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She did?
“It takes a village, right?” He ran his thumb over her lips. “I get that you’ve been let down in the past. But I won’t ever lie to you. I care for these boys. It’s not something I’m putting on just to get into their mother’s pants.” He grinned. “Although I will be doing that too.”
She shivered, and his smile widened. “Like that idea, don’t you, pet? Of me pushing those pants down, stripping you naked and cupping your pussy. Would I find it wet, hmm?”
“Saxon, Caleb is right here.”
“Which is the reason why I haven’t done anything.” He removed his hand from her chin and rubbed it over Caleb’s back. “The other reason is that you’re exhausted. I’ll do my best never to hurt you or these two boys. Now, go climb into bed. You need sleep.”
She sighed. “I can’t just go to sleep while you’re here.”
“No. Do you need a little help?”
Hmm, she wondered what sort of help he was offering. She shook her head. No, she wasn’t ready for that. Not yet. Oh, hell, what was she thinking?
“I can tell you’re in pain. Headache?”
She nodded, wincing.
“Is that what you wear to bed?” he asked.
She looked down at herself. “Um, yeah.” She guessed the over-sized, men’s T-shirt wasn’t the most attractive thing, but it wasn’t like she had money to spare for sexy lingerie.
He frowned slightly and she could feel her confidence taking a hit. He was disappointed in her. “Did that belong to the boys’ father?”
“What? No.” This was the first time he’d mentioned Aaron and it threw her slightly. “I bought this when it was on sale at Walmart. It’s an odd shape so it was only two dollars.”
Yeah, that was a probably a bit of an overshare but his frown cleared. “All right then, you can keep it.”
There’d been a possibility she wouldn’t be able to keep it?
“Now, I want you to go get your painkillers and a glass of water.”
She shook her head. “They make me dopey when I’m already tired.”
“You’re not going to be able to sleep when you’re in pain.”
She looked at Caleb. “I don’t think I’m getting much sleep tonight.”
He cupped her face. “Aspen. Go get the painkillers. I’m here to help. And you’re going to let me. Caleb is under my care. Just as you are. I won’t let anything happen to any of you. Your only task right now is to do what I ask of you.”
She didn’t really think he’d asked, but she found herself moving to the kitchen anyway. She took a couple of painkillers before moving back into the living room.
“I’m going to try to put Caleb down. I want you go hop into bed and I’ll be there in a minute.”
“I can do
it.”
He lifted his chin, giving her a stern look.
She gave him her best sorry face. “Yes, Sir.”
He snorted at her completely remorseless response. “If only I could believe you truly felt repentant. Bed. Now. I’ll be there in a minute.”
She hoped Caleb didn’t give him any trouble then shook her head at that thought. She was willing to bet there was very little Joel Saxon couldn’t cope with or manage. The man was as competent as he was arrogant.
She used the small attached bathroom and climbed into bed. By now her head was really throbbing and she was grateful she’d taken the painkillers. Not that she’d tell him that. She left the bedside lamp on, but could feel her eyelids growing heavier as they pain began to dissipate.
