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Jase turned on two of the lamps in the living room. He took his time drinking his beer while he looked around. It might be neat and clean, but there were still plenty of examples of kids living here. He chuckled when he saw three controllers for the PlayStation. Looked like Mom played with her kids. That was great to see. He went to the shelves and saw some battered paperbacks interspersed with a lot of pictures of the twins. Occasionally there would be a picture with the three of them, but mostly it was Bonnie taking pictures of her kids.

Jase picked up one where they were at Disney World. All three of them were sporting Mickey Mouse ears. The kids looked to be about three as they grinned into the camera. Even back then, he could see the mischief in the kids’ eyes and the love and pride in Bonnie’s. Nothing had changed.

“That’s one of my favorites,” Bonnie said as she walked into the living room.

“Were they three or four?”

“That was for their fourth birthday. That was the first day when they realized there were some rides they were too small for. After that it was touch and go.” Bonnie came to stand next to Jase and he put his arm around her shoulders.

“I like your kids. I liked them at Farah and Malik’s house, but I really enjoyed spending time with them today.”

“They liked you too. You’re now Lach’s hero for teaching him how to hit the ball better. My guess is that Amber is still withholding judgment until she sees her hitting the ball at the cages isn’t just a onetime fluke.”

Jase joined Bonnie’s laugh.

“Your daughter is a lot like you. Both of you are hard nuts to crack.”

“You aced it with the food. They loved the macaroni and cheese, meatballs, and the spumoni. Lachlan was so relieved to see it was ice cream.” They both laughed. “My daughter can also be bought with good food.”

Jase put down the picture and turned Bonnie in his arms so they were looking at one another. “I know you don’t want to introduce a boyfriend to your kids.” Jase winced at the word.

“I don’t know how anybody could call you a boy,” Bonnie said as she looked up at him. “But you’re right, I never want my kids to get caught up in mommy having men friends or boyfriends hanging around and then disappearing. I refuse to do that to my children.”

“I respect that. I like how I’m just Malik’s brother. But is it safe for Malik’s brother to kiss you?” Jase asked. He glanced toward the twins’ bedrooms.

“I could call my kids’ names with a bullhorn and it wouldn’t wake them, not after the day they had.”

“In that case.” Jase touched his lips to hers, and she sighed with pleasure.

* * *

And she’d thought the other night’s kiss was potent. Boy, was she wrong. Tonight’s kiss was out of this world. Maybe it had something to do with how he had interacted with her babies. Bonnie wasn’t sure. But right now, here in the safety of Jase’s arms, she was melting.

Jase feathered his fingers against her jaw and it caused tingles to cascade through her entire body. He must have felt her shivers because he pulled her closer. He held her up. Her fingers twisted into the sides of his t-shirt, trying to find purchase in a world that was swirling around her.

Tonight, Jase’s kiss wasn’t slow and seductive like before. Instead, he was hungry and greedy, and Bonnie reveled in it. That she caused this big, experienced man to feel this way about her made her feel beautiful and desired.

Then her world felt upside down, and she realized he had picked her up, and before she even realized she was in his arms, he was lowering her to the sofa. Instead of lying over her like he had before, he nestled her against the back of the couch and lay beside her, then tugged the blanket from the top of the couch over them.

Oh goodie. Even if we’re at second base, the kids won’t be able to tell if they wake up for a glass of water. What a smart man.

“What has you grinning, gorgeous?”

“Just appreciating your attention to detail, that’s all.” Bonnie tugged at his t-shirt so that she could get her hands on those abs that she had been admiring since the day of the party.

So good. So, so, good.

“So, you plan to make it to second base this time, huh?” Jase asked.

“Seems only fair,” Bonnie giggled.

“Let’s see if I can distract you.”

He put a finger under her chin and her mouth blossomed under his kiss. Soon lips, teeth, and tongues meshed together, both of them trying to get closer. Trying to consume one another.

It was Jase who pulled away first, his breathing heavy. His eyes were glittering wildly. “Too much?”

Bonnie sank her nails into his chest. “Not enough,” she breathed.