Page 47 of Take My Kiss
Since I didn’t know how many tea bags she packed and we don’t know how long she’ll be here, I also ordered a large variety pack so she has options. I’ve never been a tea drinker, but some of the flavors are intriguing enough that I might try it.
The spare room door is still open, so I head to mine to grab some sleep clothes and brush my teeth. For the past couple nights, I get ready for bed while she tucks the kids in and reads them stories. That way, I’m done by the time she’s finished.
I have a ton of laundry to do this weekend, so my options are limited. Grabbing the last pair of gray sweats I own, I slip them on and then remove my T-shirt.
“Oh shit.”
I spin to see Amelia exiting the bathroom, clutching her chest. “You scared me.”
“Fuck, I’m sorry.” I cautiously step toward her. “I didn’t know you were in here.”
“You must’ve tired out the kids pretty good ’cause they fell asleep after one story,” she explains, her eyes lowering down my bare chest and landing on my piercings. “Um…”
“Amelia?”
She blinks as if just realizing she was staring. “Yeah?”
It’s impossible to hold back my amusement, and my lips curve into a crooked grin. “Are you done in the bathroom? I’ll only be a minute.”
“What? Oh, right. Yes. Go ahead,” she stammers through her words, a pink hue covering her neck and face. When she steps aside, I walk past her, give her a quick knowing look, then close the door behind me.
chapter nine
Amelia
When the door shuts,I finally exhale, but then I get a whiff of his cologne when I take in a deep breath. God, why does he have to lookandsmell so good? It’s bad enough I sleep in his sheets surrounded by his scent, but now it’s been infused into my nostrils.
Pretending nothing happened between us is getting harder each day I spend with him.
Once I came out of my sick coma and could actually stay awake, it was impossible not to notice all the things he does for my kids and me throughout the day. Not only does he cook and engage with them at dinner, but he also plays whatever they want for hours and never complains about their toys being all over the floor.
It’s no wonder Lily’s confused about who he is to her.
She starts and ends her day with him—getting his attention, spending time together, and he makes sure she’s happy and has everything she needs. When she was sick, he tended to her every need while keeping up with his job and taking care of Sam and me.
He’s literally perfect, but he’d be more perfect for someone else.
Instead of waiting for him to come out of the bathroom, I go to the kitchen to make my nightly tea and stop in my tracks when I find an electric kettle already boiling with water. Next to it is a variety pack of an unwind-and-relax tea sampler.
I stare at it, wondering when he did this and why. Considering I don’t even use a kettle in my own house, this feels too fancy.
After I add honey and pick out a tea bag, I pour the water into a mug, then add a splash of milk. I inhale the lavender scent and smile at how good it smells.
“Oh good, you found it.”
His voice causes me to jump out of my skin, and a little of the water spills over the edge.
“Fuck, sorry. I need a bell ’round my neck so you hear me comin’. Like a cat.”
I snort at the visual and his attempt to lighten the mood. I’ve lived alone with the kids for so long that having another adult here takes getting used to.
As soon as I face him, I regret it. Still no shirt. All bare-chested skin with a sleeve of tattoos on one arm and a very dangerous happy trail down his abdomen that goes beneath his sweats, leading to what I know is a generous and thick cock.
“You keep starin’ at me like that, I’m gonna start thinkin’ you like what you see.”
Taking a sip of my tea, I swallow hard and curse when the hot liquid burns my tongue. “I dunno what you’re talkin’ ’bout.”
“No?” He comes closer and tilts his head. “Then why’re your nipples hard?”
