“But… I mean, I was on my way to my own room, remember?”
“Yep.”
“So you’re saying I have to stay because I was a jerk to you?”
“No, Riley. You don’thaveto stay. But you asked me what I wanted, and what I want is for you to stay.”
She whacked him lightly on the arm. “You are messing with me.”
“Maybe. A little.” His gaze didn’t waver. “Will you stay?”
“But what about the boys?”
“Not a problem. I’ll handle it if one of them wakes upwhile you’re still here with me. They will never know that you had a sleepover in my bed tonight, I promise you.”
“But in the morning—”
“I’ll act as lookout while you sneak back to your room. It will be fine. I’ll see to it. Pinky swear.” He held up his little finger.
She tried to be stern. “This is serious business, Joshua Bravo.”
“I am well aware, Riley Jane.” They stared at each other. His pinky was waiting.
“Fine,” she grumbled and put up her own little finger. He hooked it with his.
When he let go, he said, “Now take off your clothes.”
She whacked him on the arm again. “If we get caught—”
“By a couple of preschoolers? You should have more faith in me than that.”
Really, this conversation had gone way better than she’d thought it would. What could it hurt to climb back into bed with him and steal the rest of the night in his arms?
“Look at it this way,” he said. “I know now. You’ve told me. And I will be here for you and the baby. There’s really not much more we need to deal with tonight.”
“Hmm,” she said.
He just looked at her, waiting.
She really should go. But he wanted her to stay. And if she were honest about it, she wanted the rest of the night, too. And then, in the morning, a nice breakfast with the boys…
It wasn’t a big deal, she bargained with herself. He knew now. She was no longer lying by omission. He wanted her with him tonight, and she didn’t want to leave.
He put his arm around her again. She leaned her head on his shoulder. “Okay then,” she said. “Let’s go back to bed…”
* * *
“Dad?” A small fist tapped on the door.
“Hold on, I’m coming…” Josh jumped from the bed, grabbed his Wranglers and pulled them on.
The doorknob jiggled. “Dad! The door’s locked!”
As Josh zipped his pants, Riley sat up in bed. Her hair was a flame-red tangle. She had the covers clutched to her chest. Those blue eyes were enormous.
“I’ll send them downstairs,” he whispered. “If they balk at that, I’ll go with them. Then you wait a few minutes and go on back to your room.”
She looked doubtful, but she did answer, “Fine.”
