out and see me every other weekend, and it would raise too many questions with Carter. My schedule will be crazy when I return to work. 

I reach for my cell. I wanted to text Carter to see if he is coming home. I hope he isn’t because that means I can sleep in with McKenna tonight. 
*Hey, how is your night going? Will you be home?* 

I set it aside. He may not text back straight away. It depends on what he is doing. I glance down at McKenna and stroke her hair. She moans softly and shifts against me but stays asleep. 

My cell beeps, and I quickly reach for it. It is a reply from Carter.

*Great! No, I won’t be home.* 
*Okay, enjoy the rest of your night.* 

I set my cell to vibrate and put it aside. It can stay there until tomorrow. I am happy he is staying out. We don’t need to worry about being caught or having to end up sleeping apart. 

I hate to move her, but I need to lock up for the night. I could leave it until later, but I might forget. I gently remove her from my chest and lie her down on the bed. Thankfully, she doesn’t wake. 

I pull my boxers on and sneak out of the bedroom and downstairs. I make sure everything is switched off and lock up the house. I even put the chain on the front door in case Carter changes his mind and comes home. 

I grab two bottles of water and some snacks before heading back upstairs. It is still relatively early, so McKenna will probably wake up hungry at some point.

When I enter the room, McKenna is awake and pouting. 
“Why are you pouting?” I chuckle. 

She crosses her arms over her chest and huffs, “You moved me. I was comfortable.” 

“Aw, I am sorry, baby girl. I had to lock up. Carter won’t be home tonight.” 

Her pout turns into a smile, “That means you can sleep in my bed tonight.” She beams and claps her hands. 

“You are too cute when you get excited. But, yes, we can sleep together until the morning.” 

“Yay! Can I have your tee, please?” 

I shake my head and smirk, “Nope, you can stay naked.” 

She rolls her eyes and giggles, “Fine, but if I have to stay naked, you need to be naked too. It is only fair.” 

“Yes, ma’am.” 

I set the things in my hand on the bed before I remove my boxers. 

She smirks, “Mmm, much better.” 

I slip back in next to her. She reaches for some of the snacks, tucking into a bag of potato chips. She offers me some. I nod, reaching for a handful, but before I can, my cell vibrates against the bedside table. 

I sigh and reach for it. The name on the screen flashes Amy. I reject the call. 

“Who is Amy?” McKenna asks from next to me through gritted teeth. 

“Someone I used to hook up with,” I answer honestly. 

“Oh.” She whispers. 

“Angel, please, don’t overthink it. I promise it was months ago.” 

I think it is time for a clear out of my contacts. 

“I am trying not to.” She replies. 

“Kenna, I meant everything I said. I only want to be with you. Those other women do not interest me anymore.” 

“Do they know that?” 

I motion her closer to me. She seems confused but scoots over. I wrap my arm around her. 

“Watch,” I say softly, pointing to my screen. 

Her eyes focus on my screen. I go through my contacts, blocking and deleting most of them women in my cell. I only keep the ones who are friends or work with me in some way.

I kiss the top of her head, “All gone.” 

She smiles and kisses my cheek, “Thank you.” 

“No need to thank me. It was the right and respectful thing to do. You shouldn’t have to worry every time my cell rings.”  

“I appreciate it. Please don’t think I am some jealous, needy, pathetic woman for being when you did that.” She says nervously. 

“McKenna, I don’t think that at all. If it were the other way around, I would be the same.” 

Only assholes would have kept all those women’s numbers in their cells. It if were six months ago and another woman, I would probably have been one of those assholes. Not now, though. Not with McKenna. 

“I would do the same for you. Luckily, I am not a hoe.” She teases. 

I chuckle, “I could deny being one, but it would be a lie. I am a one-woman kind of guy now.” 

She prods my side, “You better be.” 

I reach down and kiss her softly, “I promise. I am all for you, dimples.” 

I don’t want or need anyone else. She smiles into my lips. I part from the kiss. She doesn’t agree with my decision. She retakes my lips in her. Who am I to deny her? 

She swiftly climbs into my lap and deepens the kiss between us. I groan and grip her hips. She is ready for another round, and so am I. 

***
One more round turned into three. We were making up for the time we lost. It was incredible, as expected. The sexual chemistry between us is out of this world.

We are now relaxing in a warm bubble bath with a glass of wine. It is perfect. We don’t get much of a chance to do things like this since Carter is usually around.

I kiss over her shoulder, “You don’t know how happy it makes me to be here with you, baby girl.” 

She rests back against me and closes her eyes, “Me too.” She whispers. 

I slip my arm around her stomach and nuzzle my face in her neck, “I am sorry I hurt you, dimples and acted like an asshole.” 

I wouldn’t have blamed her if she had given up on me and on us. 

“Let’s not think or talk about it. It isn’t important, not now.” She says softly. 

“Okay. I promise not to fuck up again.” 

I mean it. I don’t want to fuck this up again. I would never forgive myself or recover if I lost her. It is a thought that is enough to hurt. 

“I know.” She replies. 

I drop the conversation. I don’t want to upset her or say something to make her remember why she shouldn’t be with me. 

“When do you need to return to the city and work?” she asks. 

“In a couple of weeks.” 

I would rather stay here with McKenna and Carter, but it is a possibility. I have to get back to work. 

“We should make the most of it then.” 

I plan on spending every second I can with her. She does have work she will still have to go to, so we won’t have as much time together as we would like. 

“Yes, we will.” I agree. 

I dread that when the time comes, most of our communication will be over the phone. I sometimes wish to disappear from the public eye and be forgotten. It would make life easier.