Page 39 of Enticing

One lukewarm shower later, and I’m reminded I need to deal with the crappy hot water heater that was kind enough to decide it only wanted to work sporadically. Chilled, I throw on a pair of black leggings with white fuzzy socks pulled up and my favorite oversized light-blue Boston Bay Hawks hoodie. I may have had my issues with my father while he was alive and possibly even more so now that he’s gone, but this stupid sweatshirt still reminds me of home. The good and the bad.

It’s also perfectly broken in and nearly threadbare in some spots, making it the most comfortable thing in my closet.

As I make my way down the hall, I thank whatever higher power there might be for sending Coraline home for the holidays. Quick glances in the girls’ empty rooms show just how late it must be. Izzy and Lennox are both out of their beds, and I’m assuming downstairs with Aunt Cori. Guess I really owe her one.

Slowly, I move down the long, curved staircase of the old Victorian, listening for my girls, but instead of Izzy negotiating or Lennox crying, I’m met with silence.

Sweet, calming silence that immediately sets me on edge.

I move further into the house and nearly stumble as my breath catches in my lungs.

My memories from last night end with me crying myself to sleep on my couch.

I don’t seem to recall anything after that.

I certainly don’t have any explanation for the sight before me now.

Leo Sinclair is lying on my couch with Lennox sleeping peacefully on his big, broad chest. His hypnotic baby-blue eyes watch me as I take my last step into the room and freeze. “What are you doing with Lennox?” I ask, angry that this man is in my house and holding my baby.

This is my space.

Where I’m safe.

How dare he just be here, uninvited?

Before Leo can answer, Coraline pops her head in from the kitchen. “Hey.” She glances down at Lennox sleeping and winces. “Sorry.” She lowers her voice and cocks her head as she regards me. “Nice of you to wake up, sleepyhead. Pancakes are ready.”

My mouth opens and closes as she scoops Lennox off Leo’s chest, like it’s the most normal thing in the world for the giant to be here. “I’ve got her. Go eat before you’ve got to get out of here.”

Lennox pulls her chubby little legs up tight and stretches her arms above her head as her tiny red lips purse.

I hold my breath again, waiting for her to cry, but she doesn’t.

She snuggles in against Coraline, looking slightly offended that she’s been taken from Leo, but then goes right back to sleeping like the angel she rarely is.

When I force my eyes back to the man who just sat up in front of me, I wonder if I should just hook myself up to a tank of oxygen because the look he’s giving me... the hunger in his crystalline eyes doesn’t just steal my breath, I think it’s going to haunt my soul.

“Boston Bay Hawks...” He reaches out and tugs the front of my crew neck, pulling me toward him. “You’re in Kroydon Hills now, Adelaide.”

His big hands play with the hem of the soft cotton. “Do you have something on underneath this?”

My words die in my throat, and I manage to nod before he pulls the sweatshirt over my head and tosses it to the couch, then takes off his own gray Revolution hoodie and pulls it down over my head. I should probably be pissed that he’s being so assertive, but it’s warm and soft and smells like him, and forsome seriously fucked up reason, I feel the tiniest bit less alone than I did a minute ago.

A sexy grin tugs at his full lips, and I swear to God, that look melts me.

It also jostles a faint memory free. Strong arms and a deliciously sexy scent...

“Did you carry me to bed?” I ask, wondering if that was a dream.

Leo’s rough hand cups my cheek, and I know immediately it wasn’t a dream.

It was him.

Without thinking too hard, I run my thumb over the scruff covering his jaw, needing to feel something, and whisper the only words I have, “Thank you.”

His lips brush over my forehead, and I breathe in deeply before lifting my face to his. “What are you doing here, Leo?” My voice comes out sharper than I intend at first, so I force myself to soften my tone. “I don’t remember inviting you over, even if you did look pretty good with Lennox sleeping on your chest.”

“So that’s what it’s gonna take, huh? I’m sexy holding your babies?” he teases, lightening the sudden heavy mood, and holy hell... hearing him talk about holding my babies, mixed with that smile, is some kind of magic.

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