It was still pouring when they got home, and they all got wet dashing inside, though the kids were at least protected under blankets. Brogan went back out for the groceries. He’d just stepped inside when the lights flickered, but thankfully, they came right back on.
Since Brogan was soaked through, she insisted that he shower first and get into dry clothes straightaway.
He wanted to argue, that much was obvious from his surly demeanor, but as Pixie told him, he couldn’t hold Shayna with his clothes plastered to him.
Leaving Brogan to drip in the foyer, she said, “Just let me grab a few towels and some things from the bedroom, and then you can go in.” With Shayna and Andy both fussing, she darted into the room, grabbed clean, dry pajamas for Andy, a big sweatshirt and leggings for herself, and several towels.
As she hurried back, she heard Andy demanding his cup and a muffled reply from Brogan.
She stepped into the room in time to see Brogan peeling a wet T-shirt off over his head. He’d already removed his shoes and socks, and now he stood there dressed only in wet jeans.
Those, too, clung to him.
Pixie stalled. For one of the few times in her life, she didn’t hear Andy’s complaints. Her entire focus was on Brogan.
When he saw her, he ran a hand over his short hair. “I’m leaving a puddle on the floor.”
Spurred by the gentle reminder, Pixie drifted closer. “Oh, sorry.” She offered him the towel, then had to take a second to catch her breath as he ran the terry cloth over his chest and shoulders.
“Mam.”
Immediately, she turned to Andy. “Hold on, honey.” She dropped the clothes on the couch and raced into the kitchen toget his cup. Back in the living room, she shook out a big, soft blanket and got both kids dried off.
Pixie gave Andy his cup, then went about changing Shayna’s diaper. She didn’t hear Brogan’s approach until his big, bare feet came into view.Even his feet are sexy.Pixie shook her head and told herself to concentrate. She had a lot to accomplish in the next fifteen minutes. “Do you have anything to change into?”
“Sleep pants.”
“Good. I can put your clothes in the wash as soon as you’re done showering.”
“I’ll take care of my clothes.” His hand opened on the back of her head, his fingers cupped, and then combed into her hair. “I’m …”
Pixie finished Shayna’s diaper and lifted the baby so she rested against her shoulder before looking up at Brogan, waiting.
“I’m not used to any of this. I don’t mean to be ungrateful.”
“You’re never that.” Understanding exactly what he meant, she added, “I’m not used to it, either, but I keep thinking that being with you in a storm is better than being without you in the sunshine.”
His eyes went heavy; his thumb brushed her cheek. “You’re soft all over, Pixie—your hair, your skin, the way you care for people, and the things you say.” He slowly inhaled and stepped away.
“Fend,” Andy said, reaching up for him.
Just that easily, the spell was broken. Brogan grinned. “As soon as I finish my shower, I’ll give you plenty of hugs, buddy.” He cupped Andy’s head, much as he had Pixie’s.
With that, he stepped into the enclosed porch, grabbed a bag, and headed for the shower. “Five minutes, tops,” he promised as he passed.
Pixie started to tell him not to rush, but he’d already closed the door.
Their relationship was quickly changing, and each day he appeared to trust her a little more. It was risky, but she allowed herself to hope: for him, for more … for possibly a future. She hadn’t exaggerated when she’d shared her feelings. Any day with Brogan was better than a day without him.
Now she just needed to convince him.
CHAPTER13
Of all the twists and turns his life could have taken, Brogan had never seen this one coming. The week following the storm was nothing short of wild. It started with how differently Pixie acted toward him.
Proprietary. With more open affection. It was as if she’d come to a decision, and regardless of what he thought about it, she was going to proceed in the way she considered best.
She wanted to pamper him.
