Page 128 of Beyond the Blue Horizon
I blinkedawake to the sound of Finn’s wild giggles and the scent of bacon floating up from below.
A lapping of comfort as I listened to the innocent tenor of my son’s voice.
But it was the one woven with it that sent my heart rate scattering. Nerves fraying at the rough, tolling sound.
I pushed myself up to sitting, my body twisted at the waist and both hands planted on the mattress on my left side, my hair draping down that direction as I inclined my ear to the chaos below.
My stomach tumbled in a bid of worry and joy.
What was he still doing here?
In agitation, my teeth raked my bottom lip.
It was probably a terrible idea because I could still taste him on me. Could still feel his hands burning into my flesh. Every memory from last night surging back at full force.
Bare streams of early morning light filtered in through the break in the curtains, and my attention moved, taking in the rumpled maroon flannel sheets and the mess of covers that had dropped to my waist.
An indentation from where Theo had slept most of the night was still there, and the scent of mossy woods and leather and the unquestionable innuendo of sex lingered in the air.
I blew out an uncertain sigh. Wondering what had possessed me. Why I’d given in when I’d been so adamant that there was no chance of that happening.
There was something about Theo Mallin that made me contemplate foolish things. Things that would always be out of reach.
But still…
Laughter rolled downstairs, and I huffed out the oxygen that felt trapped in my lungs and forced myself out of bed. I was still wearing only my bra and underwear, and I tiptoed into the bathroom so I could use it. Then I washed my hands before I splashed cold water on my face and peered at myself in the mirror.
My hair was a disaster, and my lips were red and swollen.
The man’s hands were so undeniably written all over me.
I ran my fingers through the knots in my hair in an attempt to tame it, though there wasn’t a thing that could be done about my lips.
Blowing out a sigh, I moved back into the bedroom, went to the dresser, and pulled out a pair of pajamas.
I pulled on the cozy baby blue bottoms and matching long-sleeved top, dragged on fuzzy socks, then headed to the door.
It seemed the appropriate attire for this walk of shame.
My nerves rattled.
Nelly was going to have a field day with this, but I couldn’t seem to bring myself to regret it. Not when last night had felt like a dream.
Respite in the middle of a life of torment.
A moment where I was elevated above it.
Like maybe…
I sucked down all the foolish notions before I whipped open the door.
Another peal of Finn’s adorable giggles lit in the air, mixed with that deep resonation that trickled over my flesh like a caress.
A shiver rolled through me, and I held my breath as I tiptoed down the stairs, my hand gliding down the wood railing as I went.
Heart ravaging at a wild beat as I let my gaze take in the room below.
Nelly was at the stove, pulling bacon from a skillet and setting the pieces on a paper towel to gather the oil. Theo had his back to me where he leaned against the counter that extended out to separate the kitchen from the living area.
