Page 36 of Lost Times

“If you didn’t want me to stare, choosing those pajamas is counter-productive to that,” I said, watching the corners of her eyes crinkle as I continued. “You’re beautiful no matter what you wear, but that in particular, is breathtaking.”

The crinkles turned into a full smile and she walked over, brushing her hand against my cheek. Warmth seeped through the touch and I closed my eyes, soaking it in. After a second, she pulled me down into a kiss, stepping away just as my lungs started to burn.

“You can use my room to change if you want?”

She nudged my pajamas, then caught sight of my computer bag. Some of her happiness melted away, replaced with confusion as she raised a brow.

A smattering of nerves arched through me before I buried them, answering the unsaid question. “Father sent a list of clients that I need to get in the system tonight.”

The last of her smile disappeared, a fiery scowl taking its place as she huffed. “He shouldn’t do that to you, especially not this late. It’s not fair. You need rest and time to yourself like anyone else.”

Her defense warmed me and I dipped to kiss her head on instinct, hovering there to answer. “This is how he’s always been, and nothing is going to change that. Besides, at least with this I can do the work while still being here with you and Jasmine. It’s worlds better than sitting at the office or alone at home.”

She let it go with a sigh, nodding. “I still say you deserve better than that, but I’m glad you enjoy our company.” Then she gestured back to her room. “If you want, I can set up your computer in the living room while you’re getting dressed?”

I handed over the bag even as I shook my head. “I’ve got it, just set the bag somewhere it won’t get damaged. My computer is password protected and thanks to the information we gather on our clients and its confidential nature, I can’t give anyone the password.”

She didn’t bat an eye, taking the bag with a nod. I’d half expected her to be hurt that I didn’t trust her with that, but to my surprise she kissed my cheek and walked to the living room. “It’ll be on the coffee table when you’re ready,” she said, before disappearing into the other room.

I shook myself, rubbing the still-tingling spot on my cheek. I’d never get tired of the easy affection she offered.

Hurrying through dressing, I walked back out, putting my shoes next to hers at the front door. The sight that met me when I walked into the living room tugged a smile across my lips.

Jasmine had several blankets on the ground as well as most of the couch cushions, all of them fashioned into a nest. Both she and Thalia sat in it, a movie already playing in the background. The only couch cushion that hadn’t been commandeered for the nest sat in front of the coffee table where my computer was, a clear sign.

I sat there, smiling at them as I plugged in the computer and booted it up. “Another movie?” I asked, and Jasmine nodded.

“Yup, since you’re staying over, I asked Mom if we could sleep out here tonight.”

Thalia offered an apologetic look to that, saying just low enough that I could hear. “You don’t have to sleep on the floor with her, she usually crashes after a bit, and then I go back to my room.”

I nodded, happy not to have the neck pain that would have come from sleeping on the cushions.

If Jasmine asked, I would have, but sitting at my desk tomorrow would have been painful if I had.

Once the computer loaded, I started on the list of clients, the soft chatter of Jasmine and Thalia keeping me company as I plowed through the work. It took a bit longer, my attention shifting to the girls more often than not, but by the time I pushed the computer away–all work done–I felt happier than I ever did finishing paperwork.

It’d only taken me a bit longer than normal, and the task had been almost enjoyable this way. I’d have to see about repeating this in the future.

As if hearing the thought, Thalia shifted up onto the couch next to me, squeezing onto the only cushion until we were pressed side to side. Letting her head rest on my shoulder, she hummed.

“No pressure, but if you want to have dinner with us whenever you’re able, you’re more than welcome to.”

Flashes of the dinner they’d brought me at the office came back. No one had ever done that before, and having homemade food while I was stuck at work had been a treasure.

Maybe I could bring work with me and do this more often?

Biting my lip, I offered. “I’d love to, but would you mind me bringing,” I gestured to the computer, “this with me? To make it in time for dinner, I’ll have to bring work home with me, and I’m not afraid to admit it’s nicer doing it here with you two.”

She didn’t bat an eye, sliding a hand over to take one of mine. “Of course, I doubt Jasmine would mind.”

To punctuate how much she didn’t mind, the girl threw herself at us, nearly knocking us clear off the couch in her excitement as she nodded.

“That would be so cool! We could have sleepovers all the time then, Mom!” Her eyes were sparkling at the thought and Thalia nodded, smiling my way.

“We could, but you’ll still have to go to sleep at the usual time. You still have school in the morning, and I won’t have a cranky munchkin to deal with.” She tacked on a hard stare to the end, and the girl pouted.

“But Mom…” She stretched out the last word, but Thalia didn’t budge.

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