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When we got home, I entered the house as quietly as possible, careful not to wake Shawn. Once I got him settled in his crib, I headed back downstairs to retrieve my purse and the diaper bag. I was hot and tired after being out longer with Macy than I’d planned. A shower then a nap sounded good, but before that could be done, I needed to call Malcolm back. He’d finally called while Macy and I were out, and had apologized for not calling sooner. Digging through my bag, I found my phone, and then dialed his number. He answered on the second ring.
“I was starting to think you forgot about me,” he said, and I could hear the humor in his voice.
“You know how time has no meaning to your sister,” I replied with a laugh as I headed to the sofa.
“That’s true. So whatcha up to?”
“Nothing. Um…Shawn’s napping, and I’m thinking about joining him.” I kicked off my shoes and propped my feet up on the coffee table.
“A nap…I was hoping to come see you.”
There was a hint of disappointment in his voice, and I chewed on the corner of my bottom lip as I thought of a reply. Having visitors at my house was not something I enjoyed. The eventual “when would I move” topic always came up, and I knew that since he’d gotten the house I’d be faced with it again. However, it didn’t matter whether he came over or not, that conversation was inevitable. Macy had said as much today.
“No…you can come. I’m sure Shawn will be happy to see you.”
“Only Shawn?” he asked, with an edge to his voice.
“No…I guess I wouldn’t mind seeing you.” I tried to sound playful.
Mal laughed, which was a good sign. After we hung up, I headed to take a shower. Being able to take a nice, long, leisurely shower was one of the things I missed since becoming a mom. Nowadays, they were quick five-minute events because I was too nervous Shawn would get hurt while I wasn’t watching.
Stepping out of the bathroom, I heard Shawn calling for me on the baby monitor. I dressed quickly in a pair of blue shorts and gray T-shirt before going to retrieve him from his crib. When I stepped into the room, his deep blue eyes sparkled, and his face lit up. With each passing day, he looked more and more like Seth. He haunted me through our son.
Shawn’s arms stretched out toward me. “Ma-Ma!”
Pushing away my negative thoughts, I gave him a warm smile as I picked him up. I’d just finished getting his diaper changed when I heard Mal’s voice come over the intercom.
After buzzing him in, Shawn and I headed downstairs. Malcolm had a huge grin on his face when he saw us standing in the doorway. Shawn squirmed in my arms when Mal climbed out of his truck, so I put him down. Malcolm scooped Shawn up and swung him around in the air, and he erupted in a fit of bubbly giggles.
Malcolm looked over in my direction. His hazel eyes shone with amusement as he walked to me. The smile on his face was contagious, and I returned it freely.
Chapter 9
Malcolm
Ginger looked genuinely happy to see me. My eyes took in her beautiful form. The blue shorts she wore were surprisingly short, stopping just below the curve of her thighs. Her T-shirt fit loosely, but did nothing to hide the generous swell of her breasts.
After everything had happened, she’d taken her modest clothing to a new level, opting to be fully covered at all times. She’d worn nothing but sweatpants and long sleeved shirts, even in the dead of summer, for a full year.
“Why are you staring at me like that?”
I put Shawn down, and he walked off toward th
e living room. “Why do most men stare at a beautiful woman?” I asked, wrapping my arms around her waist.
“Because they’re pervs,” she replied playfully, reaching behind her to pry my hands free.
“Because they appreciate what they see,” I corrected, trapping her hands beneath mine. Her hair was damp, and mostly plastered to her head minus a few strands that curled at the end. The soft, cherry blossom scent was more pronounced now since she’d just showered. I couldn’t help but let my mind wander to an image of her standing naked under the water, soaping her delicious body. Leaning down, I gave in to the overwhelming urge to kiss her.
She tensed; pulling her hands free, she gave a gentle push against my chest. I broke from the kiss, rested my forehead against hers, and let out a quiet sigh.
“I’m sorry,” she whispered.
I took a deep breath before stepping back to give her space. “Don’t be.”
Ginger turned her attention down the hall when we heard the sound of toys being spilled onto the floor, followed by Shawn’s babbling. Taking her chin in my hands, I turned her attention back to me.
“We’re taking things at your pace, Ginger, but I will probably slip up every once in a while. You make it hard not to.” I gave her a smile that would hopefully erase the worried expression on her face. “Like right now. Those shorts…they are driving me crazy.”
