Life was simply a collection of moments—some good, some bad. When I realized that Colton was about to kiss me, I knew right away that I was about to have one of those good … really good moments, one that would leave me positively breathless, and I couldn’t have been more right. I’d always had strong feelings for Colton, most of which were ignored, but there was no denying the fact that those feelings had only grown stronger over the past few weeks. In fact, I’d fallen hard for the complicated and somewhat broken Colton Michaels, and as he pulled me closer, kissing me with a passion like I’d never known, I was beginning to believe that he felt the same way. I wound my arms around his neck as he delved deeper into my mouth, and a light moan vibrated through his chest when my fingers tangled into his hair. I wanted him, all of him, but just when we were starting to get carried away, my cell phone rang. It was almost two in the morning, and I never got calls that late at night. Worried that something must be wrong, I quickly reached for my phone and panic washed over me when I saw that it was Richard calling.

I quickly answered, “What’s wrong?”

“It’s Bee. You need to come get her,” he grumbled.

“Why? What’s wrong?”

“I don’t know. She’s got the stomach bug or something. She’s been sick all night, and none of us have been able to get any sleep.”

“Does she have fever?”

“I don’t know, Langley,” he snapped. “She’s sick, and she’s asking for you. Are you coming to get her or what?”

“Yes, Richard. I’ll be there as soon as I can.” And with that, he ended the call. Asshole.

Obviously concerned, Colton asked, “What’s wrong.”

“It’s Bee. She’s been sick all night, and Richard wants me to come get her.”

“Are you sure that’s a good idea? Do you think she needs to be moved like that?”

“I guess that’s just a chance I’ve got to take. I don’t want to leave her with him when she’s wanting me to come get her.” I stood up and found some shoes to slip on. After grabbing my keys, I told him, “I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

“I’m going with you. Let me get her a blanket and a bowl in case she needs to get sick again.”

“Good idea.”

When we got to the house, Richard was waiting for us at the front door, and instead of being a concerned parent, he looked aggravated. Ignoring his demeanor, I asked, “Where is she?”

“In her room with Jody.”

With Colton following close behind, I rushed inside and down the hall to Beatrice’s bedroom. When I walked in, I found Jody sitting next to her with a cold rag on her head. She turned to me and said, “She’s been really sick, Langley. I’m worried about her.”

“Momma,” Beatrice mumbled. “I don’t feel good.”

As I knelt down beside her, I said, “I know, sweetheart, but we’re going to make you feel better real soon.”

“I told Richard we needed to take her to the doctor, but he kept saying it would pass.”

I could see that Jody was genuinely worried. I knew she loved my kids, but I couldn’t help but feel angry with her, and with Richard. It was times like this when kids needed their parents the most, and I felt like they’d failed Beatrice. “How long has this been going on?”

“Several hours. It started as soon as we got back from dinner. We were going to take the kids to a movie, but she said she wasn’t feeling well. She barely made it back to the house before she started getting sick.”

“So, this has been going on for six or seven hours?” I placed my hand on her forehead, and her skin was hot to the touch. “Damn. She’s burning up.”

I was about to pick her up when Colton said, “I’ll get her.”

“Okay.”

With Richard glaring at him from the doorway, Colton lifted Bee into his arms and cradled her close to his chest. “I’ve got ya, kiddo. It’s gonna be alright.”

I followed Colton out her room, and as we headed into the hall, I turned to Richard and said, “What about Ian? Is he feeling okay?”

“He’s fine,” Jody answered for him. “He’s sleeping in his room.”

“I’ll be back for him in the morning.”

Her eyes widened as she said, “I told you. He’s feeling fine. He can stay with us.”

“Let him know I’ll be back in the morning to get him,” I told her firmly.

When we got Beatrice to the car, Colton said, “I think we need to take her to the ER.”

As I looked down at her pale little face and her weak eyes, I said, “Yes. I do, too.”

When we got to the hospital, it was almost three in the morning, and there were only a few people sitting in the waiting room. We took Bee up to the check-in desk, and as soon as the nurse saw her, she led us to the back and put us in a room. Moments later, a doctor came in to see her. He extended his hand out to me as he said, “I’m Dr. Reed, the on-call doctor tonight. Seems we have ourselves a sick little girl.”

“Yes, we do.”

While he checked her blood pressure and temperature, he asked, “What exactly are her symptoms?”

“Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.”

“Fever?”

“Yes, but I’m not sure exactly how high. She was with her father, and he called for me to come get her when she kept getting sick.”

“Has she been in contact with anyone who has had the flu?”

“I’m not sure.”

“When was the last time she ate?”

I tried to remain calm as I answered, “Her stepmother said they ate after school, so I guess around five or so.”

“Okay. I’m going to run a few tests, but in the meantime, I’m worried that she’s dehydrated. I’m going to set up an IV of fluids.”

“Thank you, Dr. Reed.”

Beatrice didn’t move as the doctor and nurses scurried around her. It broke my heart to see her feeling so bad, but I felt confident that the doctor would help her. Colton, on the other hand, didn’t seem to be so sure. I glanced over at him sitting in the corner, and he looked like he was a hundred miles away. He was lost in his own thoughts, and he didn’t even notice that I was looking in his direction. I walked over and placed my hand on his shoulder. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.” He stood up and took a step towards the door. “I’m going to get a cup of coffee. Would you like one?”

I nodded and watched as he walked out of the room. After I called Richard to let him know what was going on, I sat down next to Beatrice and held her hand as I watched her sleep. Eventually, the doctor returned with her test results. “It looks like Beatrice has a light case of food poisoning. Probably from wherever she ate for dinner. I’m going to prescribe her a round of ant-nausea medication. I considered admitting her, but the fluids seem to be helping. If she continues to show progress, I don’t see why she couldn’t go on home in a couple of hours.”

“That would be great. I know she would rather be home.”

As he walked over to Bee’s IV bag, he said, “Let’s get these meds started, and we’ll see how she does.”

“Her little brother ate at the same restaurant. Should I be worried that he’ll get this, too?”

“It’s doubtful, since he hasn’t started showing signs.”

“Okay, and how long should it take for the medication to start working?”

“It should be pretty quick, and since her symptoms have already improved, it shouldn’t take her long to start to feeling much better. With a little rest, she should be back on her feet in a couple of days.”

“That’s good news.”

“I’ll be back to check on her in an hour or so. If you need anything, just let the nurse know.”

“Thank you, again, Dr. Reed.”

“No problem. Just glad I was able to help.”

Several hours later, Beatrice was discharged, and we headed home. I couldn’t help but notice that Colton seemed quiet on the ride back to the house. Assuming he was exhausted like me, I didn’t bother asking if something was wrong. The night had taken its toll on all of us, and I figured we’d all feel better once we got some rest. As soon as Colton laid Beatrice down in her bed, she curled up on her pillow and fell fast asleep. He stood there silently staring at her for a moment, before he turned to me. With his shoulders drooped and his voice low and strained, he reminded me of a wounded puppy when he said, “I’ve got some things I need to take care of. Just call if you need anything.”

“Okay.”

“Are you still planning to get Ian today?”

“Richard is bringing him later. I wanted Bee to have some time to rest before he came back.”

“That’s probably a good idea.”

It was clear that something was wrong, but he turned and walked out of the room before I had a chance to ask what was bothering him. I’d hoped that he was just tired, but even the next day, he seemed a little off. He wouldn’t make eye contact with me and unless there was a concern about the kids or work, he didn’t say a word to me. He’d come by and check on Beatrice for about two seconds, and then he’d disappear. Even days later, when she was feeling much better, and we’d gotten back into our regular routine with school and work, I couldn’t help but notice that he seemed withdrawn.

At first, I thought it was just me. I figured I was just being sensitive, especially after the unexpected kiss we’d shared, but the more I thought about it, my concern turned into anger. I was done pretending like nothing was wrong, and after I put the kids to bed, I did something I’d never done before—I went to his room and knocked on the door.

Seconds later, Colton’s door flew open and with panic in his voice, he asked, “What’s wrong?”

Seeing the worry in his eyes, I quickly answered, “Everything’s fine, Colton. I was, I was … uh … I was hoping we could talk for a minute.”

He opened his door and motioned me inside. “Sure. Come on in.”

He was only wearing a pair of black sleep pants, and I was finding it difficult to keep my eyes from roaming over the bulging muscles of his bare chest. My heart was pounding as I followed him into his room. It was just like I’d imagined it would be. With the dark wood furniture and glowing fireplace, it had a masculine but comfortable feel to it, and as I glanced over to the king-sized bed, I imagined myself lying next to him as we made love by the light of the fire. That image quickly faded when I thought about the reason why I was there, and how cold and distant Colton had been behaving. Without trying to hide my aggravation, I asked curtly, “What’s going on with you?”

His eyes grew intense, and I immediately regretted asking him in such an abrupt way. In almost a growl, he asked, “What exactly do you mean?”

“I don’t know. You tell me. One minute you’re acting like life is grand … Taking the kids to the arcade, watching movies with me … kissing me, and now, you’re acting like you can’t stand the sight of any of us, especially me. So, tell me, Colton. What’s going on with you?”

“There’s nothing going on with me, Langley.”

“You’ve never lied to me before, Colton. Don’t start, now,” I huffed. “Are you regretting having us here? Do you think this whole marriage thing was a mistake?”

He stood there staring at me for a moment before he answered, “Yes.”

His words hit me like a truck, and I had to fight back the tears that were threatening to fall. It was impossible to hide the hurt that I felt as I said, “Well, I’m sorry that you feel that way, Colton. I guess I thought things were going better than they really were. I’m sorry that we’ve been such an intrusion into your life. But don’t worry. We won’t be here much longer.”

I quickly turned and as I started for the door, Colton reached for me and gently pulled me over to him. “Langley, wait.”

“What, Colton?”

“I just didn’t expect all this. I didn’t know I would feel this way.”

“It’s fine. I understand,” I mumbled.

“No. I don’t think you do.”

My eyes locked on his. “Then, explain it to me.”

“I’m not sure that I can.”

As I took a step towards him, I could see the torment in his eyes, and my heart ached for him. I wanted to take the pain away, but I wasn’t sure he’d give me the chance to try. Even though it was a risk to push him, I said, “Try.”

“Don’t you see? I’ve been living with this aching hole in my chest. It’s a part of me.” He pounded his hand against his chest as he continued, “I’ve gotten used to having it there, and then you came along … and bit by bit, you’ve been filling that hole, and you haven’t even realized that you’re doing it. You and those kids have been putting me back together, and it scares the shit out of me. Seeing Beatrice so sick in the hospital made me realize what I’d done.”

“What have you done, Colton?”

“I let you in. I let myself start to feel again, and if something happens to you or those kids, I think it will be the end of me.”

I placed the palms of my hands on his chest and said, “Nothing is going to happen to us.”

“You can’t promise me that. You can’t tell me for certain that you’ll always be here,” he growled.

“No. I can’t promise you that.” I took a step back as I continued, “So, you have a decision to make. You have to decide what you want, Colton … Do you want to spend the rest of your life alone, or do you want someone to share it with? No one can answer that question but you.”

A look flashed through his eyes, and I knew his answer long before he said the words. He placed his hands on my waist and pulled me towards him, as he whispered, “I don’t have all the answers, Langley, but I know one thing for certain—I don’t want you to walk out that door. Don’t go. Stay with me tonight.”

Answering him the only way I could, I wound my arms around his neck and pulled him close. His lips hovered over mine, and just as the anticipation was becoming too much to bear, he finally lowered his mouth to mine. My mind went blank, and the world washed away as his tongue delved into my mouth. Our hands quickly became frantic, roaming and exploring, and without even realizing what I was doing, I reached for the drawstring of his pants. He didn’t move; he simply stood there with his eyes locked on mine. Just as I was about to ease them down his hips, his mouth dropped to my neck, leaving trails of kisses as he nibbled at the flesh just below my ear, stopping me in my tracks. Shivers shot down my spine when he said, “I’ve thought about this moment more times than you could imagine.”

“Me, too. So many times.”

As he kissed along the curve of my neck, he reached for the hem of my t-shirt and carefully pulled it over my head. Lust filled his eyes as they dropped to my chest, and I gasped when the palms of his hands inched up my waist to my ribs. I’d often wondered what this moment would be like, to finally be in the arms of the man who’d invaded my dreams night after night, but I never thought it would feel so good to have his hands on my body. They were rough and possessive, and I couldn’t imagine feeling more wanted. His eyes grew intense as he released the clasp of my lace bra and let it drift down onto the floor, exposing my bare breasts. His hands slipped down to the waistband of my pants, and my entire body burned with desire as he slowly eased the fabric down my legs. A tortuous moan filled the room as I stood before him completely naked while he gazed down at me with hunger-filled eyes.

Without saying a word, he took a step forward and eased me back on the bed, and seconds later I found Colton hovering above me. His warm tongue flicked over my nipple, and a needful moan echoed through the room as my back arched towards him. A rush of pleasure surged throughout my body with every flick of his tongue. Unable to contain myself, I muttered his name, over and over again. “Colton.”

Ever so slowly, he trailed a line of delicate kisses down my stomach, and muscles tensed when I felt the heat of his breath against my sensitive flesh. My breathing quickened as his fingers softly swept across my inner thighs, teasing me as they drifted closer. Overcome with need, my hips bucked forward, urging him on, and a shock of pleasure rushed through me as the flat of his tongue brushed against me.

His touch was firm and demanding, like a man possessed, and it felt so damn good—better than I could’ve ever imagined. As his warm, wet mouth clamped down around me, I was barely able to take a breath. I raked my nails across his back when he drove his fingers inside me, twisting and turning as he dragged them across my G-spot. With each swirl of his tongue and flick of his fingers, he brought me closer and closer to the edge.

“Oh, God,” I panted.

I could feel the storm of pleasure whirling inside of me. My hips jerked forward as my body clenched tightly around his fingers. After a few more grazes of his tongue, my orgasm took hold. My fingers tangled in his hair as I held his head shamelessly in place while he continued to tease me relentlessly, intensifying my orgasm. “Oh, God. Colton!”

I was still fighting to catch my breath when suddenly he stood up and dropped his pants to the floor. Gazing at his perfectly sculpted body made me writhe against the mattress. I wanted him, all of him, and I didn’t want to wait a moment longer. My voice was filled with angst as I pleaded, “Please, Colton.”

His eyes never left mine as he eased back onto the bed, and without hesitation, I wrapped my legs around his waist, pulling him to me. His body felt so good against mine, and I gasped when his cock brushed against me. Every touch was like a spark igniting a flame, causing my entire body to burn for him, and relief washed over me as he slowly, yet steadily eased inside me. I looked up at him, this man who held my heart and my future in his hands, and I was suddenly overcome with emotion. I hadn’t meant to fall in love with him, but I had—heart and soul, and I feared I might not have it in me to let him go. I wanted him, not just at this moment, but for always and forever.