Page 46 of A Whole New Play

“God, no.”

I chuckle against her ear. She shivers and leans forward to lock her lips on my neck. I bite the inside of my cheek to hold in a groan. I can’t take much more of this. I feel like I’m going to bust, and I’ll be damned if I come in my pants before I have the chance to lay eyes on her perfect body sprawled out over my bed.

With that thought, I adjust my hold and carry her away from the fridge.

She pulls her lips off my neck only long enough to ask, “Where are we going?”

“Bed,” I growl. “Now.”

I feel her smile against my skin. “Good.” She goes back to kissing and biting the sensitive flesh. My erection is painfully hard, but it’s fine. I plan to relieve it soon, but not too soon. I need to make sure Valerie enjoys herself. I can’t have her sneaking out on me again. I don’t want her to want to sneak out on me again.

I begin climbing the stairs, considering my plans for the beauty in my arms when a little voice calls out from above, “Dad. Dad, where are you?”

Just like that, my libido is forgotten.

Valerie stiffens.

“Dad!” Andy cries out again.

In a blink, I lower Valerie to her feet and then race up the stairs.

I reach the landing and see my son standing in his doorway, clutching his stuffed superhero teddy bear against his chest, eyes wide with fright.

“It’s okay, buddy. I’m here.” I rush to his side and open my arms. He falls into me, chest heaving, as he struggles to catch his breath.

“I h-had a n-nightmare.”

“It’s okay. You’re okay.” I rub my hand down his back. “It wasn’t real. You’re safe.”

The top stair creaks.

I look over my shoulder and see Valerie standing with her hand on the railing, her hair and blouse disheveled, concern for my son shining in her stunning green eyes.

Andy sees her. “Valerie. You’re here.” There’s no question in the words, just happiness to see her.

“I was helping your dad clean up downstairs,” she says without missing a beat, careful not to speak too loudly to wake up Abby. “Are you okay?”

He nods bravely and straightens. My arms fall away as he steps back. “Yeah, I’m okay.”

I fight off the smile tugging on my lips. My little guy is trying to be brave in front of Valerie. “Want me to tuck you back into bed?”

Alarm flashes in his eyes. “Can you stay with me until I fall asleep?”

I swallow my disappointment. Hearing my son shout in fear had rid me of my arousal, but my desire for the black-haired beauty behind me still burns hot. But there’s no way I can deny my son the comfort he seeks.

“Of course, buddy. No problem. How about you use the bathroom while I walk Valerie out? I’ll be right back.”

“You promise?”

“I promise.” I stand.

“Okay.” He shuffles over to his bathroom, saying goodnight to Valerie before he closes the door.

I turn and meet Valerie’s stare with an apologetic one of my own. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. It’s probably for the best.”

I frown. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

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