Chapter 16
Callie washed her face and brushed her teeth, reveling in the fact she didn’t need to rush. She’d peeked into Jack’s room a few minutes ago to find him and Jonathan still cuddled up together in the big bed. Their son had been awake but lay quietly next to the sleeping man, watching him closely. Did Jonathan think if he looked away, Jack would disappear? It had happened far too often in his young life.
She swept her wayward curls up into a messy bun then gently opened the door to Jack’s room. This time he was awake and speaking softly to their son.
“Good morning. How are you feeling today?”
“Mama. Daddy here.” The boy beamed with pleasure at the unexpected treat. She’d given in last night when Jonathan had wanted to sleep in Jack’s bed. She’d wanted it herself but had succumbed to her son’s pleading after making sure Jack wouldn’t be uncomfortable with the child near him. Jack had been delighted to have his son nearby even after Callie had warned the child sometimes kicked and squirmed in his sleep.
“I see that, sweetie. Daddy will be here for a while. He needs to get better and we need to help him.”
Glancing over at Jack, she found his eyes devouring her. Why hadn’t she thought to change out of her tank top and pajama pants before she came in? Of course he’d seen her in less but not in a long time. A lifetime ago.
“Did the little wiggler let you get any sleep last night?”
The crooked smile she loved so much appeared. “I slept great. Better than I have in three years. Must have been the company.”
“Or the concussion,” she replied drolly. “How about some breakfast, you two? I can go make something and bring it down here. Can you both be good until I do?”
“Be dood,” Jonathan replied, bouncing up and down.
Jack winced at the movement then looked up. “I need to get up and use the bathroom anyway. We can go upstairs and eat there. It’s probably easier.”
“No, it’s –” Her voice froze as Jack slid the covers off and stood up. His boxers were all he wore. He must have removed his clothes sometime after she’d gone to bed last night. Her breath caught in her throat. His long, muscular legs caught her attention then her gaze followed up to the tenting in his shorts.Keep those eyes moving north. Nothing to see here.Certainly not the chest she’d loved touching. She hadn’t been able to get enough of dancing her fingers through the swirls of hair covering it.
“See something you like, Calico?”
Heat rushed through her and up to her cheeks. Her tongue slipped out to wet her now dry lips. “No, I um…just…we should put some ice on those bruises.”
Close call but his expression told her he knew what she’d been thinking. His gaze traveled from her short, snug top to the bottoms that hung off her too curvy hips. She pulled on the hem of her top but that caused her breasts to be more exposed. Why hadn’t she put on some high-necked flannel number last night? Oh, yeah, she didn’t own anything like that. Maybe she’d have to get one soon if Jack was planning on staying here for a while.
His eyes twinkled with mischief. “Let me put some clothes on then we can all go up. Unless, you’d prefer me like this?”
Oh, yes, she definitely preferred him like this. But she couldn’t have him. Like this or any other way.Keep reminding yourself of this. He’ll be leaving you again soon enough.
“You might shock Heather if you go up like that.”
Moving to the bathroom, he paused on the threshold. “I don’t know. Heather seems like the type who might appreciate a little shake up every now and then.” He disappeared inside.
A huge sigh escaped. How could she handle being with him for the next week or so? Her legs shook seeing him and it had barely been five minutes. Um, yeah, so he was practically naked. She’d have to avoid that from now on. If he didn’t have any pajamas, she’d have to get him some.
“Jonathan, when daddy comes out you need to use the bathroom.”
The boy nodded and climbed down from the bed. She should get dressed herself while Jack was in the bathroom. It was fastest to cut through there, but no way she’d do it while Jack was using it. She moved toward the hall and the bathroom door opened again. When he came out, he still wore nothing but his boxers. Had she expected clothes to materialize inside the room?
“Let me get your clothes so you can get dressed.” Pulling the bag from the floor, she rummaged through it. Jeans, shirt, socks and another set of boxers.
“Are you going to lay them out for me on the bed like you do for Jonathan?”
The teasing tone was back and she blushed again. Couldn’t she feel maternal toward him instead of…well, definitely not maternal?
She patted her son on the head as she ushered him into the bathroom. “Go potty, Jonathan, then get dressed in the outfit I left on your bed.”
She moved through the bathroom to her room but not before Jack’s laughter floated through. Digging through her clothes, she searched for something high-necked and baggy. As she was hooking her bra a thud sounded from Jack’s room followed by swearing.
Rushing in, she found Jack sitting on the floor, one leg in his jeans.
“What happened? Are you all right?”
