Page 91 of Bonus Daddy
Brian waved at them, though he never took his eyes off me.
“I brought Munchkin Monday donuts,” he rasped. His voice was thick, his words slow. “They are not Munchkins. The kid at the store was very offended when I asked. Which makes sense.” He frowned. “They are not holes. But they have holes? Wait, I’m confused. Anyway, I bought a few dozen.”
He stumbled toward the car and opened the passenger seat. “Delicious,” I said, following him. “But let’s get you inside. Do you want to take a nap or a shower?”
“I don’t want to impose.” He clutched the donut box to his chest. “There’s an inn nearby. Lo made a reservation.”
“You’re staying here,” I said firmly.
“You can send me home.” His eyelids were heavy and his feet dragged in the gravel as I guided him to the porch. “I know I’m interrupting. But I was going crazy without you.”
God, could this be any more adorable?
“I want you here. With us,” I said.
A slow smile spread across his face.
“But,” I hedged, “you need to sleep for a little bit.”
The smile turned a little wicked. “Will you nap with me?”
The warmth that had settled into me when we first touched burned hotter. “Only if you promise to behave.”
“I don’t think I have a choice. Your brothers look pissed.” He peered over my shoulder at them. They’d now left their post at the fence and were wandering this way.
“Don’t mind them. The town text chain has been blowing up. They’re just curious.”
I led him into the house, and when my brothers followed, I made introductions. By the curiosity in Jasper’s eyes and the look of concern Josh wore, it was obvious they had questions, but I left them to stew in them, and eat donuts, while I took Brian up to my old bedroom.
Josh had upgraded the space significantly since I’d lived here. Rather than a twin, a queen-size bed sat centered on one side of the room. The sky-blue quilt brightened the space, complementing the board-and-batten walls perfectly. Above, a wooden ceiling fan circled lazily, and the floors that had once creaked terribly were mostly silent.
He’d even found photos I’d taken in high school, when I was certain I wanted to be a professional photographer, and had framedthem and used them to create a gallery wall. It was technically home, though with all the changes, I felt like a guest.
“I want to hear all about Vermont.” Brian dropped heavily onto the bed, head tipped back, his bloodshot eyes on me.
“Later,” I said, giving him a gentle shove. “Take a nap first. I’ll show you all the sights as soon as you’ve rested.”
I gestured for his phone and plugged it in on the nightstand. Before I could back away, he snaked a long arm out, looping it around my waist, and pulled me onto the bed. When I was flush against him, he sighed.
“Five minutes,” he whispered into my ear as the comfort of his body relaxed me and his scent flooded my senses. “I’ve been dreaming about this.”
He was asleep, breathing softly into my neck, minutes later.
I was still in shock that he was here. But as he held me, I closed my eyes and allowed myself to savor the relief of having him close.
I’d missed him more than I could have imagined. And every day, no matter how hard I tried, I found little enjoyment. Because I knew without a doubt that every activity would be so much better if he were here with me.
We had a lot to talk about, especially after his spontaneous all-night road trip. But for now, I let myself relax.
Chapter 32
Brian
While I was being given the official town tour, I discovered just how right Jess had been when she said I caused a stir. People here were quite curious about me. As I was being shown around, I was led up and down every street in the downtown area and forced to consume goods from every store, including two cheese shops. We’d spent the afternoon hiking a long trail to the town’s famous waterfall, and then the girls had led us to a tiny secret cavern behind the falls. I was too big to fit, but I took photos of them posing.
Greta and Kit—especially serious Kit—seemed so much younger here. They were more carefree, running barefoot while collecting eggs and giving me a tour of the sugar shack where they boiled syrup every spring.
We laughed, spent most of the day outside, and ate ungodly amounts of delicious food. I could see why Jess loved it here. The entire town shone with joy and charm.
