Page 53 of Love Like This

“Dear Lord in heaven,” Spencer murmured, studying him. “He’s likethe Incredible Pregnant-Hulk.”

“Actually, that’s not a bad comparison,” Hadley said, smothering asmile. “Just trying to keep him happy.”

“You’re a smart woman. And about later?” Spencer asked, once Larryexcused himself to check on his clothes. “I do happen to be free.”

“Great. Me, too. Well, I have a few things I need to take care of,and then I’m all yours.” Spencer’s eyes darkened and Hadley felt the warmthgather in her stomach. “Don’t look at me like that until later. There arechildren in the room.”

“As if I can control it. Have you seen yourself?” Spencer asked.She dropped her voice to a whisper. “And now that I’ve seen you naked, it’sjust worse.”

Hadley felt the blush hit her cheeks and warmth prickle up herspine and settle behind her neck. Oh, dear goodness. Yep, blatant andundeniable lust had arrived right on schedule. “Later,” she said, with what shehoped was an effective smolder. She knew it probably wasn’t. She wasn’t thesmoldering type. Spencer’s amused laughter only confirmed her status as smolderimpaired. She’d work on it.

“You’re adorable,” Spencer whispered. “And ridiculously hot. Idon’t know that I can wait for you.”

Hadley’s eyes widened. “There are childlike ears about.”

Spencer glanced down at Carrie. “This little mama is my wing womanand an exceptional one at that. Skills beyond her years. You have no idea.”Will fussed in Hadley’s arms. “Boys are always a little slower to mature,”Spencer said with a wink. “Why don’t we switch?”

Hadley pulled her face back and let her mouth fall open. “Is thata challenge? You think he’ll calm down for you?”

Spencer grinned. “I know he will. Let me show you.”

Hadley obliged and handed Will to Spencer, placing him in her freehand, and scooped up Caroline gently, so as not to disturb her peacefulslumber. The little girl stirred for a moment, opened her eyes, and peered upat Hadley. Realizing all was well, she sighed and went back to sleep with theback of her fist to her mouth, stealing Hadley’s heart for the eighty billionthtime. When she glanced up, she was shocked to see that not only had Will ceasedhis fussing but was enamored of Spencer’s face looming over him. The twins wereold enough now where they were capable of authentic smiles and she was prettysure Will was showing off that skill now. “I think he has a girlfriend,” Hadleysaid, mystified. “Look at that.”

“He just needs a slower vibe is all.”

“That’s what you’ve done? You’ve slowed your vibe? How do I dothat?” Hadley offered her smolder of earlier as an attempt. “Like this?”

“Are you doing Elvis? I don’t think Will knows him.” Spencerstared down at the little guy and talked to him in that soothing low voice, thesame voice that had struck Hadley as so melodic the day she’d met Spencer. “Hejust needs to know that he can relax. Isn’t that right, little Will? We’ll takecare of all the rest. You just take some chill time.”

He blinked back at her heavily, clearly not long for the land ofthe conscious.

“Wow,” Hadley said. “I’m not kidding when I say that you’re thebaby whisperer. You talk to him in your sexy voice, and he’s done for.”

“My sexy voice?” Spencer said, emphasizing the smooth quality.“That’s what you call it?”

“Is there another term for it?” Hadley asked. “I’m going to haveyou read me the phone book each night now if that’s how quickly you snagresults.”

Spencer laughed quietly as she rocked Will. “Putting you to sleepis not always going to be in my best interests.”

Hadley shimmied her shoulders. “There you go again with theperfect saucy line.”

“Where’s William?” Larry asked, stalking through the living roomin his maternity shirt and short leggings.

“Shhh,” Hadley said. “Spencer got him to sleep.”

Larry glared at her suspiciously. “How did you do that?”

“Just my own little brand of mojo.”

“You’re the backup babysitter.” It was a firm reminder, whichSpencer took in stride.

“And I won’t ever forget that, Lar. Can I call you Lar?”

“No.”

“Okay.” They stared at each other.

“Hey, why don’t you take Carrie,” Hadley said to Larry. He seemedto soften as Hadley approached him.

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