Bonus Kisses - Freya Barker Page 0,44

out was that she apparently thought so hilarious?”

Taz takes a quick sip of her wine, peeking at me through her lashes. “Probably not,” she finally admits, clearly not ready to share that particular story with me.

In the silence that follows I find myself staring at her, contemplating what ten days alone in this house with her might be like. A long stretch of time by ourselves without discerning eyes to stifle this…thing…growing between us. Nothing holding us back from familiarizing ourselves with the other. Freedom to discover what it is that has me respond so strongly whenever she’s near.

Images tumble through my mind of those big brown eyes turning to liquid as I slowly peel away her clothes, right here in the kitchen. Exposing that tempting body I’ve only been able to guess at, and listening to her breath hitch as I leisurely explore.

Inadvertently my eyes slide down and catch the hint of an erect nipple peeking out from behind the bib of her overalls, against the thin-worn fabric of her shirt.

“Shouldn’t you call Mom back?” she blurts out suddenly.

My eyes shoot up to find her face flushed and her teeth nervously biting that lush bottom lip. Fuck, I want to kiss her again, but I’m not sure kissing will be enough. I’m afraid if I even touch her, I’ll lose all control. With the kids upstairs in their beds, there is no way I dare take that chance.

So instead of doing what my body is begging for, I close my eyes and sigh deeply. “Probably.”

I pull my phone from my pocket and dial Sarah and Ed’s number.

“And?” Sarah says answering the phone. Clearly she’s been waiting for my call.

“Spencer is about to burst out of his skin at the prospect of sleeping in the RV.”

“I knew he’d like it. What about my granddaughter?”

I sneak a peek at Taz before I answer. “A little more reserved, but Taz talked to her when she was tucking her in, and apparently she’s warming up to the idea.” I wait out a pregnant pause before prompting, “Mom?”

“She talked to Taz?”

“She did. I even heard her giggle. Haven’t heard that in a long time.”

I share a smile with Taz, who doesn’t bother hiding this conversation has her full attention.

“That’s…” Sarah falls silent again as she seems to struggle to find the right word, before finally settling on, “…good.”

“Yes. Anyway, Taz mentioned you might have some pictures to show the kids? Of the farm? I think it might help if they had an idea what to expect.”

Taz’s eyes narrow, and realizing I just gave away I was listening in; I shrug my shoulders.

“I do, actually. I think I have an album in the guest room somewhere. I’ll dig them up when I’m getting the room ready for Taz.”

It’s my turn to pause as I try to wrap my head around her comment and look questioningly at Taz. “Why does she need your guest room?”

“Well,” she huffs. “She can look after our place. It’s not like you need her there without the kids to look after.”

Chapter Sixteen

Rafe

“You don’t understand,” Taz hisses at me, so the kids won’t hear over their Saturday morning cartoons.

We’re arguing. Again.

We’ve done little else in the last week and a half whenever we find ourselves alone. The subject is the same every time.

Ever since I informed her Sarah is expecting her to stay at their house, Taz has been in a state. I think it’s ridiculous for her to move to her parents’ house while they’re gone.

I’ve tried pointing out it makes more sense to stop by a few times to water the two and a half plants they own and take in the mail, when there are two puppies to look after here, but she’s worried the neighbors will know if she’s not there every day and report to her mother.

Then I suggested to simply let them know beforehand she’s staying here for the dogs, but she’s convinced her mother will see right through her. When I remind her it’s common sense, she gets mad and tells me I don’t understand. Like now.

I bang my head against the kitchen cupboard, frustrated, before turning to face her.

“Here’s what I understand,” I tell her in a low voice. “You have been in a state of panic for well over a week, over something that has an easy solution. Every day that has passed only made it harder to fix. Now, do you want to stay at their house? Water their plants? Run from