Return to Me by Jacquelin Thomas

Author:Jacquelin Thomas [Thomas, Jacquelin]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Published: 2018-06-15T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 13

Bree came downstairs dressed in a pair of denim shorts and a tank top. When she reached the kitchen, Austin already had a skillet on the burner and was half-buried in the refrigerator, pulling out ingredients.

“I wondered where you were,” she said.

He closed the door, put a carton of eggs on the counter and turned to face her. “Good morning, gorgeous.” Austin kissed her. “Any regrets?”

She lifted her chin, squared her shoulders and looked him dead in the eye. “None.” Her body was still humming, buzzing with sensation. “What are you making?” she asked.

“Spinach and mushroom omelets, bacon and toast.”

“Can I help?”

He cracked eggs into a bowl and handed her a whisk while he put butter in the pan. “Here you go.”

Minutes later Emery ran into the kitchen. “Hey, Mommy...hey, Au’tin.”

“Good morning, sweetie,” she responded before bending down to plant a kiss on his forehead.

He climbed onto a chair at the counter. Propped on his knees, he asked, “What you makin’?”

“Austin’s making us a special breakfast. Isn’t that nice?”

Emery nodded. “I happy.”

“Me, too, buddy,” Austin murmured. “I’m happy, too.”

Bree took a seat at the counter while Austin moved around her kitchen as though he’d spent time in it before. Humming softly, Austin opened cabinets, pulling out the ingredients he needed for his meal.

* * *

After breakfast, they took Emery to the park.

Austin wanted to talk to Bree, but didn’t want to distract her from keeping an eye on Emery. Maybe it was too soon to tell her, especially after making love to her the night before. She looked so happy and he didn’t want to ruin that happiness.

“You look like you’re in deep thought,” Bree said.

“I was thinking about you.”

She inclined her head. “What about me?”

“Just in the short time I’ve known you... Bree, you make me feel in a way no other woman has made me feel. You’re incredible.”

She smiled.

“The last thing I’ve ever wanted to do is hurt you.”

Bree’s eyes traveled to where Emery was playing and stayed. “I’m not worried about you hurting me, Austin. It’s strange because I don’t trust easy, but with you—I don’t have any doubts in my heart.”

Her words should’ve touched him, but instead he was filled with guilt.

She reached over, placing her hand in his. “The way you treat Emery—it’s as if he were your own flesh and blood. My son adores you, Austin. He’s never taken to anyone the way he took to you. I pride myself on being a good judge of character, so I know that you’re a good man.”

“I hope you’ll always feel this way,” he uttered.

Bree gave his hand a gentle squeeze. “I’m sure I will.”

* * *

A couple of days later, Bree met Jordin at Indulgence, their favorite locale for spa dates.

“I’m so glad you booked this appointment because I really need a massage.” Jordin sank down in one of the chairs in the reception area. “This was a crazy week for me. I’m so glad it’s the weekend.”

Bree pulled the folds of her plush robe together.

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