Surviving Broken(58)
Richard and Thomas lay between JC and Reed, holding flashlights in their hands, making shadows on the tent while talking nonstop.
“Next time not as many marshmallows.” JC chuckled.
With enough sweet tenderness to melt anyone’s heart, Thomas looked up with big hazel eyes and said, “Uncle Reed? Can you and Aunt JC take us real camping someday? In the woods where the bears live?”
“Yeah,” Richard joined in. “Can you Uncle Reed? Can you?”
The flashlight cast shadows across Reed’s face, exposing the blush on his cheeks and flattered smile. JC’s pulse charged through her and emotions threatened to spill over her lashes.
“Umm, well, I…I,” Reed stammered anxiously.
JC chimed in, staring at him with adoration. “Reed won’t fit in my old tent, so that means we’d have to get a new tent. And make a lot of plans. And pack a lot of food.”
“And snacks too.” Thomas nodded.
Reed spoke to the boys, but stared at JC. “Not this trip, but someday soon, we’ll go camping. If it’s okay with your mom and dad. But right now it’s time to go to sleep.”
Richard and Thomas whispered to each other about their future camping adventure until their voices drifted off into deep, sound breathing.
JC stared back at Reed through the darkness. Their eyes revealed more than words could ever convey. Each breath seemed to have a story to tell. Stories of long luscious kisses mixed with hunger, desire, and raw need. “Reed,” she whispered roughly.
“We can’t. Don’t even think about coming over here, JC. At this point I can’t even kiss you in front of anyone, especially two sleeping boys.”
“I know,” she agreed with an agonizing groan. “Even though I haven’t been able to kiss you or touch you or…or have my way with you,”—he rolled his eyes—“I have had the best day ever with you.”
“Me too.” He reached over the boys and stroked her chin. “Does a day like today fit into your rulebook?”
“I don’t need rules with you, Reed. I’m just gonna be me.”
CHAPTER TWELVE
Someone nudged her repeatedly until she opened her eyes.
John handed her a mug of hot coffee as the morning sun streamed through a veil of white cotton. “I’ve never seen you sleep in before. Did my boys wear you out?”
“The boys were fun. That’s the first time I’ve slept all night long since…you know.” She stretched, looking around the empty tent. “Where’s Reed?”
“Calm down. He’ll be right back. He went home to take a shower. Thanks for watching the boys last night. We had a great time. Come eat breakfast, then we’re gonna take off.”
“Take off? You’re leaving already?” JC asked in confusion, taking a sip of her coffee. “I wanted to go boogie boarding with the boys.”
“I’m supposed to tell you I was called back to Las Vegas for an emergency at work, but I’d be lying. I didn’t realize we were interrupting something yesterday, so we’re going home. I’m not having this conversation with you so let’s just leave it at that, okay?”
“Normally, I’d try to convince you to stay, but today, I’ll simply say thanks.” She shrugged with an honest smile.
“For the record, I like this guy. By the way, what did you tell my boys? They think you and Uncle Reed are taking them camping.”
“We told them we had to check with you first. Is that okay? You and Shayla can come too. Let’s go camping in a couple weeks. When’s the last time we pitched a tent together? Come on, it’ll be so much fun.”
John nodded then shook his head with a look bordering on incomprehensive. “Where is my sister and what did you do to her? You’re making plans for a few weeks from now? With a boyfriend?”
“Don’t make fun of me,” she protested, scrambling out of the tent. “The boys asked if we’d take them camping. I couldn’t tell them no. I don’t even know how you discipline those boys, especially Thomas when he sticks his lip out.”
Walking inside, John stopped and scratched his head. “And, just so I have this completely straight, you’re offering to take my boys camping, with or without Shayla and I? There’s a possibility you might take them yourselves, just you and Reed?”
Shayla stood in the kitchen. “Told you,” she stated matter-of-factly, shooting John an I told you so nod.
“What?” JC insisted.
“Nothing.” John rolled his eyes at his wife.
JC scowled at her brother. “I’m perfectly capable of taking those two boys camping.”