Page 28 of Take My Kiss
Before going to my room, I fill a tumbler with ice water, then knock on the door.
“Amelia?” I call out, opening the door an inch. “Can I come in?”
“In here,” she says from the en suite.
Stepping in, I close the door behind me, then tap my knuckles on the bathroom door. “Gabby said you should drink some water, so I brought you some. I’ll leave it on the?—”
The door whips open, and she greets me in only a robe.
“Hi,” she says faintly, a bright smile spreading across her face.
“Uh, hi.” I blink, forcing my gaze above her neck. “How’d it go?”
“Oh my God.” She shakes her head, chuckling softly. “Probably the best four hours of my entire life. I’ve never experienced anythin’ like that before. Pretty sure my body floated above the clouds for most of it.”
My grin stretches from ear to ear, heart fluttering wildly at how relaxed she is. “Good, you needed it.”
“Thank you for bookin’ all of that for me. I can’t even imagine how much that cost and didn’t deserve it after the way I acted this mornin’, but I appreciate it. And although it’s no excuse, the stress of everythin’ and not sleepin’ well caught up to me, so I apologize for snappin’ at you.”
I lick my lips, holding back the words I’m desperate to say, and tilt her chin so she sees the sincerity in my eyes. “Never apologize for wantin’ to protect your kids, ’cause I get it. Hopefully, I can earn your trust and prove I have no ulterior motive to helpin’ or keepin’ y’all safe.”
Her gaze drops to my mouth. “Colt, I?—”
“Mom!”
Her soft voice gets cut off by Sam’s eager squeal and barrels between us, his little arms wrapping around her.
“Hi, baby. Did you have fun with Colt?”
“Yeah! Grammy Lindsey and Aunt Bellamy, too!”
Amelia looks up at me, her brow etched in curiosity.
I chuckle, shrugging. “I called in some help to keep ’em occupied since I knew you’d be gone longer than an hour.”
“Oh, thank goodness. I was lowkey worried they had somehow tied you to a chair and taken over the house.”
It’s not until she bursts out laughing that I shake my head at her teasing.
“Mom!” Sam giggles, then announces our news, “We’re gonna fish in the canoe tomorrow!”
“Only if your mom’s still okay with it,” I remind him.
“You’re sure it’ll be safe for him?” she asks.
“Absolutely. I won’t take my eyes off him. Brodie’s gonna join us, too.”
“When would y’all gotta leave in the mornin’?”
“Six or so.”
“I guess that means early to bed for you, mister.” She boops Sam’s nose. “And you know the rules ’bout listenin’ and being on your best behavior?”
“Yes, ma’am.” Sam groans, throwing his head back. “I know.”
Amelia grins up at me. “Guess that means Lily and I will be on our own for a bit.”
“I can have Bellamy stop in, if that’d make you more comfortable.”
