Page 93 of Can't Get Over You
Oh, man. She hoped Jude would get to adopt him. A squeeze of doubt pinched the back of her neck. Because she’d been in that courtroom. She’d seen the way Judge Adams had looked at him.
He might’ve granted Jude temporary custody, but would he sign adoption papers? But she couldn’t worry about that now. Not when she had a kitchen full of McKennas and a little boy who’d never been this talkative in his life.
“Us guys are hungry.” Cody gestured to the men crowding her kitchen.
“Well, these cookies take a little bit of time to make because you have to chill the dough, but maybe I could make sandwiches?”
Gunnar pulled two cocoa packets out of the back pocket of his black jeans and set them on the counter. “Know what takes ten minutes to make?”
Cody looked up at him with reverence, waiting for the answer.
“Gingerbread pancakes.” Gunnar gave her a chin nod. “Since you’ve got the ingredients, you mind if I take over your kitchen?”
“Not at all.” In fact, she loved it.
“Pancakes, it is.” Gunnar looked at the kitchen table. “Grab a chair.”
Boone brought one over and lifted Cody onto it. It was interesting to see what roles the men fell into. Jude pulled a griddle from the drawer under the oven and two ceramic stacking bowls from the cabinet. Gunnar cracked eggs and whisked the ingredients, while Wyatt silently measured and neatly set the table with plates, napkins, and drinks.
A natural rhythm created over a lifetime of being a family.
She didn’t have a history like that, and as an outsider, her heart gave a little twist of longing. Because she’d love to slot right in and find her own role with them.
But this is good for Cody, and that’s all that matters.
Working at the kitchen table, she used the same supplies to make a batch of cookie dough. The kitchen was warm from the oven and stove and loud from the conversation and laughter. She smiled at their inside jokes—she was actually coming to understand them—and was happy to see Cody so relaxed. Securing the dough in plastic wrap, she brought it to the refrigerator.
They were all having so much fun, she figured she’d slip away, take a shower, and get ready for the day.
Until muscular arms belted around her waist, and a chin settled on her shoulder. “I missed you.” He smelled of cinnamon and cloves.
She wanted to sink into his embrace. To turn into the shelter of his arms and bask in his strength and affection. But shehesitated because she knew herself. She’d go all in. She’d give him every ounce of herself.
But what if he couldn’t give it back? What if he didn’t have a whole heart since he’d cut off the oxygen to a big chunk of it after his mom’s passing?
Oh, come on. Was there really any decision to make? If she held herself back, she’d guarantee she’d never have a life with him. No, she had no choice. She had to give him everything she had. No hiding. No pretending. And no holding back. She tipped her head back against his shoulder. “I missed you, too, but I want you to bond with him.”
“I get that, but it’ll happen naturally. I want you with me.” His body heated up, his arms tightened, and at the same moment he lowered his lips to press a kiss on her cheek, she turned to tell him she wanted to be with him, too. But when his mouth landed over hers, it shut down all her thoughts.
This man swept her away with his sweet intimacy. His big hand held her jaw, and his tongue slipped inside, tangling with hers. When they were connected like that, all her worries and fears melted into a puddle. No one could predict the future, but she would give everything she had to get the outcome she wanted.
“Mister?” Cody called.
Their mouths jerked apart, but Jude kept his arms around her. “Yeah?”
Cody eyed them curiously. “Did you get hurt, Miss O’Neill? You made a sound like you was hurt.”
“I did, yeah.” She started to pull away, but Jude gripped her. Confused, she looked down to see a bulge in his jeans. Desire rocketed through her. “But Jude’s making it all better.” Oh boy, they were in serious trouble.
“You need a Band-Aid?” Cody asked. “I know where they are.”
“I’m okay, but thank you. I appreciate that very much.”
“You want some cocoa? We don’t got anymore gingerbread, but I can make you a reg’lar one.”
“I’d love a cup of cocoa. Thank you.”
“I’ll get it.” Cody dashed to the stove. “We gotta make Miss O’Neill a hot chocolate. She got hurt, but Mister’s making it all better.”
