Mistakes

Chapter 18

Mike had outdone himself, redecorating the rooms and making sure they were just perfect. Maddie had to admit she was impressed but she hoped it wasn't a thing to get her back into Mike's bed. That was going to be the hard part. She had drawn her line, but now she had to stay behind it.

Hannah loved having them there and was particularly happy to help with Molly. She had even taught her how to giggle and it was the funniest sound. But, even better than Molly laughing was Hannah laughing. It made Mike smile.

As the week went by; Maddie was able to work more and was beginning to study to get her insurance license. Mike needed the time with his youngest daughter and she didn't have to feeling badly about her mom watching Molly too much. It was a win, win. And it also kept her away from Mike's charms. And, he was being particularly charming.

She was struggling with another man's charms at the same time. One of her coworkers flirted with her unmercifully. Josh was Mike's polar opposite. Kind, compassionate, handsome, a smooth-talker and a good listener. Mike could be kind and compassionate but had a very brisk personality. On Friday, just as Maddie was getting ready to go home, Josh approached her.

"Would you like to go for drinks? Dinner, maybe?" Josh asked.

"Ah, I'd better get home. My mom texted and said my daughter is teething and is fussy. Thanks, though." Maddie said.

"Next week?" Josh suggested.

"Maybe." Maddie told him. She gave him a smile and headed out of her office building. About halfway to her car; she thought someone was following her but didn't give it anymore thought. She got in and began the drive home; glad it was Friday. As soon as she walked in; she was met by Molly's angry cries. Mike was sitting in his recliner with her in his arms and was rocking back and forth.

"Molly is clearly not a fan of teeth." Mike said as she knelt down next to them.

"That came on fast. I didn't notice anything this morning." Maddie remarked. She tickled Molly's belly and smiled at her.

"Yeah, just all of a sudden; she started fussing. We might be in for a long night with her." Mike warned.

"She really is not a fussy baby, I suppose. I don't have any other baby to compare her to." Maddie said.

"Katie was super fussy. Hannah was easy. Lucas was the middle of the line. Molly fits somewhere between Hannah and Lucas." Mike said. He handed Molly over to Maddie and stood up so Maddie could sit in the recliner. Molly only calmed down slightly.

"Where is Mom and Hannah?" Maddie asked.

"In your mom's studio working on something or other. Your mom convinced her to go for a walk around the block today." Mike said.

"Good. Do I need to start supper?" Maddie asked.

"I actually am going to order in Chinese. It was your mom and Hannah's vote. Did you want something different?" Mike asked.

"That sounds good. If you'll hand me my purse, I'll give you some money." Maddie requested.

"Nah. You just relax. Maybe you can make Molly happy." Mike said before walking into the kitchen. Maddie watched him for a moment but still found herself comparing him to Josh. Would going out for dinner with Josh really hurt anything? It wasn't like she was committed to Mike. He was free to date if he wanted.