Page 76 of Ruin

I do kind of miss putting Gigi to bed, but I’ve had four years of doing it, so I figure it’s only right to let Zeus do it for now.

“If you wait, I’ll help you when I come down.”

“It’s fine.” I wave him off. I give Gigi a good-night kiss. “Night, baby.”

“Night, Mommy,” she mumbles, sounding exhausted.

“Maybe skip brushing her teeth tonight,” I tell Zeus, “and just put her straight to bed.”

“Got it,” he says.

I watch him carry her upstairs, emotion swelling inside me at the sight of them together like that.

I swear, every time I see Zeus carrying her, my ovaries do a shimmy, and I can’t help but think, What if…

Shaking my head clear of those thoughts, I head into the kitchen and start on the cleanup.

I’ve just finished filling the dishwasher up when Zeus comes in.

“She asleep?” I ask.

“The second her head hit the pillow. I didn’t even have to read her a story.”

“I think all the excitement and the football game wiped her out.”

“Yeah,” he agrees. Then, “You should have let me clean up. You did all the cooking.”

“It’s not a problem,” I tell him.

“Have I told you those cupcakes you made were amazing?”

“Only about ten times.”

“Clearly not enough then.”

His eyes sparkle, and I feel a pang of attraction in my gut.

I look away and start wiping down the sink.

“You sure I can’t do anything to help?” His voice sounds closer now, deeper and lower, reminding me of long, drugging kisses and hot nights in his arms.

“No. I’m all done,” I say, but I don’t turn around. I’m feeling flustered and heated, and I don’t want him to see what I know is written on my face right now—desire.

I hate the effect just his voice can have on me.

“Well then, I guess I’ll head off.”

“I’ll see you out.” I pick up the hand towel and dry my hands, taking time to cool down. Then, I turn and follow him out to the front door.

He opens it and steps outside into the night before facing me. He holds the frame with his hand, and my eyes are pulled to his forearm and the veins strongly running through it.

I’ve traced those veins with my tongue. I’ve tasted every single part of this man. There isn’t a part of his body that I haven’t seen or touched. Or he with mine.

I feel an ache between my legs and press my thighs together.

He wets his lips. “Cam…I know I’ve already said it once today, but thank you for having them all here and making them feel so welcome.”

I realize that I’m staring at his mouth, so I lift my gaze to his eyes. “They are welcome anytime.” And I mean it.