Page 149 of Reeves

Even as I say it, I know how weak it sounds. Reeves going for a sunrise beach walk? In what world?

Benjy's forehead wrinkles. He's thinking it through, and I can practically see the questions forming.

"Maybe he'll be back in time to take you to school," I say, raising my voice just enough to carry through the bathroom door. "Wouldn't that be exciting? Riding to school in that big truck?"

The distraction works exactly like I hoped. Benjy's eyes light up.

"Really? In the Hummer?" He bounces slightly against my side. "Can I sit in the front?"

"You know you're not big enough yet to sit in the front, silly goose." I squeeze his shoulder. "Before we do anything, we need to get you ready. Come on, let's get dressed."

I guide him off the bed and toward his room, keeping my movements casual. Normal. Like my heart isn't hammering against my ribs.

In Benjy's room, the familiar routine takes over. I pull out his school clothes while he chatters about riding in Reeves's truck. Polo shirt. Khaki shorts. The rhythm steadies me.

"Which underwear today?" I ask, opening his drawer.

"The rocket ships."

I hand them over and turn to grab his socks. That's when I catch it. A flash of movement in the hallway. Reeves slipping past the doorway in just a t-shirt and boxers, moving carefully, quietly.

He's clearly hunting for his pants.

The sight tickles me. Here I am, orchestrating this elaborate morning routine, while a nearly naked Navy SEAL creeps through my house like some kind of domestic cat burglar.

I bite back a laugh.

Benjy pulls his shirt over his head, still talking about trucks and school. He has no idea his father just snuck past his bedroom door in his underwear.

"Mommy, can you help with my shoes?"

I kneel down, focusing on the laces.

"There you go." I pat his knee. "Go brush your teeth."

He heads toward the bathroom, and I follow, grabbing his backpack from the hook by his door.

I hear the front door close, and Benjy darts toward it, white foam dripping from his chin.

"Morning," Reeves says to Benjy, his voice steady and warm. He has a black duffle bag hanging across his broad chest and looks almost good enough to eat right here on the spot.

Benjy grins. "Mommy says maybe you can drive me to school!"

"Maybe," I say, catching Reeves's eye over Benjy's head. "I said maybe he could."

"How about you go finish brushing your teeth, and I'll talk about it with your mom."

Benjy doesn't even answer. He races back to the bathroom without another word.

I can't stop staring at this gorgeous man as he stands and looks at me. I take a deep breath to bring myself back down to earth. But the clean gray t-shirt that pulls perfectly across his cut body, showing every ripple I know intimately, is preventing me from breathing normally.

His dark joggers hang just right on his frame. His watch glints silver on his wrist, and his tattoos look more vibrant somehow.

"How did you..." I gesture vaguely at his appearance.

"Swim bag in the truck." His voice stays low while Benjy hums in the bathroom. "I told you."

Right. The Creston House. Or, maybe he was planning to stay all along.