Mac gave him a look, his worn face creasing into a smile.
“You don't say. Fancy that.”
“I'm taking him, Mom!”
Billy held the pup in his arms now. Brad opened the gate and let him out. Minutes later they'd said good-bye to Mac and his questions, and were heading back to Macy's place.
“He's asleep, TJ.”
“That's because he's comfortable with you, Billy. The pup knows he's found a place to settle.”
“I'm thinking that just for tonight, I should have him in my room, beside my bed, Mom, ’cause imagine if he wakes scared.”
The corner of Macy's lips tilted, and Brad battled the urge to lean over and nibble it.
“We'll make that call later, Billy.”
The drive was quick, and then Brad collected all the stuff from the trunk and they settled the pup in his bed upstairs in Billy’s bathroom. Billy settled down beside him and played with his blocks.
“He needs me to watch over him now he doesn't have his mom.”
“Good call, Billy. I'll make you a sandwich and bring it up, okay?”
“Thanks, Mom.”
Brad watched the little boy leap to his feet and run toward her. He then hugged her hard.
“I love you.”
“Aww, baby, you too.”
Brad had never done that to anyone. Never said he loved them with so much honesty that the recipient could never doubt it.
“And you too, Brad.”
He was stunned when the boy left Macy and threw himself at Brad, burying his face against his legs. Brad bent and hugged him back, fighting the sting he felt behind his eyes.
“You want a sandwich or you got to go?”
Macy said the words as they left Billy’s room.
“I'll take that sandwich,” Brad said, knowing he should leave even as he followed Macy into the kitchen. He watched her get out the makings and the bread. She was economic in her movements, and Brad knew she'd done them a million times before.
Without giving his actions too much thought, his hand reached for her as she passed him for the third time. He pulled her close and kissed her.
The contact was instant and sizzling. His body was constantly simmering when she was near, and it fired to life as need poured through him.
“Brad.”
“Macy,” he whispered against her lips before kissing her again. He took her deeper, tracing her tongue with his, running his hands down her back.
“Billy.”
“I know.” He sighed against her lips. “But I can't get enough of you. Every time you're close, I remember that night. The feel of you straddling my hips, and me buried deep inside you.”
“We can't.”
“I know that, and I would never do anything with your son near, but later, when he's sleeping…. Why can't we enjoy each other while I'm in Howling, Macy? We're adults.”
