Page 99 of Shadows of You

I didn’t want to. But fear that I’d screw it up dug in deep. Or worse, worry they’d be taken from me.

My gut twisted in a vicious squeeze. I shoved down the fear and turned back to the house.

As I walked inside, Aspen stilled, mid-pace. “What did he say?”

“He was trying to give me the big-brother staredown, which is hilarious since he’s younger than me.”

Aspen’s brow furrowed. “About Grae?”

I shook my head. “Aboutyou. He was basically asking me my intentions.”

Aspen’s jaw went slack. “What?”

I chuckled. “You’ve got lots of people in your corner, Tender Heart. Just need to take a moment to really see it.”

Her expression went soft, and a hint of humor entered her eyes. “Whatareyour intentions with me?”

I moved in closer, wrapping an arm around her waist and pulling her close. “Lots of this.” My mouth took hers, my tongue stroking deep. I’d just had her, yet that fire lit in my veins. The need for more. For everything.

Aspen broke away, struggling to catch her breath. “You need to be registered as a dangerous weapon.”

My lips twitched.

Aspen’s fingers twisted in my shirt. “I want to take things slow around Cady. I’ve never introduced anyone to her before.”

“I get that. We can go as slow as you need to, as long as you’re not kicking me out.”

Aspen’s gaze shifted to the side.

I pulled her tighter against me. “What?”

She forced her focus back to me. “I like having you here. But sometimes I worry I like it too much.”

Beautiful pain spread through my chest—agony and bliss all wrapped into one. “I’m here for as long as you’ll have me.”

“Mama! Mr. Grizz! Come oooooon!” Cady called.

A smile spread across Aspen’s face, hitting me center mass. “Come on, let’s go get our butts kicked by a six-year-old.”

* * *

“I thinkI had too many meatballs,” Cady mumbled, holding her tiny belly.

Aspen shook her head, but a smile played on her lips. “I warned you five might be too many.”

“But they’re soooooo good.”

I squeezed her shoulder. “I feel your pain. I think I might’ve overdone it, too. We need to walk it off. Maybe do a few laps around the living room.”

Cady slid off her chair and grabbed my hand, tugging me to my feet. “We can march like we’re in the army. Charlie always wants to play soldiers, so I’m good at marching.”

I couldn’t hold in my chuckle as Cady strutted toward the couch, bringing her knees up ridiculously high with each step. Chauncey lumbered to his feet and barked, thinking it was a game. The noise sent the demon cat skittering out of her hidey-hole. She launched herself onto the couch with a loud meow.

A knock sounded on the door, making Chauncey bark louder. It startled the cat, and Pirate flew off the couch toward the nearest person. Me. Her claws dug into my shirt and my damned chest. I cursed. Loudly.

“Ooooooh, Mr. Grizz. That’s a no-no word. You’re gonna have to do an act of kindness to pay that one off,” Cady said, still marching.

I peeled the cat off me, glaring at it as Aspen opened the door. She stepped back, motioning Lawson in. “Welcome to the zoo.”

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