Page 50 of Unveiled

Sending an imploring gaze at Amy, she admitted defeat. “I need to go home.”

Amy let out a little laugh. “I can’t believe you made it this long.”

Adalyn drummed her fingers on the steering wheel as she drove home, anticipation and worry warring in her heart. All the while, she imagined dozens of scenarios of what she might find at home. The house would probably be a mess. Jaxon would probably be haggard, Jaclyn grumpy and crabby.

He wasn’t used to dealing with toddlers, and she could only imagine the crying and yelling that might have gone on that day. Worry won out as she pulled up to the house and jumped out of the car.

The silence that greeted her when she pushed the door open was unnerving. She blew out a breath as she stepped inside and kicked off her heels. Locking up, she made her way toward the living room at the back of the house. Jaxon had said something about going to the park; maybe they were still out. Her brain froze and her heart tripped in her chest as she rounded the corner and took in the scene before her.

Jaxon’s huge body was sprawled out on the couch, Jaclyn perched atop his bare chest, fast asleep. For a long moment, she remained frozen. Tears pricked her eyes and burned the back of her throat. They looked so perfect, so sweet together, and the sight sent her heart pitter-pattering against her ribs.

Her eyes skimmed over his bare, well-defined pecs. Why was he naked? She ventured closer and barely held back a sigh of relief—or maybe disappointment. He wore a pair of black gym shorts that rode low on his waist, the band of his boxer briefs peeking out. His chest rose and fell on deep, even breaths as he slept. Jaclyn lay draped over him, held securely in place by Jaxon’s hand firmly on her back. She didn’t want to disturb them, but he couldn’t be comfortable like that.

She reached out to pick Jaclyn up, but Jaxon’s free hand shot upward. She let out a soft gasp of surprise as his eyes popped open and his fingers wrapped around her wrist.

“Shh.” His voice was barely a whisper, the slight shake of his head stopping her. “Leave her.”

“Are you sure? I can take her to her room.”

His hand slipped down her arm until his fingers brushed hers. “I like her just like this. Why don’t you go change, take a few minutes to relax and unwind?”

“Are you sure?”

“Of course.” His thumb lightly stroked the back of her hand, sending tiny shivers of awareness through her body. He gave a gentle tug, and she sat on the edge of the couch, the flesh of her hip burning where it pressed against his.

She kept her voice soft. “How was she?”

“Perfect.” A smile lit up his face before it twisted into a wry smirk. “Well, mostly. That last bottle of milk didn’t sit well with her, so most of it ended up on me.”

She pressed a hand over her mouth to cover her smile. “I’m so sorry.”

“No, you’re not,” he teased softly, giving her hand a squeeze. “You’re just glad it wasn’t you.”

She lifted a shoulder. “I’m kind of used to it. But, yeah, I’m kind of glad she puked on you and not me.”

“Brat.” He gave a little half-laugh, and the baby wiggled, one tiny foot twitching in her sleep.

Jaxon stroked one hand comfortingly down Jaclyn’s spine, calming her. His palm covered almost her entire back, looking huge in relation to her small body.

A smile curved Adalyn’s mouth as she took in the stark contrast between Jaclyn’s fair skin and Jaxon’s swarthy, sun-kissed flesh. Her gaze dropped to where their hands were still joined. It made her heart race in her chest, but she was reluctant to pull away. She liked the feel of his hand on hers, strong and warm.

“Whatcha lookin’ at?”

His thumb slid over the back of her hand again, and her cheeks flamed as she met his gaze. She shook her head. “Oh, it was nothing.”

He lifted a brow but stayed silent.

“Well.” She cleared her throat to rid it of the rasp choking her voice as she stood. “I, um… I guess I’ll go change then.”

Jaxon’s clear blue eyes slid down her torso, leaving a trail of fire in their wake as they skimmed lower. Heat gathered in her core as his appreciative gaze slowly lifted to hers. “You better get out of here while you still have a chance.”

She scooted from the room, tossing one last glance over her shoulder just before she headed down the hallway. Bright blue eyes were still locked on her, and her heart pattered away in her chest, filled with a happiness she hadn’t felt in years.

CHAPTER

TWENTY-EIGHT

They put the baby to bed, then Jaxon pulled Adalyn down the stairs. He needed her in his arms—right that second.