Page 17 of Unexpected Adventures

“If anyone can make you feel safe under a chute, it’s Shaun,” Sherri adds. “I love paragliding. I have yet to try skydiving. I’d rather be in the plane with my hubby.”

Jeff chuckles. “Heaven forbid she should ever need to bail on me.”

“Speaking of bailing,” Sherri says. “We should probably get some sleep. We’ve got an early start in the morning.” She begins to rise, putting the twins down on the floor. “Abby, I’m sorry our evening together was cut short, but I look forward to another visit with you.”

“Thank you so much. It’s been great meeting you. And thank you for having me.”

“You’re most welcome. I know it’s late, so if you and Denise want to spend the night, I can get you set up in a guest room.”

I look to my sister for an answer. And I think I have it when she tries stifling a yawn.“Oh, sorry,” she sighs. “If you’re okay with that, Abbs, let’s just make it easy on ourselves and stay the night. We’ll get a start on our time together tomorrow.”

“Sounds just fine.”

“Good,” Sherri says. “Denise, I’ll put some things in the silver room, which I know you’re familiar with. Make yourselves at home.”

“Thank you, Sherri,” Denise answers. “And if I’m not up in the morning to say farewell, which I know I won’t be, you and Jeff have a safe trip.”

“We will. And I’ll have her back in no time,” Jeff says. As the couple say their good nights and exit the room, five little fur balls wiggle and waddle after them.

Jim takes the opportunity to stand, offering his hand to my sis. “Why don’t I say good night as well. Walk with me?”

“I’d love to. Abby, be back in a bit.”

I watch Denise as she puts her hand in Jim’s, and I continue to follow their movement as they also exit the room, leaving me and Shaun alone.

Shaun’s voice startles me. “Those two seem close. Are they in a relationship?”

“Exactly what I’d like to know. It would appear so, huh?”

“Ah, so big sis doesn’t have the details?”

I look at him, trying not to scowl. Not that I’m mad at him for his remark, but thinking his statement is true. And that stings a little. Denise and I have always confided in one another about our lives.

Well, mostly…

“I’m sorry. That sounded juvenile. I’m…”

“No, it’s okay.” My voice sounds faint as I try to keep the hurt out of it.

Shaun comes to sit by my side on the window bench. “Hey, I’m sure she knows what she’s doing. Jim is a good guy.”

“He’d better be, if he’s going to hook up with my baby sister.”

Shaun laughs. He reaches out, trailing his finger along my jaw. His touch is like a feather’s caress, light and delicate. It tickles as much as it entices. I can’t help but lean into his hand, seeking more of him. He reaches my chin, tipping it up so that our lips are only a whisper away from one another. “Protective big sister,” he says before his lips meet mine.

Mmm... What were we talking about?

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