Dom gripped him up in gentle bear hug. “That’s my boy!” Ashley and Karen giggled at the two as they rough-housed on the floor.
Dom had hung back to talk with Kyle alone after Karen had tucked the child in for the night. Sitting down on the side of the twin bed covered in Spiderman sheets and a matching quilt, Dom smiled down at Kyle. “So did you pick out a name for your gerbil yet?”
Kyle rolled his eyes toward the ceiling as if in deep thought. “No, not yet.”
Lifting a thick brow, Dom questioned, “Not yet? Why not?”
“I dunno,” Kyle answered, hunching his slight shoulders. Cocking his head to the side on his pillow, he asked, “Mr. Dom, is it a boy or girl gerbil?”
Uh-oh. Dom rubbed the stubble on his chin. “You know, I’ll have to call the pet store to find out.”
Kyle smacked his forehead with the palm of his hand. “How can I name it when I don’t know if it’s a boy or a girl?”
Chuckling, Dom agreed. “Yeah, you got a point there, little man. I tell you what. Let me check the papers from the pet shop and I’ll let you know tomorrow.” Dom stuck his hand out. “Deal?” Kyle smiled as he placed his much smaller inside of Dom’s, giving him a vigorous handshake. “Deal!”
For the next few minutes the two chatted about the usual: school, homework, Kyle’s behavior at home and at school, and the upcoming soccer season. After five minutes of talking Dom knew it was time to cut off the conversation when Kyle rubbed his eyes and started nodding off.
“Alright, little man, it’s time for you to go to bed before you get us both in trouble with your mom.”
“I know. Good night, Mr. Dom.” Kyle yawned, keeping his eyes closed as he settled further into his soft pillow.
Without much thought, Dom did to Kyle what his dad had done to him so many nights as a small child. Placing a tender kiss on the boy’s brow, Dom whispered, “Good night, son.”
Slowly standing, Dom quietly left the room and made his way down to the living room. Karen looked so peaceful sitting there with her head laid back and eyes closed. The tiny smile curving her lips was so darn adorable. He wanted nothing more than to passionately kiss it away.
Taking a seat next to her, he laid his head back until it was touching hers. “What are you smiling about?” The sound of his deep voice sent shivers through her. Just sitting and listening to him speak was enough to get her aroused.
“That crazy bird and wild gerbil you brought up in here.”
Dom laughed. “My bad.”
Karen sat up slightly, lifting a perfectly arched brow. “My bad? Sucker, that bird was flying all over the place like it was in the rain forest somewhere. And when that little mouse-looking thing jumped out of Kyle’s hand I thought your mother was going to have a heart attack.” Karen doubled over laughing. “I thought I was scared of furry little creepy crawlers, but when your mom jumped on your dad’s back, I lost it. I couldn’t help it.”
Dom was now laughing. It really was a sight to see. Janet had been fine, had even obliged Kyle by giving the gerbil two quick rubs on the head. But when that thing got loose and scurried in her direction, she nearly had another baby. Shortly after they captured the critter and placed it back in its cage, Janet announced it was time for them to get going.
“Yeah, that was pretty funny. I didn’t know my mom could jump so high.” Turning serious, Dom put his hand on Karen’s thigh. “Are you okay with the kids having the pets? If not, I can take them home with me.”
Karen put her hand on top of Dom’s. “It’s fine. They’ve been asking me to get a pet for some time now. As long as they clean up and take care of them, they can keep the little beasts.”
“Cool. I’ll call the kids every day to make sure they’re doing right.”
Leaning over, Karen kissed Dom on the cheek. “Thanks.”
He frowned at her. “Damn, Karen. That was a pretty lame kiss.”
Karen giggled. “Is that so?”
“Yeah,” Dom huffed, feigning annoyance.
Straddling his lap, Karen began stroking the stubble she found so sexy, on his jaw. “Is this better?” she murmured, her lips touching his. She could immediately feel him becoming aroused as she slowly licked the corners of his mouth. She didn’t hesitate to explore when Dom opened up, giving her free access.
Reaching up, Dom settled his hands on her waist. Karen let out slow purr when he lifted her up, settling her middle directly over the bulge in his jeans. Karen didn’t stop to think what had come over her as she slowly began to rock in an attempt to ease her throbbing center. She mildly protested when Dom broke the kiss. Protest was replaced by a long, satisfied sigh at the feel of Dom nibbling the side of her neck, his hands working to free the buttons on her cardigan.