Page 35 of The Cold Ride

I started laughing. Then I made the mistake of glancing at James. His chest was shaking with silent laughter.

We both lost it. When Amelia returned to the kitchen, she found her parents laughing like lunatics.

15

The rest of the day passed in a normal fashion. Or as normal as it could get with the fact that I had sex with James—in the middle of the day, no less. And we were almost caught in bed together by our daughter.

Never in a million years would I have thought we’d act like teenagers.

Over dinner that evening, I offered James the spare bedroom in our place. “Are you sure?”

“Yes. With the others gone, it just makes sense. And I don’t have to worry about you over there with all the construction.”

After dinner, James packed his things and moved them into the spare bedroom. It felt right, having him here. And I didn’t mean because of the two of us. It would give him and Amelia even closer bonding time.

Although it was also going to make it harder for me to keep my hands off him. Again.

I allowed Amelia to stay up past her bedtime. She and James were in the living room playing a board game. I didn’t want to spoil their fun since it was a Friday night. Amelia didn’t have school in the morning and could sleep in a little.

Once I had my grocery list written up, including beer and the nuts I’d seen James devouring at every opportunity, I headed in to corral Amelia for bed. They were playingMonopoly.

“Mom, I’m winning.” Amelia grinned from her spot on the floor. James sat on the couch with the coffee table and board game between them.

“That’s great, baby. But you guys are going to need to put the game on pause until tomorrow. Because it’s way past your bedtime.”

“We were talking that if you didn’t have any other plans for us tomorrow, I’d like to take Amelia for her first motorcycle ride. But only if we don’t need to work on the house.” James studied me like he was waiting for me to yank the rug out from under him and his time with Amelia.

“Can I go, Mom, please?” Amelia gave me her puppy dog eyes look.

It did worry me. But I also knew that James would take care of her and ensure she was safe. If there was nothing else, he was the best protection any little girl could ask for in a dad. “As long as your dad is the soul of discretion and makes you wear a helmet, you can go. I’ve got grocery shopping and laundry to do tomorrow anyhow.”

“Only if you’re sure,” James said, his eyes heated, bringing up the memory of this afternoon. And I couldn’t help the blush that crept into my cheeks. It felt like they were blazing with heat.

I dropped his gaze, shifting my focus to our daughter. Because when he looked at me that way, I couldn’t be held accountable for my actions. Not when it made me want to drag him right back into my bedroom and pick up where we left off. “I am. I think that’s a fabulous idea. As long as you're both back for our pizza and movie night.”

“Pizza and movie night?”

“Dad, it’s so much fun. Mom makes the best pizza ever. And then we watch movies and eat popcorn and candy. We do it every Saturday night. It’s our family tradition.”

“Is that a fact?” he asked, his brow arched in surprise. Because it was something he’d told me he and his family back home did. We’d sat under that full moon shooting the shit and talking about our families. And I’d been so jealous of how close he was with his family.

“It is. And since you’re staying, I insist you come. Especially since it’s my night to pick the movie.” I knew he’d ask about it later. But that’s okay. He should know. Maybe it will help me mend that which I broke.

“Should we give Dad a turn picking out the movie?” Amelia asked beside me.

“If he’s still here next Saturday, he can pick. But I’ve had my heart set onThe Sandlotforever.”

“That’s a great movie. If I had a pick, that’s what I would go with,” James agreed with me.

“It’s settled then. Say goodnight to your dad. Then let’s get your teeth brushed and into bed.”

“Could Dad read the chapter tonight?” Amelia asked, her face brimming with hope.

My heart ached at how much she wanted her dad around. It shouldn’t surprise me. But it made me want to hug her close and apologize. “If he’d like to read with you tonight, I don’t see why not. But you need to brush your teeth and get into your pajamas first.”

“Dad, will you?” Amelia asked, her face beamed with such hope.

“Of course I will. But do as your mother asked first, and then come get me when you're ready. And I’ll come read the chapter.”

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