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They grin and wrap hugs around my legs at the same time.
James clears his throat from the doorway, making me jump.
“Trev is going to take both girls tonight,” he tells me, and I turn to him.
I just nod. I have no available words. The girls push past us and stomp down the stairs.
He’s changed into black sweatpants and a plain white t-shirt that stretches across his broad shoulders and over his abdomen, leaving me almost panting. He didn’t shave, and the stubble on his jawline just makes me remember the way it rubbed against my thighs while...
“I’ll clean up downstairs.” His voice comes out gruff and I wonder what he’s thinking. His eyes scrape over my face, then travel. They linger for a second too long on the front of my blouse, and I look down.
“Oh.”
Water had splashed while I was helping the girls wash, and the lace outline of the new bra I’d put on this morning is showing through the wet white silk as if I wasn't even wearing a shirt. My nipples were standing proudly at attention.
“I’ll just change and be right down.” I step toward the door, but he doesn’t move out of my way.
“Lorelai.”
I look up at him.
“I’m s'glad you’kay.” Emotion clouds his voice, making the words a jumble, but I understand. His arms lift and he puts a hand around each of my shoulders. He clears his throat. “I was terrified when I got the panic room notification.” He pulls me into his chest, and my arms go around his back.
I close my eyes and try to memorize the way this feels. I note where his arms cross, his palms stretched out, thumbs rubbing back and forth. The curves of his chest under my cheek, his very hard erection pressing into my stomach. Fuck, this feels so good. I want to hold on and never let go.
But it can’t last forever. He releases me and moves back to give me room to pass him. I sigh and push my door closed, sliding on jeans and a long sleeve tee. I grab my old boots and tie the too-short laces. When I come out, he’s downstairs ushering everyone out.
I pick up my bag from where someone graciously picked it up from the floor and placed it on the entry table and follow them. I see Trev and the girls pulling out, then the marked cars.
One of the uniformed officers is holding the passenger door of his SUV open for me. My brother is slumped in the back seat behind the divider. I step toward them, but James catches my arm.
He reaches up and moves a stray strand of hair from my cheek. “Get Brayden settled and come back safely,” he says, cupping my face. When he pulls his hand away, his thumb brushes the corner of my mouth and I gasp at the heat of it. I search his eyes. He’s been steadfastly avoiding physical contact, so I’m not sure what to make of this.
“Miss Mills?” The officer calls, and I turn away. But I watch James watching us pull out into the street.
Chapter 38
~~ James ~~
"Daddy?”
I’m spearing pot roast and vegetables from the crockpot onto Princess plates, wondering what Lorelai would’ve made to add to this. Maybe some garlic toast or a salad with some surprising toppings.
“What baby girl? I answer on autopilot. My brain is still trying to wrap my head around the last week.
I’d woken to my phone alarm Friday morning on the couch, covered with a blanket. Lorelai had already left for work, and her room was cleared of all her belongings. Now it’s been a week since I saw her.
“Daddy!”
Damn, I missed what she said. Emilie has been hateful all week and wouldn’t speak to me about it. She and Becca have only been talking in whispers I couldn’t make out. I should damn well give her my full attention.
“I’m sorry, honey. I’m listening now.” I set the plates down in front of the girls and sit down. I look across the table at the twin sets of caramel eyes.
“Mizz Mills said if sumpin’ was on my mind, I should talk to you. She said not to be angered ‘til I have facts.” She stretches out the last word like she’s sounding out the letters.
“Miss Mills is very smart. And you girls are smart for taking her suggestions.”
“Did you make her leave?” The most accusatory tone comes out of my four-year-old's mouth.
