“I assume you’re tired, though?”
Because he said it like a question, she answered honestly. “Not particularly. I think I enjoyed the evening too much.” She grinned. “Guess I got my own second wind.”
Brogan’s jaw worked as he looked at Andy with his head on her shoulder, his eyes heavy. “I don’t want to push my luck, but do you think you’d want to …”
When he didn’t finish, Pixie’s heart started racing. “Would I want to what?”
He glanced at Shayna, back at Andy, then at Pixie. “Would you want to let the kids sleep so we can talk a little longer?” He went on, “I totally get it if you want me to hit the road. I can’t stay much longer anyway. Definitely not more than an hour. I just thought—”
“I’d love to,” Pixie said before he could retract the offer. She thought of how the day had gone, how easily Brogan had taken charge at the restaurant, how he’d run to the rescue of a boy he didn’t know, then willingly agreed to meet Ellen at the hospital.
She thought of how he’d played with Andy, how he’d cared for Shayna.
And she thought of those awful scars on his body.
He’d gone above and beyond, not just today, but apparently for most of his life. If tonight he needed to talk, she’d happily listen.
They stared at each other a moment; then she let out a shaky breath. “Make yourself at home. I should be back in fifteen minutes or so.”
“Long enough to read him a story?”
She trailed her fingers over her son’s spiky pale hair, then kissed his forehead. “Always. Every night.” Smiling at Brogan, she admitted, “I enjoy it as much as he does.” She started to turn away; then it occurred to her. “Oh, there’s only one bathroom—it’s through the bedroom. I need to brush his teeth, but if you’d like to go first?”
“Okay, thanks. I’ll make it quick.” He went past her … through the kitchen and into her bedroom.
Pixie stared after him. He didn’t rush, and she saw him glance around the bedroom as he entered. She had the panicked thought that she might have left something out of place.A bra? Panties? Please don’t let it be either.Jeans, shoes, or a top—she could handle that.
She was tidy, but not fanatical about it, especially when she also had to get Andy ready to go out.
Less than a minute later, she heard the toilet flush, heard water run, and assumed Brogan was using her scented soft soap to wash his hands.
It struck her as funny.
She, Pixie Nolan, had a man in her house. Not just any man, but Brogan Rafferty. All six feet five inches of him.
And he wasn’t justinher house, but he’d walked through her bedroom, too.
The very moment he reappeared in the doorway, Pixie rushed past him. “I won’t be long,” she said quietly, and she slipped into the room, her gaze searching every surface.Whew!Fortunately, the only things out of place were a few of Andy’s toys and her sleep shirt.
Without thinking about it, she kissed Andy’s sleepy little face. “Today is a day of monumental proportions.”
When Andy cuddled closer and yawned, she knew she had to get his teeth cleaned now or it wasn’t going to happen.
“Do you want a book, Andy?” she asked as she carried him into the bathroom.
“Book,” he agreed sleepily.
Pixie was grateful that he didn’t ask about the baby—or his friend.
CHAPTER6
Brogan could hear her quiet voice reading to Andy as he changed Shayna’s diaper and put her into a clean gown. His little Sugar was out, and he didn’t expect her to wake for at least a few hours. To help keep her asleep, he needed to turn on some soft music, but he also wanted to hear Pixie.
What a surprise she was.
When she’d mentioned the resemblance between the kids, it had shocked the hell out of him. Babies just looked like babies, right? But not these two. They definitely shared some features, which meant he needed to get to the heart of the matter. Now … tonight.
The timing couldn’t have been worse. The day had been full of turmoil—at least until Pixie turned it nice with a warm meal and her laughter. His mouth twitched again, just remembering her out-of-control amusement. She was a beautiful woman, elfin in appearance with her big eyes, slim nose, and narrow chin. At least until she laughed. Then those blue eyes sparkled and her cheeks flushed and dimples showed in her cheeks.
