She stiffened. “I’m fine.”
“You’re a great mother,” I replied. “I’d just like to spoil you a little.”
For a moment, there was silence. “You already have,” she finally said. “The newer SUV, the way you are with Theo and Mrs. Scott. Your nightly walks.” She paused. “The way you treat me.”
“You deserve to be treated well.”
“I’m not used to it,” she admitted.
“I gathered that. I assume it has something to do with your ex?”
“Yes,” she said shortly, her posture becoming tense.
“Did he hurt you, Gabriella?” I asked quietly.
“Not as badly as he could have,” she whispered. “I got out.”
I pulled her as tight to me as I could. “Tesoro, I’m sorry.”
She slid her hand along my thigh. “It’s over now.”
“You have to trust me. Tell me.”
Her hand slid higher. “I will. I promise.”
I groaned as she cupped me through the denim. I was already half hard for her. Sitting this close, inhaling her soft fragrance. Feeling her against me.
“Take me upstairs,” she whispered, pressing her lips to my throat. “I want you.” She dragged her lips to my mouth, her breath washing over me. “Please.”
Two minutes later, I was looming over her on the bed, her skin pale and soft in the dim light. I knew what she was doing. Distracting me. But she was a siren, and I couldn’t resist her.
We would talk tomorrow. I would find out her past and help her deal with it. Then we could move forward. The three of us. Together.
I slipped out of her room in the early morning light. I tugged my shirt over my head as I crept down the hall, avoiding the spot in the middle that creaked so loudly. My mind was on Gabby. The feel of her under me. How she tasted. Sounded. Surrounded me. How she looked as she half woke when I slid from the bed, grumbling and reaching for me. I had shoved my pillow toward her, pressing my lips to her cheek.
“Sleep a bit more, Tesoro. I’ll be here at eleven.”
“Hmm,” she mumbled. “You’re warmer.” She yawned, burrowing her head into the fluffy cushion. “And you smell better.”
I had chuckled, kissing her again and smiling as she started to snore lightly. She needed some more sleep. I didn’t let her get much last night.
Or a few other nights this week.
I was so deep into my thoughts, I didn’t notice the little form sitting at the kitchen table.
“Stefo!” An excited whisper startled me.
I stopped in the doorway, smiling at Theo. I was busted. Again.
“Hey, little man.”
“I looked for you on the sofa, but you weren’t there.”
“Oh, ah…” To my shock, I felt my cheeks warm at the thought of creeping out of Gabby’s room and being caught by her son.
“Did you sleep with Mommy?”
My cheeks were now on fire.
“She has a big bed, so it would be more comfortable. She hogs the blankets, though, so you were probably cold.” He looked upset. “You could borrow my Avengers blanket next time if you want.” His face brightened. “Or I can sleep with Mommy and you can have my room.”
I relaxed when I realized he was more concerned with the thought of me being uncomfortable sleeping than knowing what I did to his mother in her bed. I sat down with a relieved grin.
“I’m too tall for your bed, Theo.” I ruffled his hair. “I’m too tall for any piece of furniture here, but I, ah, make do.”
He nodded. “You get too tired to go home?”
“Um, yeah.” I cleared my throat. “You want some cereal, bud?”
“Please.”
I poured him a bowl and got one too. I figured since I’d been caught, there was no need to rush out. We ate for a few moments, the only sound the clinking of our spoons on the bowls and the crunch of the Frosted Flakes we chewed.
Theo rubbed his nose. “You kiss her lots.” He pursed his lips. “Is that why you’re tired and fall asleep in her bed?”
Cue the heat on my face. I’d had no idea I could feel embarrassment of this sort, but Theo had a knack for making it happen.
“I like to kiss your mom,” I said carefully. “But we talk a lot and sometimes I get sleepy because I’ve been working all day, so I close my eyes and I fall asleep. Your mom lets me rest.”
“If I fall asleep, she takes me to my room and tucks me in.” His eyes widened. “She doesn’t carry you, does she?”
I had to chuckle. “No, she, ah, nudges me awake, and I walk myself.”
Or roll over and fall asleep. And often, I was the one nudging her. Repeatedly. But I kept that to myself.
He nodded. “You can stay anytime. I like having breakfast with you.”
“Thanks, little man.”
Gabby stumbled in, stopping when she saw us. Her eyes widened, and she glanced between us.