Page 68 of Take My Kiss
Amelia snickers, and I wonder if she and Samuel had a similar relationship.
“As a joke, but we both know they’re your favorite set.”
Bodie kicks her under the table. “Maybe worry less ’bout what’s on my bed and more ’bout who you let in yours.”
Amelia’s eyes widen, and I try not to laugh since this is a normal occurrence between them, always bickering like an old married couple.
Bellamy leaves after dessert, then Raven follows Bodie to his place, not too far from mine. He bought some of our parents’ land and built a barndominium on it. It’s quiet and private, like mine, but still close enough to the ranch and our family.
“The kids want you to read them a bedtime story,” Amelia says after they’ve been bathed and tucked in. “At this rate, when we go home, you’re gonna have to video call them each night and have a stock of children’s books so you can still read to ’em.”
“Wouldn’t bother me.” I smile sincerely. “I’ll make sure I don’t make any plans after seven for the next ten years so I never miss a call.”
“Why do I have a feelin’ you’re not jokin’ ’bout that?”
I lean against the doorway of the bedroom, and her gaze lingers down to my piercings. While she was with them, I changed and got ready for bed, so I wasn’t in her way when she needed to come in.
“’Cause I’m not.” I shrug. “You gave me joint custody, remember? Plus, I take my role as fake husband and stepdad very seriously.”
She crosses her arms, looking uneasy. “I haven’t agreed to this fake marriage scam yet. Still not convinced they’ll buy it.”
“Oh, I am.” I hold out my hand and count with my fingers. “I know ’bout your first period, first boyfriend, first husband, first car, first speedin’ ticket—of many, I might add—and the wayyou moan my name when you orgasm. What else are they gonna expect me to know?”
“Jesus, Colt!” She pushes against my bare chest, and I laugh at her attempt to shove me. “They’ll never believe a guy like you settled for me. So you’re gonna have to be more flawed or somethin’.”
“Settled?” I straighten my spine, the amusement in my tone long gone. “You can’t truly think that’d be the case, do you?”
She doesn’t move or speak.
“Amelia,” I say, demanding her attention. “You’re the one out ofmyleague.”
“Not even close, and if you think that’s true, then I found your first flaw.”
“And what’s that?” I challenge, stepping closer.
“Delusional.”
“The only thing I’m delusional ’bout is hopin’ I can move on from you once you’re gone, ’cause in case you haven’t noticed, I’m crazy ’bout you. Have been since the moment we met—thefirsttime.”
We stare into each other’s eyes, and I can see the wheels spinning in her head. She’s either trying to let me down easy or find the courage to admit she feels something too.
Before she can decide, a small voice comes from the hallway, breaking us apart.
“Mommy? Are you comin’ back?”
“Yes, baby. We are right now.” She lifts Lily and walks toward their room.
When she glances at me over her shoulder and tilts her head, I follow.
chapter fifteen
Amelia
Sam talks Coltoninto reading three stories before I intervene and tell him that’s enough. Lily eats up every word, giggling at all the funny voices he uses.
“Mom, what’s an orgasm?” Sam blurts, and I nearly swallow my tongue at the unexpected and untimely question.
“Where did you hear that word?” I demand.
