Page 91 of Forever Fickle

“You don’t seem that way.”

“If I had snuck into your room and seen the satin, it would have been tempting enough… but the thought of you in something sweet and innocent, well, that makes me feel extremelynotso sweet and innocent, my love,” he admitted, looking over his shoulder. “Can you wear a robe, too?”

“I brought one.”

“Thank you,” he whispered tightly, nodding.

* * *

An hour later,as the rest of the house was silent, Karen lay there in her room and heard the door open. She was glad they had talked, because the sound of someone entering her room seemed to be so noisy – and she would have screamed bloody murder out of fear.

As it was, she had to cover her mouth to keep from bursting out laughing, seeing Jace. The man had deliberately bought the most un-sexy pajamas known to man!

Back in Texas, when they’d dozed or slept on her couch, he’d worn running shorts and a t-shirt. Everything was innocent and above the board – just two people holding each other for comfort and to be close.

But now?

Jace meant business – and he had bought actual pajamas. They were ‘festive’ to say the least. They were certainly cotton, but they were anything but appealing…

She couldn’t help but laugh, trying desperately to smother it as he closed her door and held up a finger in front of his lips, grinning.

The pajamas were supposed to be that of a gingerbread man.

There were big black buttons on his chest holding the shirt together – and at the wrists of the sleeves and the ankles of the pants? It was screen-printed with white, wavy lines that looked like frosting. The entire get-up was this godawful brown.

While it wasn’t sexy in the slightest… it was adorable in a way she never expected!

She’d worn her flannel pajamas and it was nothing short of ‘sedate’. The pajamas were baby pink, but she had forgotten that they had little white stripes that ran vertical of the material… and that is where the little roses were dotted.

Her robe was blue terry cloth and didn’t match at all, knotted firmly around her waist. With the radiator near the window, it made her room very warm because of the layers of clothing, but she wasn’t passing up a chance to hold Jace… especially when he looked so cute!

Instead, she scooted over and patted the bed next to her, seeing his mischievous grin. He laid down and immediately tucked her against his chest, just like normal. She took a deep breath, smelling his cologne, and sighed happily.

“Gingerbread man… eh?” she chuckled softly against him, wrapping an arm around his chest, hugging him.

“Can’t catch me,” he said playfully, his voice full of mirth, as he held her close. “I love you – and I’m so glad I get to hold you again.”

“Me too,” she nuzzled against his side, sighing happily again. “Should we set an alarm?”

“Already did,” he admitted. “I’ve got to sneak back out of here before anyone spots me. I’m going to get up at six and crawl back into my own bed.”

She nodded, settling in, and closing her eyes in contentment.

“Goodnight, darling,” she breathed.

“Sweet dreams, love.”

CHAPTER25

HOT CAKES

Jace slappedat his watch as it started to buzz the next morning, and heard Karen’s soft protest. He slowly moved his arm out from under her head, trying not to disturb her, as he got up from the bed.

She was temptation itself, lying there.

Those sleepy, mussed curls framing her face, and seeing the smoothness of her skin, combined with the innocent way she was dressed… oh yes, it was doing all sorts of things to his imagination.

Things he wouldn’t act on – not until they were married.

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