Marley glanced down at the new mother. “She seems to be adjusting well. Dr. Luke is on his way to the house to check on them.”
“That’s good.” Gia nodded, looking back over her shoulder at Jake, who only shrugged like he was just along for the ride. “Does this make you a grandpa now?”
“Grandpa?” Gia laughed when his eyes nearly bulged out of his head. “Do I look like a grandpa?”
She raked her gaze from his dark blond hair, which curled alittle around his ears, down the broad chest and trim hips she’d had her hands all over not too long ago, then to his legs that ended with one ankle crossed over the other. Her cheeks flushed with heat. No, he certainly did not look like any grandfather she knew.
“I didn’t think so.”
She shook her head at his smug response. “It’s surprising you’re able to walk with a head as big as yours.”
“It’s a skill, Kitten.” She blushed at the lopsided grin and wink he shot her. He definitely had more than one skill.
“I should probably get home…”
Jake nodded, face falling at the reminder that they couldn’t stay in this bubble. “Yeah, you’re right. I’ll drive you home after Luke leaves. He should be here any minute.”
Even though she could probably walk home, she knew better than to argue with Jake, so she made herself comfortable. As Tuna cleaned her kittens, Marley and Gia alternated holding each one, watching for any signs Tuna was uncomfortable with how they were handling her babies. Despite her keeping a close eye on them, Tuna did not seem worried.
By the time Luke came by, Tuna had all six kittens cleaned and latched. She managed a small hiss when he showed up, but otherwise didn’t show signs of aggression as he checked her and her litter over. After announcing a clean bill of health, he gave further instructions on how to monitor Tuna for any signs of infection and how to keep their environment clean, warm, and safe.
When Luke turned to talk to Gia, she sensed Jake’s hard glare on them. He was jealous. So naturally, she shot a dazzling smile and batted her lashes at the good doctor, turning up the charm. Luke looked between her and Jake with confusion, probably wondering what the hell was wrong with her.
The weight of Jake’s glare on her only made her more impish.
“You’re gonna pay for that, Kitten.” Jake breathed the words in her ear when he turned to escort Luke out the door, making her core clench with desire.
She couldn’t deny that his brand of punishment was exactly what she wanted.
Sexual tension filled the drive to her parents’ house. She squeezed her thighs together to ease the ache, which Jake noticed, giving her a cocky smirk. Her stomach flipped.
She loved this side of Jake. Why had she fought this for so long?
When Jake pulled into the driveway of her parents’ house, she had the door open before his car even came to a stop. The tension was too much, and if she didn’t get out of the car, she’d end up mounting him right then and there.
The front door opened before she approached, revealing a worried Minh with Tuy?t Mai perched on her hip.
“Auntie!” Gia smiled at Tuy?t Mai, who screeched excitedly and immediately reached for her.
“Hey, sweetie. Did you miss me?” she asked as Minh handed Tuy?t Mai over to her. The girl’s nod made her dark hair fly in different directions.
“She’s been asking about you since yesterday.” Minh’s soft voice and small frown made her heart squeeze. “Jake filled us in on everything.”
Behind her, Jake greeted Minh. Gia hadn’t meant to worry anyone. She opened her mouth to say so when Minh gestured for her to get inside. “Let’s get inside. I made lunch.”
Gia nodded, moving to walk past Minh, but Jake’s voice stopped her in her tracks.
“Ah, I’d love to, but I have to get back to Marley.” Jake squeezed her shoulder and kissed her between her furrowed brows. “I’ll come get you later.” He squinted his eyes pointedly at her, a message she understood: she was not allowed to walk to his house.
She nodded in understanding. “Okay.”
Tuy?t Mai pouted when Jake ruffled her hair and turned to leave. Watching Jake walk away, Gia’s face mirrored Tuy?t Mai’s downturnedlips.
Same, girl.
Inside, Th?y Mai was in the living room with Gia’s parents, who greeted her with varying enthusiasm. Th?y Mai jumped up from her place on the couch and plowed into her with a tight hug. “I missed you, Auntie.” Her voice was muffled against Gia’s abdomen.
“I missed you too, buddy.”
