AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Here it is,” Libby cries as she appears from the kitchen with Jacob’s bottle in her hand. She catches sight of us on the floor and pauses. “Oh, I’m sorry. Am I interrupting something?” Aria pulls her hand away and shakes her head.
“No, no. We’re just talking,” she says quickly before taking a mouthful of her wine. Seeing how uncomfortable she is, I change the subject. “How’s dinner coming along?” Libby looks between us before handing me Jacob’s milk.
“Good. It’s almost done.”
I nod and stand up. “Your milk is ready, Jacob.” I pick him up and settle him in the corner of the sofa before handing him his bottle. “I think he’ll be asleep before dinner is ready.” Expecting him to immediately start drinking his milk, I’m surprised when he wriggles off the sofa, bottle in hand. Walking over to Aria, he turns and backs up, sitting right in her lap. My heart explodes in my chest as she wraps her arms around him, placing a kiss on his silky blond hair. I think Jacob might be as captivated by Aria as I am, and I think we might both be in trouble.
Aria
Sitting on the sofa at Libby and Mason’s, I’m stuffed after eating the lasagna Mason served. It was delicious, and I’d even helped myself to seconds. I’ve also had three glasses of wine, which is maybe why I’m feeling so relaxed. I’ve had a great night, and the cutest little boy is asleep beside me. It wasn’t something I’d been expecting, but I’d loved it when Jacob had decided to sit with me and drink his milk. I think Jack was a little surprised too.
The evening flies by and is filled with laughter and conversation. Libby and Jack tell me all about their childhood in England, and Jack talks about his job, and what brought him and Jacob to the ranch. I tell Jack a little about how I got into horse training, and it feels like I’ve known him forever.
“I guess I better get this little guy home and into bed,” Jack says as he stands up.
“I’ll walk back with you. Let Libby get some rest.”
“I’m okay,” Libby says on a yawn, and I laugh.
“You’re growing a person, Lib. You need to sleep.” I’m sure she doesn’t need reminding of this, but I can see she’s tired.
“If you insist. I am pretty whacked.”
“Thanks for dinner, you guys. I’ve had a great night. Maybe Jack and I could repay the favor next time Claire and Ryan go out? You up for that, Jack?”
“Definitely. I’m a wiz in the kitchen,” Jack says with a grin. Libby bursts out laughing, and Jacob stirs on the sofa. She puts her finger to her lips and shushes us, even though she’s the one making the noise.
“Since when were you a wiz in the kitchen?” she whispers.
“Okay, I’m not,” he admits, his hands going up in defeat. “But I can do a mean toasted cheese.”
“I think between us we can manage something a little more elaborate than toasted cheese,” I assure them.
Jack leans into me and places his mouth by my ear. His breath is hot on my skin and his dark stubble tickles my ear. He says something, but I have no idea what. All I can think about is how his mouth is almost on me, and how good it feels to have him so close. He steps back slightly and our eyes lock. I know my cheeks must be flushed, and a smile pulls on his lips as he realizes how affected I am by him. Libby clears her throat and I step away from Jack, the lust haze lifted.
After a round of goodbyes, we’re finally on our way back to the house. Jacob is fast asleep on Jack’s shoulder, and we walk the short distance from the cottage in comfortable silence. As we climb the porch steps, I hold the door open for him.
“Do you want a drink in the den after I’ve put Jacob down?” he asks as I close the door behind us. “I think Claire and Ryan are still out.”
“Erm… okay. I’ll just get changed. Do you need any help?”
“Nah, I’ll be okay. Meet you back down here in ten?” I nod before following him upstairs. Jacob is still fast asleep, but I’m guessing he might wake up if Jack has to change his diaper. He already has on cute little dinosaur pajamas, so at least he doesn’t have to get him changed.
“Isn’t he in your room?” I whisper as Jack walks past the room I know he’s staying in. He shakes his head.
“Uncle Ryan set Hope’s old cot up in one of the other rooms when they knew we were coming. He sleeps in his own room at home and is in a good routine. I didn’t want him to get used to sleeping with me.” He comes to a stop outside the room opposite mine.
“That makes sense. Here, let me get the door.” I reach around him and swing the door open. “Do you want the night-light on?” I ask, seeing a unicorn-shaped light on the dresser.
“Please. That’ll give me just enough light to get him ready for bed.” I walk into the room and turn the night-light on at the wall. A dull light illuminates the room just enough to allow him to walk in without tripping over anything. He comes to stand next to me, a sleeping Jacob still in his arms.
“I’ll see you downstairs, then?”
He nods and my eyes drop to Jacob. He looks so peaceful. His head is on Jack’s shoulder, his long eyelashes resting on his chubby cheeks. Reaching out my hand, I stroke his face. “Goodnight, sweetheart.” Without thinking, I place my hand on Jack’s arm and go up on my tiptoes to kiss Jacob on the cheek. Surprise flashes across Jack’s face, and I realize maybe I shouldn’t have done that. Embarrassed, I drop my hand.
“I’ll leave you to it,” I mumble as I walk backwards. I’m sure he thinks I’m crazy. When I reach the door, I lift my eyes to see Jack watching me, a smile pulling on his lips. Relief courses through me and I give him a small smile back, slipping out of the room before I make a bigger idiot of myself.
After changing into some yoga pants, I go downstairs and into the kitchen. Deciding to stick to wine, not wanting to mix drinks and get sick, I reach for an open bottle in the fridge. I guess Jack will want a beer, so I grab him a bottle before heading into the den. I’ve drunk most of my drink by the time I hear the den door open.
