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Loomis answered every question they asked, was earnest and heartfelt, and most of the time had his hand on me, either on my shoulder or squeezing my thigh where they couldn’t see it. They asked how long Loomis and I have been together, which we couldn’t lie about since Loomis hadn’t been back in America long and I was with Alden before that.

It didn’t look great, but we went on to explain we were rekindling something that had been on and off over the years we’ve known each other—including when I went to LA—and that things were serious between us. With that, they went on to ask a lot about what Fen’s daily care will be like when Loomis is working on set, and a lot of those Loomis couldn’t answer with certainty.

Still, I think they were satisfied enough with Fen’s care and said they’d follow up when we got back to Boston pending anything unexpected happening. By the time they leave, we’re alla mess. Fen starts to get fussy, rubbing his eyes and wiping his face back and forth on Loomis’s shoulder.

I follow Loomis upstairs, eager to talk about our intense last two hours. I don’t think my heart slowed down once. I’m shocked I didn’t have a stroke.

Loomis changes Fen’s diaper, tucks him into a onesie, and sets him in his crib.

Fen doesn’t even fight it. It’s as if he’s just as exhausted as we are.

He faceplants—as he always does—and Loomis takes my hand as we leave. Within seconds, he’s dragging me down the hall to my room since it’s the farthest from Fen’s and shuts the door behind us. Then he rounds on me, taking me by the shoulders and walking me backward toward the french doors, where he practically pins me.

“What did you do?”

“What?” My jaw goes slack, shocked by his reaction.

“You knew her? She loved you.”

“I didn’t know it was going to be her. I testified in a case when I was an intern for a newborn boy whose mother was drugging him. I worked with her for a couple of months on the case, but that was years ago. I’m shocked she even remembered me.”

“Except she did, and I think that made all the difference. They weren’t thrilled, but it didn’t sound like they were anxious to take Fen from me.”

“No, and I didn’t think they would be. Imagine the backlash that would cause them. You’re a very well-liked celebrity.” I pause, wondering if I should say anything or not. “You told them you loved me.”

He blinks at me. “I did… no. I didn’t.”

“You did.” I almost laugh at his horrified expression. “It worked on them.” I give him an indifferent shrug, though hearing him say it, even with knowing he didn’t mean it, stillhit me in a way I wasn’t expecting. It was more of those damn butterflies and sparks igniting in my stomach.

“Fuck,” he hisses and turns away from me, his hands dragging like race cars through his hair. “Fuck!” he bellows only to temper his voice because his son is sleeping just down the hall. “I hadn’t…” He spins back around, his gray eyes wild. “I hadn’t realized. I mean, they asked about our relationship, and I…” He stops here, his hand on his jaw, half covering his mouth. “I said I love you.”

“I know. I was there,” I deadpan. “Whatever made you say it, they ate it up. Plus, I mean, Fen reached for you and snuggled right into you without any prompting. If that doesn’t melt hearts, I don’t know what would.”

But he’s not registering my words. He’s too busy staring at me as if he’s seeing the second coming of Jesus before his eyes. With a big step, he’s before me again, his hand on my cheek, holding me steady and my gaze up to his.

“Kissing you again would be the worst sort of mistake.”

My breath hitches, not having expected that as a response. “Disastrous” drips like a siren’s song from mine. I don’t even know where this breathy hussy comes from, but she’s running the show and picturing Loomis’s mouth back on us. Even if my response is true. It would be disastrous. Because it wouldn’t just be a kiss. It would be more, both physically and emotionally—the latter part only for me.

“That’s why we shouldn’t. You’re too good for me, and I’m all wrong for you.”

I roll my eyes. “So you like to remind me.”

His eyes search mine. “Are you sick of it then? Are you past my warnings?”

“I’m just saying I’ve already heard them all, and I’m not the good girl you think I am. I can handle my own.” That’s a bit of a lie. I mean, I’m not a total good girl. I write paranormal romanceunder a secret pen name. But I don’t know if I can handle my own with him, and knowing that about myself, I should retreat, but I’m not sure I can make myself, even knowing the consequences.

“Oh, love.” His thumb drags along my bottom lip, pulling the plump flesh with it. “You are such a good girl, but I have a feeling you were meant to be bad.”

My pulse goes haywire, and my blood dances in my veins like a drunk chick at a club.

“But I still shouldn’t kiss you.”

“Totally agree.”

He stares into my eyes and then down at my lips. “Fuck it.”

“Fuck it?” I squeak hastily. “What does that mean?”