“Let’s go get cleaned up.”
I carry her into the tiny bathroom and fill the giant, clawfoot tub. As soon as it’s full, I set her gently in the warm, soothing water. Finding a loofah and some sweet-smelling body wash, I squirt some on the pouf and then lather it all over her curves. Her eyes open and I draw in a deep breath.
“I love you, Clay,” she says.
“I love you too, pretty girl.”
Sully grins. “I love you too, baby. He just got to the sponge first.” Clay shoots him a dirty look.
“Can’t you ever be serious?”
“All the time. But I find it makes me seem stodgy. Like you.”
“Boys,” she grumbles. “I’m trying to rest here. I need a breather. Why don’t you two go home and come back tonight? I need to get an article done. And you’ve got animals that need fed.”
“Article? You’re a writer?” Sully asks. “Cool. Anything I might have read?”
“Not unless you’ve been reading manuals lately. I review products.”
“Is that what you want to do?”
“No. My dream was always to write the great american novel. But I’ve just never had the time or the imagination maybe.”
“Well, now you’ve got tons of inspiration. I’ll be happy to pose for the cover too.” Sully mugs a steely-eyed glare and I roll my eyes.
“You can do anything you want to do, baby. If you want to write a novel, write it. We support whatever you want to do. Even if you don’t want this idiot as your model.”
“You sure you want us to go? One of us can stay here with you if you think you need us.”
“I’m not a baby, Clay. I’ve stayed alone before.”
“I’m just worried about that guy.”
“What guy?” Sully growls.
“Her ex. He doesn’t like being an ex.”
“Too fucking bad. You need one of us to stay?”
“No.” She waves her hand. “You guys go. I’m gonna get some more sleep after I crawl out of this delicious hot water. And then I’m going to work on an article on a vacuum cleaner.”
“Alright.” I lean in and kiss her. “You call us if you need us. The numbers are on the table. Don’t fall asleep in the tub.”
“Nope.” She grins, tired and yet happy. Smiling.
My heart lifts and then stalls when I turn to walk away from her. It feels like I’m being ripped in two.
But she’s safe here. She’s good. And she’s got work and so do I. So do we.
Sully walks out ahead of me. “Do you think one of us should stay here? In case she needs us?”
“No. I’m sure she’ll be okay. Let’s just get the work done and get back here. It’s broad daylight. I’m sure she’ll be safe.”
And then against my better judgement, we walk out the door.
CHAPTER9
Sully