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pleasure taking over.
As her climax faded, the only sound in the room was their rapid breathing. When she finally
opened her eyes, she saw Dean s self-satisfied grin look up at her.
What? The corner of her mouth hooked up as well.
I think I burned the chicken.
CHAPTER TWELVE
Dean opened the back door to let Rigby into the house. The red dog gleefully ran inside and
lapped up water from his bowl.
Shhh, said Dean. Victoria was still sleeping when he d crawled out of bed, and he didn t want
to wake her up any earlier than he had to. Between her father passing and the athletic night they d had
together, she probably needed all the rest she could get.
He poured water into the coffee maker and threw in his breakfast blend grounds. Before Katy,
he d never been much of a coffee drinker, but her six-year-old antics taught him the true meaning of
sleep deprivation. Now he was a faithful convert to the caffeine altar.
Greg had already called him to see whether he could take on a weekend job, but for the first time
in a long time, Dean turned down the work. He had some extra cash after helping out Victoria, and he
knew she probably needed him more than Greg did.
He rubbed his eyes. Hell, he didn t know she needed him. But he knew she needed someone, and
she obviously didn t mind his support. And he really didn t mind giving it. Not just because of the
sex, though he sure as hell couldn t complain about that little perk. But he knew what it was like to
lose a parent. He also knew what it was like to not have anyone around to talk to about it.
So for as long as she wanted, he d be whatever she needed him to be. And if, after everything
was over, she wanted him out of her life, then he d do that.
The front door creaked open and he winced. Katy?
You re not working? Katy walked into the kitchen.
Shit. When was the last time she got home early from a sleepover? He turned to look her over.
Her long blonde hair was pulled back loosely and she didn t look hung over or show any signs of a
long night of partying. What happened at Becky s?
I just wanted to come home, okay? What s so wrong with me wanting to spend time with you?
Dean stared at her blankly. Seriously? Today of all days she decided she wanted to have
brother-sister bonding? I don t know if I ll have time to do much. What was the best way to tell
his little sister that he had a woman upstairs? Damn it. He d never had this problem before. Of
course, he hadn t had a woman sleep over since Katy came to stay with him.
But when Victoria was in his bed, he never even considered asking her to leave. It was perfectly
natural to pull her tight against him as they both fell into an exhausted sleep.
Katy s face fell a bit. It s your first day off in forever and you can t make time for me?
What makes you think I m not working? he countered, unable to muster up the courage to tell
her he was bumping her aside for another woman.
Well, the sun s up and you re in pajamas. She pointed to the flannel pajama pants she d gotten
him for Christmas last year. It doesn t take a genius, Dean. She shrugged and any sign of
disappointment disappeared from her face. Don t worry about it. I know you re busy even when
you re not working. Rigby and I will hang out. She grabbed a granola bar from the pantry and turned
to leave the kitchen and probably head to her room upstairs.
Upstairs where he d left Victoria naked in his bed.
Wait! he called.
Oh my God, she moaned and twisted back around. What?
But before he let a word out, he heard the telltale creaking of the upstairs floorboards.
Katy frowned. Is there someone here? she whispered with wide eyes.
It s just a friend, he spit out, immediately regretting the lie. Her father died and I offered to let
her crash here.
That s awful, said Katy. Is she doing okay?
The stairs moaned and groaned as Victoria made her way down. Dean clenched his jaw. Katy had
never met one of his lovers. Not once had he ever gotten these two parts of his life crossed. And he d
been prepared. He read books and articles about how to introduce a woman into a young child s life.
Let them meet on neutral territory, preferably somewhere that would stimulate conversation to
keep away awkward silences.
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