I grip the headboard for support, knowing I’m about to fall apart. Our eyes lock, and then I’m shattering into a million brilliant pieces, a mirror of ecstasy twisting across his face as he watches. His hips pick up speed, his hands gripping my waist as he chases his own release. A guttural moan flees his mouth as he jerks inside of me, and I collapse against his chest.
“That was so much better than watching a movie,” he groans.
I pull back slightly. “That was your plan?”
“It wasn’t a good one.”
His sculpted chest vibrates with our combined laughter.
A man who can admit his flaws… imagine that.
“Is that what you want to do next… watch a movie?” I tease.
“Absolutely not.” He spider-monkeys me with strong thighs and crossed ankles.
I plant a kiss on his mouth before pressing up and cupping between my thighs. “Hold that thought. I’ll be right back.”
Scampering down this hallway is the only time I’ve ever thought to myselfI’m glad Quinn is asleep.Teaching a toddler what a naked dash to the bathroom means is not in my nanny job description. Then again, there’s nothing about what’s happening here that feels like it’s a part of a job at all. Especially in the way I savor my flushed reflection in the bathroom mirror after cleaningmyself up. When was the last time I felt like this—completely satisfied and unafraid of consequences? Somewhere along the way I think I stopped leading with my heart and let my head do all the decision-making. I can’t help the smile that blooms under the pads of my fingers as they feather swollen lips or the one that follows me back into the guest bedroom where I left him waiting for me.
Everett is reclined on his back in the middle of the bed, arm tucked under his head. I swipe my abandoned shirt from the floor on my way in.
“Please tell me you aren’t wearing that to bed.”
I toss the Chris Stapleton tee at his face and grab the one he didn’t get enough of last night, slipping it over my head.
“I don’t make promises I can’t keep, cowboy. What about you? Are you going to play me those songs now?”
28
SUMMER
“For those of you who don’t know her, this is?—”
“Miss Maimy!” Quinn shouts, cutting off Brian’s introduction.
Over the last two weeks, every part of my life has slipped into a steady routine: carpool Quinn and Henry to school, manage Emma’s client schedule at the law practice, spend my evenings with Everett and Quinn now that his songs are written, and on Mondays after speech therapy, the two of us lead the talent show practice. It’s a shock to see anyone else here.
Quinn rushes for the stage where her teacher is waiting with open arms.
“Quinn! I didn’t know you would be here!”
“What’s going on?” Everett asks as we approach.
Brian faces us, hands folded, shoulders rolled back. “I was just introducing Mrs. Farris’s replacement to the group. Miss Amy has agreed to take over the play.”
“It’s two weeks until the performance,” Everett argues.
“And we’re doing a talent show,” Blake points out.
I’m at a loss for words. Unable to look anywhere but at Brian.
Irritation plasters his face as he stares at me. “What talent show?”
“Isaac and Noah are doing a magic trick!” Etta claps.
“And Henry’s bringing his bearded dragon!” Noah volunteers.
A muscle in Brian’s jaw flexes. “Summer, can I speak to you in the hall for a second?”
