If I had to guess, I’d bet it was Josh by the tone, but I can’t be sure.
“Can we go outside?” the other one asks.
“Yes, but stay inside the yard,” Mark warns. “I’ll be right out.”
Leaning in to rest his forehead against mine, he whispers, “Thank you so much for being here tonight.”
“Why are you thanking me? I’ve been fed and am having the best time. It should be me who’s thanking you.”
“The kids will be in bed within the hour or two, tops. Wanna watch a movie of our own after they fall asleep?”
“I could be persuaded, especially if you feed me chocolate and keep looking at me like that.”
“Oh, if they weren’t here, I’d be having you for dessert instead, Faye.”
Before I can respond, the back door flings open and, “Papa, we’re ready!” fills the room.
“Be right out.” With a wink, he adds, “I’m grabbing the sweets now.”
Without another word, he stands from the table, walks to the pantry, and grabs something from the very top shelf. Returning, he reaches for my hand and whispers so only I can hear, “Since I can’t feast on you again tonight, you ready for your consolation prize, sweetheart?”
Heat floods through me, and my need for this man grows beyond measure.
Sloane may say showers are quicker, but I know better than to leave two five-year-old boys unattended for long. After ensuring their hair was properly washed, I left them for less than five minutes to finish up and make sure their pajamas and towels were ready.
I should’ve known better.
Not only do I return to a room full of giggles, but an arc of water manages to come over the top of the curtain and land directly dead center on my chest the moment I return.
How the hell are they doing that?
“Hey now!” my voice booms, and I hear a scurry from the other side of the curtain. “Water is supposed to stay inside the tub.”
“Sorry, Papa,” Jason calls out. “I didn’t know my hands could bend water like that.”
Like what, exactly, almost comes out of my mouth; however, I hold back, not wanting to encourage it further.
I should be upset, but even I can admit this newfound talent is slightly impressive.
Besides, it’s only water, and my shirt took the brunt of it, and other than a little puddle on the floor, no harm was done.
Letting them know playtime is over, I remind them, “If you want to watch the movie, you need to get moving.”
I hear the water turn off, and I hand them their towels. Once they’re dried off and dressed in their pajamas, I send them out to Faye so I can make quick work of cleaning up the bathroom. Needing out of my now-soaked shirt, I quickly pull it over my head and add it to the pile of clothes I’ll drop off at the laundry room before starting the movie.
As I hastily exit the bathroom to catch up with the boys, I practically plow into Faye.
When her hands land on my chest, she quickly spits out, “Oh, I’m so sorry,” as I reach to steady her.
“Uh, why are you apologizing?” I chuckle as I track her darting her eyes in all directions but mine.
“I… Uh…” she starts, then cocks her head to the side, and as her beautiful smile takes my breath away, I almost don’t hear her whisper, “What happened to your shirt?”
“Apparently, one of the boys discovered they had water-bending capabilities.”
Her eyes go wide as saucers, and she gasps, “You’re kidding,” in disbelief.
Chuckling at her response, I shake my head at the memory. “I’m not even shocked at this point. When I walked in, somehow, there was a steady stream flowing over the shower rod that hit me square in the chest. I truly have no idea how they managed an arc like that… And frankly, I’m afraid to find out. God forbid, I encourage them to practice their new talents. Sloane will have my ass.”
