Page 72 of Thinking It Over

Warm eyes peered back at me, and the sound of him unclipping his own belt reached my ears. “I wouldn’t want you anywhere else. I’ve been dreaming about being back in bed with you.” His voice was low, his breath sweeping across my lips as he angled closer.

“I’ve pretty much taken over your house,” I admittedwith a smile. “If you’d kicked me out, I would have dragged my feet packing up, so it’s a good thing.”

A quiet chuckle escaped his lips that were now almost touching mine.

“Best if all your stuff stays put then.”

He didn’t give me the chance to respond. With his lips capturing mine, his words melted away. Too consumed by the touch of his tongue, the heat of his mouth, and the taste of him to do more than give in to the sensation, I matched his ferocity.

Movement behind us had us startling apart, our breaths heavy, his pupils dilated.

“Later,” he promised before looking over at Tyler, who was stirring awake.

“I’ll grab the bags while you prepare Tyler for Penny,” I offered.

“Penny.” The sleepy gasp from Tyler echoed around the car, and I grinned at the boy before exiting and leaving Austin to it.

“Did he finally settle okay?”I asked. Austin had been gone for close to two hours, trying to ease Tyler into his new space. I could only imagine how confused he was, and while he seemed to be handling itall like a champ, it wasn’t realistic for us to think it was the norm.

“Yes, I think so.” Austin sat next to me, an exhausted sigh spilling from him.

“Where’s Penny?”

“Sleeping at the end of Tyler’s bed,” he admitted, sending me a tired smile. “It was the only thing I could do to settle him.”

“I get it. It’s what I did when you were away.”

Austin smiled and snuggled into my side, pressing a kiss to my neck. “She seems just as taken with him, and I suppose he feels safe or something with her there.”

I nodded. It made good sense. “And you took him to our room and to the bathroom, showed him the way?”

When a soft smile fluttered across the lips, I wondered why, but then he said, “Yes. I also put the night lights on in the hallway and bathroom and set up that stool thing. Thanks for those, by the way.”

“All good.” I shrugged. “Honestly, it’s all Davis’s doing. He guided me through the essentials.” When I’d caught up with him and explained the situation, he’d dropped everything to go with me to the store. “We owe him and Scott dinner or something.”

“That,” he said, “we can definitely do.” A yawn followed his words. “Is it bad that it’s only eight and I’m craving bed?”

I shook my head. “Nope. We can totally have an early night. I’ve got a busy day tomorrow.”

He nodded, a sliver of guilt crossing over his face.

“What’s that look for?” I asked.

“I know you said it’s not been a nightmare at work, but I’m sure you’ve been holding back.”

Amusement made me chuckle. “It’s been different without you there, but honestly, even though Donnie the Dick hasn’t messed up too badly, Barb’s been keeping everything running.”

“She’s tenacious, huh?”

“Just a little,” I said with a smile. “But honestly, don’t sweat it. Being off from school when it’s unplanned is never ideal, but it’s just life, right?”

He nodded his agreement. “I’ve been managing to work online and deal with some things remotely, which is something.”

“It is, and nothing you should be worrying about right now. Come on.” I stood and held out my hand for him. “Bed.”

“Shower first?”

“Only if I get to wash you down.” I quirked my brow along with my offer, and it seemed that was all that was needed to renew his energy and have me being dragged upstairs.

---