Page 43 of Sinister Secrets

Jake grumbles about his plan being ruined against my neck. The tickle of his hot breath, the roughness of the scruff on his cheek brushing against the sensitive skin sends a shiver of pleasure spreading through me, distracting me too much to be annoyed. Only… the TV is still blaring.

As much as I don’t want to end this moment, I can’t help it. “Is she still out there?” I whisper.

Jake pulls away with a groan. We both look at the door. Bending over, I peek beneath it and see the shadow of Chelsea’s feet. Now I’m irritated, too.

Crossing over to the door, I throw it open. Chelsea stands there wringing her hands, wearing such a pitiful expression that the angry words that had been perched on the tip of my tongue vanish.

“Sorry. I really didn’t want to bother you again.”

“But?”

“But can I pee real quick?”

Jake pinches his eyes closed like he has a headache as Chelsea darts across the room to the master bath.

“I’ll call a plumber in the morning,” I promise him.

“I already spoke with several. The earliest I can get someone out is next week.”

Stifling a groan, I pick up a pair of slacks from the top of the laundry hamper and hang them up, killing time. Put away another pair. Fold several shirts. Mate some socks. Finally, Chelsea reappears.

“All done,” she says cheerfully. “Have a great night. Sleep well.”

Following her to the door, I lock it after her, then turn back to Jake. Grin at him as I close the distance between us. “Now, where were we?”

Needing to erase the tension that’s set his jaw on edge, I wrap my fingers around his belt, using it to pull him closer. Slide my hands under his shirt, running my palms over his stomach, his muscled chest, his neck as he takes over shedding the item, my fingers threading in his hair as his arms wrap around me. The TV falls silent.

“Wow, it’s really quiet,” he says, casting a glance at the door.

I wiggle my eyebrows as I push myself against him, not wanting him to get distracted.

“I promise I won’t listen,” Chelsea yells from the living room.

Jake curses, releasing me. “She’s like an annoying little sister.”

“I think she’s just lonely.”

“Well, I wish she’d find some kids her own age to play with.”

“I’ll ask her to leave,” I offer.

“No, don’t bother.”

But there’s a note of discontent in his tone.

“Why not?”

“Because you want her here.”

I gape at him as he drops his pants and gets in bed. “I don’t want her here.”

“Then why’s she out there in our living room right now? Who gave her the code to the house?”

“I regret doing that. But she needs our help.”

“And you’re giving it to her.”

“I thought you liked when I’m in a giving mood,” I try joking as I slide under the covers beside him. He gives me a grumpy look. I place my hand low on his stomach as I lean over to give him a kiss.