by Jeanne Adams
A star winked in the night sky beyond the bedroom window, and she wished on it.
Please, please, for just one day, I want peace.
She stripped off her jeans and dropped them by the bed, crawling under the covers in her shirt and underwear. the bed was still faintly warm from Caine's body. It smelled of soap and man. She breathed in the scent, her face pressed into the pillow. The whole day passed as a blur behind her tired eyelids. Had she only known him two days? Had she really kissed him in the kitchen? Holy shit.
Her wilder, younger side complained that it had only been a kiss. Big deal. They were human and healthy. It wasn't as if she was going to jump into bed with him. Hell, she'd kissed people more deeply and revealingly on a first date.
Caine's lips had been hot, firm. His mouth ... inventive. She wondered what it would be like to explore, delve deeper. She felt her body flush, felt the tingling of need within her. A woman's need, not a girl's. If she focused much more on Caine's lips, or his ass, she was going to be seriously uncomfortable. Or she'd do something stupid.
The mature Dana reminded her she wasn't alone and wasn't free. The young, carefree Dana had had the ersatz security of youth and stupidity, allowing her to bestow kisses where she chose. Now, she was older and the sole guardian of a beautiful, wonderful boy who was sleeping a room away.
And everything in their lives hung on setting a trap for Donovan.
Directing her thoughts firmly away from the dangerous ground Caine represented, Dana focused on her house; planned how she would rebuild. She wondered if Parlier was alive.
With all the disparate ideas and questions rolling around and popping up in her mind, she worried she'd have trouble sleeping. She didn't. The next thing she knew, daylight streamed in the windows and the cry of "Coooooool" rang out from somewhere downstairs, as a cabinet door slammed.
Xavier was awake, and she'd obviously slept into the next watch. She hoped Caine was prepared to deal with a sugar-charged boy, if he was doing what she guessed he was. One of the cereals loaded on the shelves was a forbidden favorite.
"His problem," she said aloud, crossing to the bathroom. Her backpack, with her toiletries inside, leaned on the cabinet. A small gathering of his things were set to one side. A razor, shaving cream, and the medical supplies.
Having held him, wrapped herself around him, kissed him, she felt strange showering where he'd showered. It gave her goosebumps. "Stupid," she said to the shower head. "College girl stuff."
She dressed, automatically keeping her things together, making them easy to dump into a bag in one swipe. Coming into the kitchen, she saw Xavier hovering over a bowl of floating pink and yellow blobs.
"Hey Mom," he pointed at the bowl. "Fruity-Os. Isn't it great?"
"If you want straight sugar for breakfast."
"Coffee. That's what I want," Caine said, closing the door on a cupboard. "Did you see any yesterday in your searches?"
"Yes, it's in the freezer."
"The freezer?" Man and boy chorused at the same time. "Why?"
She laughed at them. "It keeps it fresh. Let's hope its ground, because I didn't see a grinder." It was, and soon the heavenly scent filled the air.
"How come you drink that stuff?" Xavy asked. She started to answer, then realized it was Caine to whom he addressed the question, not her.
"It's an acquired taste." Caine leaned on the island. "Like that cereal. I smell the sugar from here. I could appreciate Fruity-Os, if I was starving in the desert. Same goes for you and Java." The two guys grinned at each other, both seemingly pleased at the explanation.
"Now your mom and I, we drink coffee. I'm about to ask her if she likes eggs."
"I can tell you," Xavier answered, bouncing in his seat. "She eats 'em scrambled, with toast."
Caine glanced her way. She smiled and nodded.
"What about bacon? Does she eat bacon?"
Xavier frowned, "Don't know. Mom, do you like bacon?"
Coming around to hug him, she addressed her answer to Caine. "I like bacon. You fixing breakfast this morning?"
"Yep. We'll split KP. That means you do dishes, Fruity-O-face boy."
Xavy grinned around a mouthful. "Just like at home."
"Don't talk with your mouth full," Dana said automatically.
Caine returned Xavy's grin, but said, "Your mom's up on us by two meals. We have to quit slackin' off."
She started to protest that it had been grilled cheese, some spaghetti, easy stuff; but checked the impulse. If he wanted to cook her breakfast, who was she to complain? After all, it had been a damn long time since someone had done it. Soggy cereal and a card on her birthday notwithstanding, Xavier wasn't yet ready for serious kitchen activity.
"Thank you. I'll top off my cup and sit here next to the cereal-eating machine. No," she put a hand on Xavy's arm before he could refill the bowl. "That's enough. You'll be wired for hours as it is."
It was more pleasant than she'd have guessed to simply sit, tease Xavy and take in the view of a man cooking breakfast.
Let's face it, girl, she snickered to herself, that is one fine-looking short order cook.
"I can make toast," the boy said, hopping off the stool and carrying the now-empty cereal bowl to the sink. "You want me to do the toast?" he said, looking at Caine.
"Wash the bowl and slap it in the dishwasher. Then you're on toast patrol."
"All right," Xavier cheered, hurrying to the sink.
Delighted at the interplay, Dana made a quick security sweep and returned to watch the show. Xavy and Caine jostled and bumped hips, knocking each other off balance whenever possible. Xavy knew to stop when Caine was at the stove, but otherwise, the two picked at each other, as boys and men will do, throughout the preparations.
"All right, shrimp," Caine growled. "Grab a stool." He assumed a French accent and twirled an imaginary mustache before bowing in Dana's direction. "For zee lay dee, zee eggs, scrambled to perfection," he made a slurpy-smoochy sound with his fingers at his mouth. "Zee toast, lightly browned—not too much. Bien, breakfast, she is served."
"Merci, Monsieur," Dana returned the bow, then leaned over and noisily kissed her son on the cheek. "And thank you to the cook's helper."
"M-o-m," Xavy drawled out the syllables, rolling his eyes. "You don't kiss the cook's helper."
"No, I guess you don't. You kiss the cook. C'mere," she beckoned to Caine, pressed a smacking kiss to his cheek. "There, Monsieur Cook, a reward for your labors. Merci, merci, one and all. Now," she turned to Xavy. "What do I gotta do to get a fork around here?"
"Oops." He jumped down with a clatter, grabbing utensils.
"Better. Thanks. Seriously," she said to Caine, catching the twinkle in his eye.
"Welcome. Seriously."
They did dishes while Dana, mug in hand, made another sweep, checking the view from all the vantage points.
The property was even more beautiful in the morning light, though it still seemed wintry at this altitude. Spring was coming though. She spotted the first haze of green leaves coloring the trees, a glow of vibrant life, silhouetted against the blue of the sky.
"Hey Mom, Shadow's got to go out."
"I'll take him," she said, motioning for the dog to join her. To Caine, she said, "I checked perimeter. Everything's quiet from every view."
"I'll watch from here," he said, at the kitchen window.
She nodded, opened the door, and let the dog go first. The deer must have scattered, smelling the dog, because Shadow bounded off the porch and into the grass, rushing in happy circles before making his way to some low bushes.
She eased out the door, scanning the hillside, but saw nothing except the glory of nature all around her. Something about the scene, the call of a hawk overhead, and the crisp breeze that smelled of earth and new growth, lifted her heart. All of a sudden, happiness radiated through her.
Testing the sensation, as one would probe a sore tooth, she took a deep breath. She laughed as Shadow bounded after a blowing l
eaf, snapping at the airborne plaything.
"Xavy," she called through the door. "Bring me a ball for Shadow." She heard the stomp of the boy's feet, and within minutes he handed her a grubby tennis ball.
"Shadow, fetch," she called, as she cocked her arm and let the ball fly.
"Good one, Mom," Xavier praised as the missile soared, then bounced down slope with Shadow in hot pursuit. The dog raced to them, deposited the ball, and barked for it to be thrown again.
"You do it," she said, handing over the ball.
"All right." The boy scanned the area before leaping off the porch into the yard with the excited dog. She stood, watching as they played catch for well over an hour.
The scrape of a footstep behind her had her whirling. Caine stood behind her, two steaming cups in hand.
"Just me," he said, a wry smile lighting his features. He handed her coffee. "How're they doing?"
"Dog's up by three," she indicated the catch and fetch game. "But the kid's on a comeback."
"See anything?"
"A hawk."
"Want to take a walk?"
She looked at him in surprise. It was a good bet she, Xavy, and Caine were supposed to stay in the house at all times. She'd thought he was coming to order that very thing. "Is that wise?"
"No, but we've all got cabin fever."
"You too?"
"Yeah."
Mugs in hand, they sauntered into the yard. Xavier halted at the sight of them, mouth hanging open. Shadow took immediate advantage of his inattention, snatching the ball from his slack fingers. "Hey, aren't you supposed to stay inside?"
"Yeah," Caine said, coming up next to the boy. "Dog's skunking you. Oh, he's prancing now. He knows it too."
"Oh, man, you distracted me," Xavy half-complained. Dana knew he was too intrigued by their presence to be concerned with the game.
"Don't let our arrival distract you," Dana motioned to the dog, as Shadow rolled the now slimy ball to her feet. "Ugh, that's disgusting." She picked it up with the tips of her fingers and flung it, laughing when the dog spun in hot pursuit.
A ridge of rocks poked through the earth twenty yards away.
"Can I go climb on that, Mom?" Xavier asked, his face awash with pleading. She hated to say no.
"Sure." It was Caine who answered. "If your mom says it's okay. We'll be able to see you from here."
Dana hoped her shock didn't show as she agreed. "Go for it."
The "thanks, Mom," that floated to them was an afterthought. Shadow abandoned the ball and met the boy at the craggy pile. They could be seen but not heard as they explored.
"Why?" Dana asked as she drank her coffee to ease her dry throat.
"He's sequestered enough. You said it yourself. If you tie him down too much, he'll rebel. This is better, more controllable."
The two of them stood, silent watchers as Xavier leapt and climbed.
"We need to go down there."
"One of us has to keep watch, so you go. I'll stay."
It was hard to sacrifice playing with her son. She so seldom got to play with him. But, the vision of Caine and Xavy racing through the house playing dragon and boy was vivid.
"No, go be dragon, I'll do guard duty."
"No," Caine said, and she heard the regret "It's my job."
"I'll relieve you, momentarily. Go." When he hesitated, she said, more firmly. "It's a request, but I hope you'll do it. He needs this." They locked gazes, and he seemed to be searching for something in her eyes, some permission or acknowledgement. Whatever it was, he found it.
"What the hell," he said with a boyish grin, handing her his cup. The shrieks of laughter and the war whoops that ensued over the next forty-five minutes would have done ten boys proud, much less one boy and one man. She scanned everything repeatedly, hyperaware that she was on duty, but the silent vigil let her think. The only problem was all she could think about was Caine and their kiss the night before. How good he was with her son ...
When he strode over a few minutes later, cheeks flushed by the cool wind, she was picturing him naked.
"Oh, God," she muttered. "Stop it. Don't even think it." She continued to silently chant the words as he paused, laughter dancing in his eyes.
"Well, Queen Dana, your turn. Ninja boy's done this dragon in." They smiled foolishly at one another and Dana's heart turned. Why ? Her heart wailed. Why couldn't this kind of man have been Xavier's father?
"Dana?" Caine took her arm, as if to shake her. "Are you okay? What is it?"
"Oh, thinking again, sorry," she stumbled over the words, mortified that he'd caught her daydreaming and mooning over him. "Here," she shoved the mug into his hands. "Nothing's stirring."
A concerned frown darkened Caine's brow and he looked at the tree line, down the meadow. "Only a few minutes. We've been out too long."
"Yes." She turned away and went to assume her queen of the rocks role. The whole time they played, dashing in, out, and over the stones, with Shadow pacing them or darting around to tug at their clothing in fun, Dana reran the image of Caine, smiling and walking toward her. Part of her mind was engaged in playing with her son, but the deeper part, the lonely, scared part, wished Caine could be with them, be with her; that this idyllic time would go on forever.
Without seeming to halt the game, Dana drew Xavier to the porch. It was sheltered from the wind, and they picnicked there for lunch. Xavy cheered as Caine launched the ball for Shadow. His ooohs and ahhhs were a testament to Caine's strength. Between the morning's activity and Caine's impressive throws. Shadow was slowing.
"Did ya ever play ball, Mr. Caine?" Xavy asked after one spectacular toss.
"Yeah. College football. Quarterback, second string."
"Did ya get to start any? Play any good games?"
"Yeah, started in the second half of a Sugar Bowl game. Helped my team win."
"Oh, man. I bet that was fun."
"It was. I enjoyed it." Dana heard a wealth of meaning in the simple reply and raised an eyebrow in inquiry when Caine turned her way. He shook his head. Not a story for Xavier's ears, she guessed. Odd how quickly and smoothly they'd managed this nonverbal communication. It was almost telepathic.
All too easily the idea brought her full circle to wishing for things she had no business thinking about.
Caine.
Sex.
Them as a family.
Sex.
How much Xavier liked him.
Sex.
Chapter Ten
Oh, for Pete's sake, she thought. Get your brain out of the gutter. Once more she cursed her hotly awakened libido. It had been quiet for years. Why now?
The answer stood at the edge of the porch, making sure no one lurked in the woods down the hill from the cabin.
"It's getting cold. We should go in," she said reluctantly, breaking the silence. In spite of her internal exasperation, she didn't want the day to end. It had been idyllic.
Later, after an early meal of hamburgers and chips, they sat together in the sitting room. With frequent breaks for security sweeps, they passed the time with card games and a lot of laughter. She extended Xavy's bedtime, delighted with the experiences they boy was enjoying, and reveling in the sight of Caine and Xavy together. Another factor in her allowing Xavy more games was that given her earlier thoughts, and God help her, her flagrant response to Caine's kisses, she wasn't sure how she would react to being alone again with him again.
The last thing she wanted was to be—or come across as—some desperate, helpless Federal protectee.
Knowing she was dragging it out, she finally took Xavy upstairs. He climbed into bed, snuggling under the covers as she tucked him in. "I wish we could stay here with Mr. Caine for a while," he said softly.
"Why?"
"I like him," he said simply. "He treats me like a guy, not as if I'm some punk kid. And you like him, I can tell."
Before she said anything negative or positive about the statement, Xavier continued. "Shadow likes him. He knows people
. And he thinks Mr. Caine's okay too."
They had often joked about Shadow's extra sense of things. Somehow the dog always knew which kid or adult was unsound, no matter what showed to the world.
"It is fun, and I'm very glad you and Shadow both like him. And I don't know about you, but in spite of how scary he sounded on the phone call yesterday, I feel safer having him with us."
"Yeah, and he's got three guns."
"How do you know that," she asked, concerned.
"Chill, Mom. He didn't, you know, whip 'em out or anything. I saw 'em when we were outside. One in a holster on his leg, one under his arm, and one on his back, by the waistband, you know?"
"I know." She'd encountered that one last night, when she'd held onto him, trying to keep her balance as he kissed her. Don't go there. She quickly curbed the thought.
"Aw, don't be mad, Mom."
Surprised, she said, "I'm not, why would you think I am?"
"Your face got red for a minute, the way it does when you're mad."
"Sorry, must have had a hot flash or something," she lied.
"Must be 'cause you're hanging out with a dragon, a ninja, and a big, bad wolf," he said, eyes shining.
"That must be it. And I'm not mad, really."
"Okay. You gonna turn out the lights?"
"Yeah, but we'll be downstairs, then one or the other of us will be sleeping next door if you need us, okay?"
"'Kay, good night."
"Night, honey."
Going down, she saw Caine had turned out the lights, as they had the night before. Her heart rate picked up, and her body tingled as she remembered the feel of his hands.
He stood by the window, watching the stars.
"Anything moving?"
"The space station," he commented. She hurried over. Standing close to the glass, she looked where he directed, seeing the glowing spark racing across the sky, much too high to be a plane.
"Neat. Xavy would love to see that. I'll have to let him stay up tomorrow, if we're still here."
"Yeah," Caine said, his voice a darker tone in the gray evening. "He'd like that."
He rested his hands on the curve of her neck, letting them sit, waiting, she presumed, until he saw if they were welcome or not. Giving in the tiniest bit to temptation, she relaxed, inviting his hands to warm her skin.