It isn’t going to be easy, but we’re committed to reaching her. It’s all I discussed with my brother on the long drive here.
Janey’s bedroom is smaller than I expected, neat, and feminine, with soft lavender walls, a delicate white iron bed frame draped in a floral quilt, and a little vase of fresh wildflowers on the nightstand.
She stands near the foot of the bed, arms hanging limply at her sides like she’s unsure what to do with her hands. The exhaustion is still written across her face, but there’s more. Nervousness. Anticipation. Maybe even a little relief that she isn’t alone tonight. At least, I hope that’s what it is.
I step closer first, slowly enough that she could object. “You sure about this, sweetheart? We can sleep on the floor downstairs. Hell, we can make the journey home if you’d rather we leave.”
Janey nods, then swallows. “I’m sure. I don’t want to be alone right now.”
Brookes closes the bedroom door with a soft click, then leans against it, arms folded across his chest. He doesn’t move any closer yet. He fixes his level, intense gaze on her like he’s memorizing everything he’s missed.
I know how he feels. She’s like water after a day digging holes for fence posts when my mouth feels like tumbleweed and my body is covered in dust and dirt.
Tonight, we’re both going to take care of her. Whatever she needs.
I reach out and brush a strand of hair behind her ear, letting my knuckles graze her cheek. “You’re tired. We’ll letyou rest. Keep you warm and safe, okay?”
Her eyes flick between us, uncertain but darkening.
“You think I’m going to be able to sleep with you in my bed without…”
“Without what, sweetheart?” Brookes takes a step closer.
“It’s been two months,” she says softly.
“You missed us?” I ask.
“Yeah. Of course.”
“You should have called us, sweetheart. Believe me, we would have been more than happy to give you what you need.”
She closes her eyes and shakes her head, like she’s recalling all the reasons she gave for refusing our suggestion of a date.
She thought we were a terrible idea then, but now?
I push away the disappointment and rejection because what’s the point of dwelling on the past when the present and future are right here for the taking.
I smile and cup her cheek.
“If you want us to make you feel good, take your clothes off, darlin’. Slowly. Let Brookes see you.”
She hesitates only a second before her hands move to the hem of her scrub top. She pulls it over her head, revealing a simple white bra that makes my mouth go dry.
It’s been two months, but she’s been walking through my mind all that time. I can’t count the times I’ve thought about her and jacked off, but it’s always been a shallow version of the real thing.
The pants follow, sliding down her legs until she’s standing in her underwear, soft curves and smooth skin glowing in the lamplight. Her hands drop to her belly,cupping it protectively, and I can’t take my eyes off the soft bump there. She’s showing already?
Brookes makes a low sound of approval from his place by the door. “Look at her, Mason. So damn pretty.”
“She is,” I agree, stepping in closer. I run my hands down her sides, feeling the slight tremble in her body. I won’t touch her belly this time. I can’t until she tells me she’s mine and we’re going to be fathers. When I can do more than hope.
“Arms up.”
She obeys, lifting them so I can unhook her bra and let it fall away. Her breasts are fuller than I remember, with darker, rosy nipples. She’s already changing. I cup one gently, thumb brushing over her nipple until it tightens.
“So beautiful,” I murmur. “I didn’t know you’re starting to show what we did to you.”
Janey’s cheeks flush, but she doesn’t look away.
