AllFreeNovel
Share Us
They assembled around the counter while Dennis retrieved the cake and handed Dylan a knife to slice it. He cut a massive hunk for himself and a bunch of smaller pieces for everyone else. They plated the cake and took it outside, where they sat in a ring around a brazier and started anew. Hours later, Faith was still smiling.
That night,Shane invited Faith to stay in his bedroom. It was the first time they’d been open with his family about her sleeping over, and he hoped they’d made the right choice. As he lay with her cheek resting over his heart and her arm draped over his waist, all he could think was how lucky he was to have a second chance. She breathed softly, stirring his chest hair, but he didn’t believe she’d fallen asleep yet. Not after the romp they’d just had.
He dipped his chin to kiss her forehead. “You have no idea how long I’ve wanted to be with you.”
She tilted her face up, her lips curving into a lazy smile. “Probably only half as long as I’ve had a crush on you.”
“I doubt it.” A feeling of contentment settled over him, filling him with warmth. He could scarcely believe she was here in his arms. His very own miracle woman. “Back when you first started babysitting the boys, I wanted you. But I was so bitter and angry, I knew it would be wrong to make a move. Even now, I’m amazed you return my feelings. It makes no sense, but I suppose love rarely does. I’m just glad you’re here.” Cuddling her close, he dropped another kiss on the end of her nose.
Her eyes shone in the dark, as open and unguarded as ever. “I’ve liked you for just as long. Do you know how impossible it is to see a single dad who loves his two little boys with all his heart and not fall for him?” She nuzzled his throat. “I’ve wanted you to bend me over the couch and have your way with me from day one.”
His eyebrows shot up. “Oh, really?” Had he thought he was done for the night? Because he could definitely rally. “What else did you like about me?”
“Your smile, your protective streak, your kind heart. Oh, and don’t get me started on how hot you looked cradling Hunter.”
“I’ll cradle him any time you want, baby.”
She laughed, the corners of her eyes crinkling with humor. “He might protest these days. What about you?” She smoothed a hand up his chest. “What was it about me that made you have babysitter fantasies?”
“Honestly? I think it was how genuine you were.” He cleared his throat and hastened to add, “You’re beautiful, anyone could see that, but you never made pretenses. You were yourself, and people could take you as you came. After everything with Diana, that was a very attractive trait.”
“Huh.” She sounded surprised. “So, it wasn’t my bangin’ body or great rack?”
“They sweeten the deal,” he conceded, “But other women have those too. However, other women are not Faith St. John, and that’s who I fell in love with.” Perhaps it was the dark, and the fact they’d built a cocoon of safety around them, but he couldn’t stop himself from adding, “I hope you know I’m thinking long-term. As in, I want to put a ring on your finger one day.”
“Is that supposed to scare me?” she asked. “Because you’ll have to try harder. In fact, I might not let you out of this bed until you make good on your promise.”
He relaxed, tension easing from his body. “I wouldn’t mind if you did.”
They kissed as though they had all the time in the world. Their tongues touched and dragged against each other. Their caresses were slow and unhurried.
Something creaked in the hall outside, and they both froze, but then footsteps padded past and into the bathroom. Faith giggled, muffling the sound in his chest. But the interruption had reminded him of something.
“Hey, I always meant to tell you that my family would be staying for a while, but I just got sidetracked.”
She nodded. “I figured as much.” She kissed the underside of his jaw. “I know you have a ton of things to think about.”
He groaned. Hell, he could hardly think at all with her kissing him like that. “Join us.”
She drew back. “What?”
“I know you probably have plans, but I’d love it if you could join us for Christmas. As part of the family. Where you belong.”
“Hmm.” She appeared to mull it over. His heart hammered. Then she cracked a grin. “I’d love to. As long as I can invite Charity, because without me, she’ll probably spend the day alone. My parents will be away with friends.”
“Absolutely,” he agreed. “I want you to think of yourself as part of our family, and that means Charity is family too. She always has a place with us.”
Her expression softened. “You are the sweetest. I love you so much. Let me show you.”
She did. And by the time she finished, Shane had never felt more appreciated in his life.
