Page 35 of Take My Kiss
He flicks off the lamp on the nightstand, and my eyes are already too heavy to keep them open.
“Of course.” His knuckle brushes over my cheek, sending warmth and comfort through my blood.
“Thank you,” I murmur, sinking deeper into the mattress.
“I’ll be back with a bucket, just in case, and some fresh water.”
“Okay, but no fish, please.”
He chuckles, pressing his lips to my forehead. “No fish.”
chapter six
Colton
Once I’ve finished cookingthe bass and the kids are up from their naps, we sit at the table. Sam tells Lily all about his fishing adventures and how he caught so many—although she’s more interested in her dolls—she listens while she eats.
Bodie stays to help keep an eye on them, and after we finish dinner, Mom and Bellamy arrive with chicken noodle soup for Amelia.
“How’s she doin’?” Mom asks once she’s done rearranging my fridge.
I texted earlier, warning them not to come by if they wanted to avoid catching whatever she has, but they took that as an invitation to help instead.
“Gonna check on her now,” I reply, washing and drying my hands.
“No wonder she puked her brains out when it smells like ass in here.” Bellamy wrinkles her nose. “I’m gonna lose my stomach next.”
I showered in the guest bathroom before we ate, so it’s not me. Probably Bodie.
“Bad word,” Sam blurts, holding out his palm. “You owe me five dollars.”
“’Cuse me?” Bellamy narrows her eyes. “That ain’t a bad word.”
Sam’s brows raise, then he glances at me. “So I can sayass?”
“No,” I say at the same time Bellamy says, “Yep.”
“Must you be a menace?” I glare at my sister. “Stop tellin’ other people’s kids they can swear.”
She rolls her eyes at me before smiling sweetly at Sam. “That’s an adult word, so once you’re bigger, you can use it. Deal?”
“That’s not fair.” He crosses his arms, pouting. “I’m gonna be small forever.”
“Nah, you keep eatin’ protein and healthy food, you’re gonna get big and strong like us,” Bodie tells him.
“Me too!” Lily squeals, coloring at the table with her brother.
“You bet.” I wink.
She ate more fish than Sam did.
“Think you can keep from swearin’ while I bring Amelia her soup?” I ask Bellamy, grabbing the bowl and bottle of meds.
“No promises,” she deadpans.
“I’ll watch her,” Bodie taunts.
“Dude, we’re the same age.” Bellamy kicks him under the table.
