“Likewise,” I said. “I’m sorry for your loss, Vanessa.”
“Thank you. Thank God I have these two as little reminders.” She leaned in and kissed their heads. “Give them extra hugs from me later, okay?”
“You bet.”
I stayed in the sitting room for a long time after Vanessa left. I wanted to seek Miller out and tell him what Vanessa said, but I didn’t want to wake up the munchkins to do it. I could tell him later once we got back home. I leaned my head back against the couch to rest my eyes for just a few minutes. The next thing I knew, Miller was waking me with a soft kiss on my forehead. The light in the room had faded, and it was obvious we’d been asleep for quite some time.
“Let’s go home,” Miller said softly.
Miller
Idecided to take a brief leave of absence from the university so I could handle some estate issues and spend as much time with Lucas and Lily as possible. One of the first things I did after the funeral was meet with Dr. Lauren Tannehill, who was one of the child psychologists Jag had recommended. I needed to be certain I was doing the right things for my niece and nephew.
“All kids react differently to grief,” she told me kindly. “Kids are resilient and most cope remarkably well. The most common emotion they feel is fear, but sometimes they show it differently. Some act out, some stop talking or eating as if they’re depressed, and some try to mask what they’re feeling with humor and a smile. The most important thing for them right now, Miller, is a consistent routine they can rely on.”
“That makes a lot of sense,” I replied. “My boyfriend and I worry they’re showing signs of separation anxiety when we leave. They cling to us when we return as if they were afraid we wouldn’t come back. I mean, that’s what happened with their mom and dad, so I think they’re worried the same will happen with us.”
“That is an understandable reaction for children who just lost both parents. The only thing that will assuage their fear is time, patience, and routine.” She leaned forward and offered a warm smile. “No one expects you to quit your job and stay home around the clock. That isn’t reasonable, and it could be unhealthy. In fact, you can’t give in to their fears or enable them to allow their fear to take over.”
“I’ve taken a leave of absence to be with them and make sure they feel settled. I hate to leave them when they get so upset.” Tension and worry were evident in my voice.
“Try this, Miller. Leave the house for short periods of time at first, then gradually prolong your absence. You’ll have to return to work eventually, so it would be better to work them up to a longer absence than to just one day be gone for your entire workday. When you get home, you should comfort them briefly, then ask about their days. Get their minds off your absence and their worry. It’s part of the routine they need to get used to. Did their mom stay home with them?”
“No. They had a nanny who came in each day to look after the kids while they worked. I’ve been lucky enough to retain her services, which I think will be great for the kids. They know Chloe and love her as much as she loves them.”
“That’s great news. She’s someone they’re familiar with, and she’ll bring them comfort as they transition into their new routines.”
It was late afternoon before I left her office, and I was eager to get home. Jag had taken the day off to hang out with the kids so I could meet with the estate lawyer, life insurance agent, and Lauren. It was an emotionally draining day, and I was looking forward to a big hug from my guy. There was a lot I needed from Jag, but I wasn’t sure when we were going to get some alone time so he could give me what I’d been craving from him for days.
Realistically, I knew couples with kids still found time to be intimate, but there’s sex, then there’s good sex. Sure, Jag and I found time to be together once the kids fell asleep, but we were always careful not to wake them. I needed to make noise. I needed to ride his cock until I forgot all the worries that kept building inside me until it felt like my head might explode. My body started to react to the image of riding Jag like a bronco. It was a very uncomfortable ride home, and in fact, the fantasy caused me to sit out in the driveway for a few extra minutes as I willed my dick to settle down.
I found Jag in the kitchen when I walked into the house. I inhaled, smelling zesty beef. “That smells so good,” I said as I wrapped my arms around his waist. “Liam’s lessons are working.”
“It’s just tacos,” Jag replied.
“Where’re the munchkins?” The smell of food was the first thing I noticed, and the second was the silence.
“Your mom and dad picked them up for dinner and a movie,” he said. Just like that, my dick was hard enough to pound nails. We were finally alone and could make as much noise as we wanted. I pushed my erection into his ass. “I see you don’t have a problem with that.”
“Stop cooking and fuck me.” I dropped my hands from around his waist and walked out of the kitchen. A few seconds later, I heard Jag’s footsteps behind me. “Don’t forget to turn off the stove.”
“Fuck.” I laughed as he retreated to the kitchen to prevent a ruined dinner and potential fire. That gave me a tiny bit of extra time, so I dashed up the stairs, ripped my clothes off, and laid myself in the middle of our bed. “Damn, Bones, you’re so sexy. I can’t believe you’re mine,” he said when he came through our bedroom door.
“I’m all yours.” I spread my legs to give Jag incentive as he peeled out of his clothes and climbed onto the bed.
“Roll over so I can give you a massage.” Jag’s dark, velvety voice was a caress against my ear before he nipped my earlobe sharply.
“You don’t have to seduce me, Jag. I’m yours for the taking.” I thrust my hips so my cock rubbed against his to demonstrate how ready I was for him.
“It’s not about seduction tonight, Bones. It’s about demonstrating all the ways I love you, not just lubing you up and plowing into your body. Roll over.” The look in his eyes promised that having his hands on my body would be the hottest foreplay we ever had. I rolled over without another word and was grateful I had when his skilled hands began working the knots out of my neck and shoulders. “I promise you’ll get to do plenty of screaming soon.”
His mouth joined in on the action as he kissed my skin while massaging his way along my spine. My need was so great I couldn’t keep my hips from gyrating against the bed beneath me. The dual sensation of my cock rubbing against the duvet and Jag’s hands and mouth working my flesh had me closer to the edge than I wanted to be.
Jag left the bed briefly to get a condom and lube from the nightstand. I started to roll over, but a firm swat on my ass stopped me. “I wasn’t done massaging you, Bones.”
“I got your bone,” I replied tartly but complied with his request.
“And I’ve got yours too.” Jag slid his erection along the crease of my ass while his hands kneaded my ass cheeks.
