“For tonight, you’re right.”
He got up and turned a light on, opened a drawer and pulled out a spray bottle.
“What’s that?”
“Lavender oil that is diluted. I spritz it around the room and on the comforter so if I pull it up close I can smell it. Not so much on my pillow.”
“Go on, give me a lavender rain dance.”
He laughed. “You’re ridiculous.”
“You like me that way.”
He walked around the room spraying the scent. She had to admit it was soothing to her senses. He didn’t overdo it on the sheets, but it was a pleasant smell.
Once he was done, he climbed back into bed. “Not too much?”
“Nope,” she said. “They have bubble bath for kids with this scent. I should have gotten it. I didn’t want to overdo anything not knowing what he might tolerate.”
“We can try it another time.” He pulled her closer to him so she was under his arm. “Jocelyn?”
“Yes.”
“I’m really messed up in the head right now. You should know that.”
It took a lot for him to admit that. “Aren’t we all?”
“I know you’re trying to make me feel better. I don’t know if anything can. But I don’t want to hurt you just because my life is out of control.”
“Maybe I don’t want to hurt you either.”
“I’ve got more to think about than just myself. More on the line.”
“And it’s sexy,” she said.
He laughed. “Really?”
“Guys with kids and dogs. Total turn on. Don’t you know that?”
“I didn’t. Not that it would have made me go out and get either of those things.”
“You’ve got one now,” she said.
“Just wish I knew two years ago,” he mumbled.
“Don’t harp on the past, Chance. The man I know now doesn’t. You’re only going to let it take you down if you do.”
He pulled her on top of him.
“You’re right. I’m feeling sorry for myself when I should focus on my son.”
She smiled in the dark. He couldn’t see her. “That’s right. Focus on your son. He needs you.”
Just like I do, but I’d never put that on your shoulders.
33
FINALLY SLOW DOWN
