Page 113 of Goaltender Interference

“Oh no.” Connor made a noise of outrage. “Well, I guess we better check to make sure they’re all okay. Wanna help me count them?”

Jesse smiled when Maura hesitantly counted off all ten of them before Connor moved onto her fingers for good measure.

“Everything is right where it should be. No monster chomps in sight.”

Maura managed a little giggle.

“Do you think we should go check your room and make sure it’s all clear?”

“I wanna sleep in here with you.”

Connor let out a soft sigh. “I know you do, sweet pea. But Daddy is exhausted. He’d really like you to be brave and sleep in yourown room tonight. I’ll stay with you until you fall asleep but do you think you can at least try?”

“Yeah. I can try.”

“That’s my big girl. I’m so proud of you. Now, let’s get you tucked back into bed and I’ll come back in here shortly. Bed, don’t go anywhere.”

Jesse stifled a laugh, pretty sure the last part was for him. Connor was creative, he’d give him that.

The quiet sounds of Connor and Maura’s voices faded as they walked out the door, down the hall, and into Maura and Evie’s room. Jesse sprawled on his back and rubbed his still-smarting elbow as he wondered if he should go downstairs to his room.

Somethingweirdwas going on with Connor.

And Jesse was pretty damn sure it had nothing to do with what Nolan had confessed to him earlier. But what the hell could it be?

Jesse was still trying to work through everything when the sound of the door closing filled the air. A moment later, Connor appeared in front of him. He frowned.

“What are you still doing down there?” He held out a hand and Jesse took it, letting him pull him to his feet.

Jesse shrugged. “Wasn’t sure if it was safe to get back in bed. I can totally go downstairs, if you want.”

“Not unless you’re afraid of losing more sleep.”

“It’s fine. I’d rather sleep with you. Just don’t want to cause problems with the kids.”

“You’re good with them,” Connor said, which didn’t really answer anything.

But Jesse crawled into bed again anyway, and Connor turned out the light.

“I’m sorry,” Connor said a while later, when they were both lying there, tired but not quite able to fall asleep after abruptly being startled awake.

“For what?”

“I feel like I’m—like I’m asking you to be someone you’re not.”

“What the hell does that mean?” Jesse asked, totally confused.

“I—lately you’ve kinda been taking on a role you don’t want. The bedtime calls on the road, making suppers for us, making sure Nolan is doing his homework and the girls are entertained … that’s not your job.”

“What if I like it?” Jesse countered. Wasthiswhy Connor had been acting so fucking weird?

“C’mon, you’re a fun, exciting guy. You’re young. You should be out living it up.”

Jesse snorted. “Uhh, pretty sure that’s what got me in trouble in the first place.”

“I know, but?—”

“Connor.” Jesse settled a hand on his chest. “I’m exactly where I want to be right now, okay?”

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