When she made it home, Saylor parked the truck in the driveway. She’d maneuver the big vehicle in the garage tomorrow. Carrying their things inside the quiet house, Saylor sat down on the couch and allowed herself to cry. She’d held herself together throughout the rest of class and on the way home. Finally alone, she surrendered to her sadness.
The buzzing of her phone made Saylor pull herself together. She wiped away the tears and checked the screen. Could he need a ride home?
Aspen’s name showed on the screen. She clicked the accept button on the video chat. “Hi!”
“Hey! Daddy told me the Littles have to wait until after this weekend to get together so we all get enough rest to recover. Want to come here for a sleepover on Monday?”
Thinking quickly of her schedule, Saylor said, “I have to teach a class Tuesday at ten. Is that too early for everyone? I don’t want to wake everyone up if people like to sleep in.”
“No, that’s fine. Giana wakes up early most mornings. Brooklyn, Pippa, and I won’t mind getting up by eight or nine. Maybe you could leave from here and sleep in a bit?” Aspen suggested.
“Definitely, that’s a good idea. Thank you, Aspen. I needed something to look forward to this week. Do you think they’ll be home by then?”
“Probably not. Keep hoping, though. We might get lucky again.” Aspen looked at Saylor for a moment and asked softly, “Are you okay?”
“No,” Saylor answered honestly. “I miss him so much.”
Aspen nodded slowly. “I miss my daddy too. We all do. We have video calls a lot during their deployments. Usually around seven-thirty because we all have to be in bed at eight. Did Max give you a bedtime?”
“Eight, unless I have an evening class. Then it’s as soon as I can shower and jump in bed.”
“We’ll loop you in on our calls then. Today’s Thursday. Do you have any other evening classes?” Aspen asked.
“Not this semester. Hey, it’s nine now. Aren’t you supposed to be in bed?”
“Shhh! That’s why I’m the only one on the call. Don’t tell on me.”
“Never!” Saylor promised.
“You’re a good friend. Go take a shower and wash those tears away. Think of all the hot sex you’ll have with Max when he gets back.”
“Oh! I hadn’t thought of that. Thank you for calling. You helped me.”
“We’re a team, just like the guys. Sleep well, Saylor.”
“Pet Rexy for me. Dream well!”
Saylor stared at the blank screen. She didn’t understand why Aspen’s phone call had helped so much, but she didn’t feel alone now. And Monday, they could have another sleepover. She realized they could have another sleepover any time. The guys were gone and wouldn’t know. But that felt so wrong. She wanted to be good for Max.
Roaming around the house, Saylor closed the blinds and made sure the doors were locked. She couldn’t bring herself to turn out the light in the family room. Perhaps her daddy would come home early again. She didn’t want him to walk into a dark house.
After showering, she pulled on Max’s T-shirt that she slept in. Well, that she had gotten used to wearing to bed. When she felt good, that shirt ended up on the floor quickly. She’d hoped to convince him to make love to her tonight.
The bottle of antibiotics sat on the nightstand. Saylor shook one out into her hand. The suppository looked huge in her palm. Could she get it placed in her bottom? Coating her finger with lubricant, she did her best. Her daddy sure made that look a lot easier. A lot more enjoyable, too.
Washing her hands, Saylor headed into the bedroom and climbed up on the mattress. The sheets were cool, making her shiver. Missing Max, she scooted over to stretch out in his spot and buried her face in his pillow. She pulled her stuffed octopus into her arms and kissed his cheerful face.
“I’m sure glad you’re here, Tapper. I wish you could tell me a night-night story.”
Her phone buzzed on the nightstand. Saylor rolled over to her side to grab it. Her daddy had sent her a voicemail.
“I love you, baby. Be good. Take your medicine. I’ll miss you.”
Saylor didn’t answer, figuring he wouldn’t be able to access it. She listened to his message a dozen times before replacing her phone on the charger.
“Night, Daddy. Come home safely.”
CHAPTER 15
