As one, Drake and I turned to look at the beautiful woman in the kitchen. "What about your parent's house?"
"They're renting it out while in Europe."
Three years ago, her mother had a health scare. The lump turned out to be benign, but it'd left the family changed. We'd still been deployed but had heard all about it. Mr. and Mrs. McKenney had continued to assist the current kids in their care. Once the kids were settled—either with a family or in their own digs—the McKenney's travelled.
They'd taken on so many difficult kid cases—me and Drake included—that no one could begrudge them this alone time.
"But this is a one-bedroom unit," Drake's tone was deceptively casual. "Where you gonna sleep?"
"The sofa bed. I tried to get a room, but it's peak tourist season." She raised a shoulder in a shrug, her back still to us.
"Couldn't stay with friends?"
She flushed, brushing nervously at the strands of hair that wisped across her cheeks.
"They're either on vacation, have a full house, or don’t have a spare bed. It's summer break, so—” she trailed off.
"You know, we got a few spare bedrooms," I drawled, deceptively casual. “We could always put you up."
"And we're closer to the clinic," Drake added helpfully.
"Boys, that's a mighty fine idea." Mr. Henderson raised his coffee mug in a salute. "There you go, Blue. No need to lose sleep on that lumpy couch."
Oh, she'll still be losing sleep.
I picked up a donut and shoved it in my mouth, concentrating on chewing rather than giving in to the overwhelming need to press her against the closest flat surface and taste her.
"I couldn’t.” She'd abandoned the stove to stand at the kitchen counter, wiping over and over the same spot.
"Why not?" Drake asked, smiling at her. "We got the rooms; you need a place. You're not even unpacked."
She looked panicked. "I promised Mr. Henderson I'd drive him to the—"
"Oh, nonsense," Mr. Henderson fluttered a hand dismissively. "I can drive myself just like I've done every other time." He glanced at me, rolling his eyes. "Due for a check-up." He tapped a hand over his heart. "Need to get the old ticker checked. No need to worry, just making sure everything is as it should be."
"But—" Blue protested.
"Darling, I appreciate your support. But you sleeping on my couch isn't going to work for either of us. Take the boys' generous offer and get yourself some much-needed rest."
She bit her lip, looking down at her feet. I waited, not moving, not even daring a glance at Drake.
Say yes. Say yes.
"Okay." She blew out a breath. "The insurance guy will be around tomorrow. It should only be for a week at the most." She glanced from me to Drake. "Is that okay?"
"Baby," I leaned back in my chair, triumph and satisfaction settling in my chest. "You can stay forever."
Her cheeks flushed, and she fumbled with the wooden spoon in her hand, turning back to the stovetop. "I don't think that'll be necessary."
I glanced over at Drake. He shot me a look, eyes dark with desire, a hungry grin across his lips.
Oh, yeah. This was going to be fun.
3
Blue
Icouldn't fall asleep. The bed in Dane and Drake's guest room felt like a cloud. The linen smelled fresh, and the pillows were deliciously luxurious.
