Chapter 26

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

Lara

Tonight was fun. I never expected to love his family, let alone this much, this fast.

I really did miss out as a child.

The resentment I've always felt toward my parents grows as we step onto the top floor. It didn't have to be this way; I didn't have to be this way.

No one is perfect, but my parents hadn't been ready for a child, and neither am I, which is why I made my appointment for tomorrow. Luckily, I'd had loose change in my bag for the pay phone at the school earlier. Now, I just need enough time to sneak away to attend it.

Michael leaves me at the door of his bedroom. Patiently, I wait as he hurries next door, carrying a tray full of food and refreshments to the room farther down.

He doesn't turn on the light. Instead, he slips inside the dark room with only the light from the hall to guide him.

Helen creeps up the stairs behind me.

"Hi," I whisper, turning around.

"Everything okay?" she asks.

I shrug, unsure. When large hands settle on my waist just under my breasts, I realize she wasn't asking me.

"They're fast asleep," Michael replies, keeping his voice low.

Helen worries her lip.

"Mom, they're okay. Just tired."

Helen nods. "I'll offer to take Belle next weekend. Give them some time to relax."

Even I can see she feels mom guilt at the idea of the couple being so worn out they went to bed early.

She's a good mom.

Guilt swirls in my own tummy at not telling her the real reason they went to bed.

Michael presses a kiss to the back of my head.

"They'll be okay. Besides, we need to save up all the babysitting for when they have baby number two," he teases.

Helen grins at the idea, her whole face lighting up. "Very true," she agrees. "Well, I'll leave you two to get some sleep."

I blush even though her words hold no innuendo .

"Good night," Michael and I echo.

As I cross the threshold, the room feels smaller than a few days ago. My heart tries to escape my chest when he joins me in the bedroom.

My breaths grows labored, and the man hasn't even touched me.

"You're still sore," he tells me, but I nod anyway. "So how about we put that sweet mouth of yours to good use?" he leers, knocking the door closed with his foot.