Page 54 of What it Takes
“I wasn’t either, to be honest.”
“And now it’s awkward, which is the last thing I wanted. And I’m not really sure how to fix it.”
It wasn’t helped by the fact he could see she was keeping them within view of the lodge’s guests, which automatically kept some distance between them. “I don’t think anything needs fixing, Laney. Neither of us really knows where we stand because we haven’t talked about it, and I’m really tired right now, but I don’t think everything has to change.”
She stopped walking and turned to face him, though she remained just out of arm’s reach. “You said you’d give me only what I want.”
“And I meant it.”
She nodded, her eyes sad. “I just... I don’tknowwhat I want right now. I did in that moment. And I know I don’t want to not see you again. But other than that, I’m just not sure.”
“I’m not going anywhere, Laney. I know you’re trying to figure things out in your life, and I’m not trying to put any pressure on you. We’ll just hang out and take it day by day.”
“I feel like that’s not fair to you.”
He shrugged, trying for a nonchalance he didn’t feel. “I’m not going to run out and find a wife who’ll put up with me thinking about you twenty-four seven, so for right now, I guess I don’t know exactly what I want, either.”
“So we’re okay, even if I hit the brakes a little?”
“We’re okay.” As long as he knew where he stood, he could manage his expectations. He just needed to be careful not to let his heart get involved.
Then his phone vibrated and he dropped his chin to his chest for a second before pulling it out and reading the screen.
“Oh, no.” Laney did step closer, then, and put her hand on his forearm. “You can’t go back out. You’re exhausted. Let somebody else go.”
“It’s bad. I have to go. And I probably won’t be back tonight, but I’ll call you tomorrow, okay?”
She nodded, and he gave her a quick smile before heading for his ATV. Then he put her out of his mind because the text was from Matt, who’d come upon an accident on his way back, and it didn’t look good.
As soon as he had his helmet on and revved the engine, he felt the adrenaline starting to build. He’d get his second wind and get the job done. Hellish schedules were part of the job sometimes, and he might suck at relationships, but this he knew how to do.
Sean
Sean lifted the blanket and slid back into bed, smiling when Emma groaned and tried to pull the cover up over her head. It was definitely early, but they were also alone for a little while.
Johnny, who seemed to think sunrise was the best part of being on vacation, much to his parents’ dismay, had been looking out the window when he saw Laney coming out of the bathhouse. He’d been excited and, before Sean could pull on a pair of sweats, had opened the door and gone to see her.
He must have looked rough, because Laney took pity on him. She was on her way into the lodge to steal some muffins and have coffee with Rosie, and she offered to take Johnny with her if Sean wanted to go back to bed for a while.
Hell yeah, he wanted to go back to bed.
But now that the door was locked and he was between the sheets with his warm—if slightly grumpy—wife, he wasn’t sure he wanted to go back to sleep. He kissed the spot behind her ear. “We’re alone right now.”
She opened her eyes and sat up. “Where is Johnny?”
“Relax.” He pulled her back down, tucking his arm under her. “He’s with Laney. They’re going to have coffee and muffins with Rosie. Well, Laney is. I’m hoping they don’t give Johnny coffee.”
“It’s too early for that kind of visual. It’s too early for everything.”
“Everything?” He skimmed his hand down her stomach, looking for the hem of her pajama top. “Are you sure about that?”
“I’m sure that no matter how long we’re married, morning breath will not be sexy.”
“Then I won’t kiss you.” He pushed her top up so he could kiss her stomach. “Not your mouth, anyway.”
“We’re in a camper, Sean.”
Maybe the words were meant to put him off, but her fingers skimming up his spine until she buried them in his hair were an invitation. “You’ll have to be quiet.”
