Page 28 of Don't Hurt Us
As soon as Peck drops me off, I hurry back to Sydney’s house.I know I won't be able to stay much later, but I want to spend every second I can with her.
I use Sydney’s key to open the front door and shut it softly behind me.I know she said the kids won't wake up, but I still don’t want to be loud.I'm also not sure if she’s still awake.
Tiptoeing down the hallway, I peek inside Sydney’s room and find her bed empty.She must still be in the bath.I creep closer to the bathroom door, but cover my eyes before I step into view.
“Hey, your car is in the driveway,” I murmur.
“What are you doing?”Sydney giggles and the water splashes.
“I'm trying to respect your privacy?I don’t want to make you uncomfortable.”
“Uncover your eyes, Mav.”
I slowly lower my hand, but keep my eyes shut.She laughs even harder, making me so happy.For so long, I’ve seen Sydney around town and watched her.If I saw her with Rob, she always looked miserable.It’s nice to see her so happy now.
“Are you sure?”
“I'm positive.”
I take a deep breath and open my eyes.Sydney’s still in the tub with bubbles covering the entire surface of the water.Her hair is tied back so it doesn’t get wet and her cheeks are rosy pink, making her look breathtaking.
“Hi,” she whispers with a grin.
“Hey, gorgeous.Are you enjoying yourself?”
“I am.I couldn’t tell you the last time I was able to relax in a bath.”She smiles up at me.
“Well, I’ll get out of your hair and let you relax.I just wanted to make sure you knew where your keys were and that your car is back.I’ll lock the door on my way out.”
“Or…” she trails off, nibbling on her bottom lip.
“Or what?”I arch a brow.
“Or you could stay and talk to me.”
“Can I pop bubbles while we talk?”I grin when her eyes snap up to mine.
“Maverick!”She giggles.
“What?I’ve always loved popping bubbles.”I drop down on my butt and lean my back against the wall.My eyes are locked on the woman who has captured my attention completely.
“I'm sure.”She rolls her eyes.“Are you really able to watch the kids on Monday?I’ve been thinking about it the entire time you were gone.”
“I'm happy to watch them, Syd.I told you that.I want to help however you need me.”
“I know, I'm just not used to this,” she whispers.
“Well, you need to get used to it.”I scoot closer and lean my arm on the side of the tub.I hold out my hand and she happily places her palm in it.“However Peck would help you, you can ask me instead.”
“I think Danny and Bree would rather hang out with you than go to the bakery with me.I’m still not positive I’ll have to work, but I’d rather be prepared to work.”
“I’d love to spend time with them.Do you want me to watch them here or can I take them to my house?”
“Do you really want a couple of kids running around your house making a mess?”She stares at me like I’d be crazy to say yes.
“Syd, I don’t care if they make a mess.Messes can be cleaned up.And if they run around my house, who cares?They’re not going to break anything and even if they do, it’s just things.Things can be replaced.I'm not worried.”
“You’re amazing,” she says softly, shaking her head.“If you want to take them to your house, that’s ok with me.I’ll just have to see if the neighbor is willing to drive them from school to your house.If I have to work, I’ll have to go in before they’re done school.”
