Birthday Girl

JORDAN He took me in when I had nowhere else to go. He doesn't use me, hurt me, or forget about me. He doesnt treat me like Im nothing, take me for granted, or make me feel unsafe. He remembers me, laughs with me, and looks at me. He listens to me, protects me, and sees me. I can feel his eyes on me over the breakfast table, and my heart pumps so hard when I hear him pull in the driveway after work. I have to stop this. It cant happen. My sister once told me there are no good men, and if you find one, hes probably unavailable. Only Pike Lawson isnt the unavailable one. I am. PIKE I took her in, because I thought I was helping. Shed cook a few meals and clean up a little. It was an easy arrangement. As the days go by, though, its becoming anything but easy. I have to stop my mind from drifting to her and stop holding my breath every time I bump into her in the house. I cant touch her, and I shouldnt want to. The more I find my path crossing hers, though, the more shes becoming a part of [...]me. But were not free to give into this. Shes nineteen, and Im thirty-eight. And her boyfriends father. Unfortunately, they both just moved into my house.