Her chin quivered. She took a deep breath and pressed her lips together.
“Everything’s going to be okay,” he repeated, for both of them. He tilted her head back, pressing a soft kiss to her lips.
She melted against him then, twining her arms around his neck and burying her face against his neck. “And a bubble bath?” she murmured softly.
“Whatever you want, Princess,” he promised.
He didn’t move, enjoying how they fit together.
“Anything?” she asked.
He swallowed, wishing the memory of his dream didn’t immediately spring to mind. He nodded.
“Even if it’s ice cream?”
He smiled. “For dinner?”
“Dessert?” She looked up at him, the first glimpse of a smile on her face.
“Definitely.” He kissed her again, unable to resist.
And she kissed him back. Soft, sweet, clinging just enough to force his pulse into a rapid beat.
“I like kissing you, Mrs. Boone,” he murmured against her lips. “Even if it’s not part of Option A.”
Her expression changed, uncertain and flustered. Her gaze traveled over his face, that small crease forming between her brows. He reached up, smoothing the crease before cupping her cheek in his palm. Her skin was satin in his rough palm.
“I like ice cream.” Her voice wavered.
He shook his head, taking her hand in his. “Let’s get out of here then go get my kids and my woman some food.”
She paled, tugging free of his hold to turn off her computer. “Give me five minutes?”
“Sure.” He shoved his hands into his pockets. “Where’s Cody?”
“In the gym. Now that he’s figured out how to dribble, he can’t get enough of it.” She didn’t look at him as she tidied the stacks on her desk.
“I’ll go get him.” Women were emotional when they were expecting, or so he’d heard. If she was all over the place right now, he needed to be as calm as possible. Even though he wasn’t.
Twins. One baby was challenging. But twins? He grinned.
He headed for the gym, remembering all of the concerts and events he’d attended for Hunter’s son, Eli. It only now occurred to him that he was going to be spending a lot of time here. Between Annabeth, Cody and the babies... Well, he might as well get comfortable with the place.
Chapter Eleven
“You’re the luckiest woman on the planet.” Janet Garza pulled her copies off the copy machine. “Seriously, you have no idea how jealous Abigail, Lori and Maricella are. When he came up here to pick up Cody... The things they’re saying about what they want to do to your husband.” She fanned herself with a bundle of papers. “I guess it’s okay, as long as none of the kids overhear. We’d be corrupting minors.” She laughed.
Annabeth smiled, pulling the ink refill cartridge from the supply cabinet before locking it. “I don’t think I want to know.”
“Probably not. Not that I’d peg you as the jealous overprotective type, but I wouldn’t want you to harbor any negative thoughts about coworkers.” Janet winked.
She didn’t think she was normally very jealous or overprotective, but that’s exactly the way she was feeling. “Which is why you’re telling me this?” Annabeth shook her head. She and Janet had taught the fourth grade together for three years. Annabeth respected her as a teacher and liked her as a person, but Janet was fond of telling a good tale.
Janet shrugged. “I didn’t say anything. Not really.” She pressed some more buttons, then turned. “Oh, but I didn’t get to tell you about Winnie.”
Annabeth held up her hand. The last thing she wanted was information on Winnie Michaels—unless she was moving. “I’ll take a pass on that one, Janet.” She glanced at the clock. “The decorating committee’s in the gym to set up for the spring concert tomorrow.” She waved at Janet, dropped off the ink cartridge in her office and headed to the gym—also their cafeteria. It was lunchtime, so the noise level was a low roar. The old-fashioned street sign in the corner reminded the students to keep their chatter at yellow or below. It was yellow but, to Annabeth’s ears, it was nearing the red light.
A few moms and one father stood on the small stage, several boxes stacked in front of them. Annabeth knew them all by name—they were the go-to parents for every event throughout the year.