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James leaned in, kissed me on the cheek, and left. I stood in the suite for a few minutes, taking in my surroundings. On the left, glass walls enclosed the tiled shower which was larger than my home bathroom. A ridiculous number of decorative fixtures projected an opulent display of twinkling lights around the ceiling. There was a separate steam shower room and a sauna, both spewing vapor. Two marble sinks adorned the elegant bathroom, offering a touch of luxury. On top of the counters sat lotions, toiletries and scented candles, each set in a beautiful ceramic container that probably cost more than my monthly rent. It had everything I’d ever want, except for a man who came with it all.
I locked the door and plopped on the couch near the double-sided fireplace. Its warmth provided comfort as I gazed out of the large window at the bubbling hot tub. Moments later, the phone rang.
“Hello?” I picked up the receiver.
“Allie’s running a fever.” James whispered, his voice muffled by a mask. “Julia thinks we should take her to the hospital.”
“Oh no! I’m on my way–””
“–Laura, don’t. You don’t want to catch what she has. We’ll make an arrangement for Allie’s transfer.”
“Thank you. I really appreciate the help.”
“Of course. I’ll see you in the morning. Good night, Laura.”
“Good night, James.”
I hung up. The enormous clock on the wall declared I had only six hours until morning, yet I couldn’t sleep. I removed my shoes and pulled off my clothes until I was wearing just my bra and panties before grabbing a luxurious robe from the bathroom and tightening it around myself. The outside thermometer read a measly thirteen degrees.
“You only live once.”
I dashed across the deck barefoot, shedding the robe on my way, and plunged into the steaming hot tub. The roaring jets felt amazing against my sore muscles. I lowered my body until water bubbled up to my chin. Steam rose around me as a party roared somewhere nearby, but I couldn’t see anyone. It didn’t seem like James would come back, either.
I soaked in the hot tub until warmth penetrated my bones and my fingers shriveled. When I returned inside, I realized all of my clothes were back in my room. I paced to a walk-in closet and dragged my finger over the neatly stacked t-shirts. I picked the one on top, slipping my arms into the enormous holes. The shirt swallowed me. It smelled of expensive cologne and spring. I hadn’t realized how cold I’d been until my skin warmed with the cloth’s softness. He smelled like home, but he wasn’t here.
Tired, I headed to the bedroom and slipped underneath the fluffy covers. They were saturated with his scent, like a torturous drug, reminding me of what could have been. My hand trailed across the soft sheets, and I snuggled into my pillow. I slept without dreaming, but it was one of the most comfortable nights I’d had in a long time.
When I awoke and opened my eyes, I was staring into an identical pair: Kensi’s.
CHAPTER 4
JAMES
Their giggles carried from the bedroom. I set my coffee aside and paced to the door, leaning against the frame.
Laura and Kensi lay sprawled across the bed, moving their legs and arms up and down, their laughter filling the air like the sweetest melody.
My oversized clothes draped over Laura’s slender figure, the t-shirt sloping down her shoulders and well past her knees. A heat stirred within me, snaking its way downward as I adjusted my jeans. I longed to undress her, to feel her smooth skin pressed against mine, and to ravish her. But Kensi was here.
I cleared my throat, causing them both to jump. “What’s so funny?”
Laura sat up straight and tried to compose herself.
“Look, Daddy! We’re making snow angels!” Kensi’s arms flapped up and down on the plush duvet.
My skin tingled as I pushed away from the doorframe and crossed the room. I lowered myself onto the bed beside Laura, my eyes tracing the curves of her perky breasts like a starving man at a feast.
“That’s great, sweetheart. But we usually make snow angels outside. Go get dressed, Kensi. We’ll have breakfast and go make snow angels outside.”
“Yay!”
Kensi hopped off the bed and ran across the suite to her room.
“Good morning,” Laura tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear. Her hazel eyes met mine, and a faint blush painted her cheeks.
“Good morning,” I leaned in and placed a kiss on her cheek. “I guess you met my daughter.”
“Yeah, I guess.”
