“I’m coming,” she called back.
She walked slowly down the stairs. He looked amused by the way she dragged her feet.
“We’re just gonna chat. You’re not about to be hung, drawn and quartered.”
She blushed. “Sorry.”
He reached out and grasped her around the waist, lifting her down the last few steps.
“Whose t-shirt is this, babe?” his voice was a soft, slightly unhappy rumble.
“This? Oh, it was Brad’s.”
“Not real keen on seeing you in another man’s shirt, even your brother’s.”
“Oh. Right. Sorry.” Guess she understood that. “I wouldn’t like it if you wore another woman’s shirt.”
“I can guarantee that’s not going to happen.” The unhappiness was gone, his eyes filled with warmth.
Whoops. She hadn’t meant to say that out loud.
Such a dork.
“Thought you might have worn a cute pair of pajamas like the other night.”
She dropped her gaze. “I’ve had those for a while.”
“Looked soft and comfy.” He slid his arm around her waist. “Come on, let’s talk. You need to get to bed soon.”
“Uh, it’s not yet ten. I usually stay up way later than this.” He knew this, considering he’d called her before bed each night he couldn’t be here.
“Not anymore,” he said ominously.
What the heck did that mean?
Jed drew her into the living room. Ridiculously, he found himself nervous. Things had changed. This wasn’t about working her out of his system. This was about something that had been between them for ten years. So he knew it was time to lay everything out on the table.
His girl needed his boundaries. Needed his discipline. Needed to know she was safe with him. So she could give him all of herself.
So, he set her on the sofa then sat his ass down on the coffee table so he could see her face. Leaning forward, he took her
hands in his, wanting the connection.
“I’m starting to think I should be worried.” Wide eyes studied him.
“Not worried, babe. Just want to get some things out there. You know I’m not big on you holding back from me.”
She frowned slightly. “I haven’t been.”
“You have. I get it. But it’s over now.”
“Jed, I don’t under—”
“You suck your thumb when you sleep.”
She sucked in a breath. “Lots of people do that.”
“You got a piece of blanket you cuddle with, rub it under your nose, it’s part of one you had as a kid.”