Page 34 of Take My Kiss
But he doesn’t need to know all that.
Hardly breathing, I give in and let him control my movements until we’ve scaled five. Each one gets easier since I’m barely doing any of the work, but it’s impossible to focus with him so close. And although he smells like dirty lake water, there’s a hint of his musky shampoo that hits my senses and puts me in a trance.
“How’s it goin’?” Bodie reappears, as if reminding us he’s here. Either he took his sweet time in the bathroom or he purposely gave us alone time.
“These’re done. Can we cook ’em now?” I ask, finally exhaling when Colton steps back.
“Not quite…we gotta rip out the guts first.”
“Oh my God…” I cover my mouth and rush out of the kitchen.
“Fuck,” Colton mutters, footsteps echoing behind me as I rush to the toilet.
As soon as I lift the seat, my own guts come pouring out.
“Shit, I’m sorry for sayin’ that.” He holds back my hair as I humiliate myself until there’s nothing left in my stomach.
“I’m done,” I murmur, sitting back on my heels as the queasiness settles. “Don’t think that was from the fish.”
“Whaddya mean?” He turns on the faucet, then returns with a cup and wet cloth. He brings the water to my lips, and I swish it around before spitting it out.
“I think I’m sick. Must’ve caught somethin’ back home and now it’s hittin’ me.”
He rubs the washcloth over my forehead, and I hum at how good it feels against my skin.
“Let’s get you to bed, then. If you are sick, you need rest. I’ll?—”
“No, Lily’s nap is almost over, and then Sam will wake up soon. I-I’ll be fine. As long as I stay away from the kitchen.”
“Amelia, you might have the flu, and if that’s the case, sleep is the best thing for you.”
“You can’t watch both kids at the same time. They can be a lot. Especially at night.”
“Don’t worry ’bout us. I’ll figure it out.”
Before I can argue again, he wraps his arms around my body and lifts me off the floor. I hang onto him as he walks us out the door.
“Colton, what’re?—”
“Puttin’ your stubborn ass to bed. You can either go willingly or I’ll handcuff you to the headboard. Either way, you’re stayin’ in there.”
“You seriously have handcuffs?” I ask, intrigued at the thought.
Chuckling, his mouth stretches with amusement. Then he plants me on my feet and pulls back the covers. “If you’re a good girl and listen to me, maybe someday I’ll show you ’em.”
“You can’t bribe me like I’m a child.” I pout, secretly wishing he would.
“No?”
I scowl, having no energy to defend myself.
“What ’bout your job? Don’t you work tomorrow?” I ask when he motions for me to climb under the comforter. With today being Sunday, I assume he does.
He pulls the covers over my body, gently tucking me in.
“I work mostly from home, remember? Plus, I have employees, so I can delegate some tasks.”
“You’ll come get me if the kids need me?”
