Lauren sat on the couch, staring out onto the massive lawn. The moonlight filtered softly through the trees beyond, casting almost an ethereal glow over the whole space. God, it was beautiful. She wrapped her hands around the mug of hot chocolate and blew across the still-steaming contents before taking another sip. After a series of afternoon catnaps, she hadn’t been able to sleep, and after tossing and turning for over an hour, she’d given up and wandered back out to the living room. The house was cool and quiet, both Matt and Brayden obviously long since asleep. She doubted she’d wake either of them, even with her hunt for a mug and the hot chocolate powder. Brayden, for all his energy, had been through the same crazy week she had, and had to be practically running on fumes. As for Matt, well, she couldn’t imagine sleeping on a hospital couch was exactly comfortable, especially for someone of his height.

He’d told them before they’d headed to bed that he’d probably be gone by the time she woke up in the morning, needing to report for duty to the firehouse by 7 a.m. She shivered, pulling the blanket she’d dragged from her room farther over her shoulders. It might be spring, but the nights were still cold enough to bring a chill to the air. It would still be freezing that early in the morning, even with their uniforms. She took another long drink of the hot chocolate, staring out across the lawn. Watching the moonlight dance across the otherwise empty space brought her a sense of peace she hadn’t felt in days.

After finishing her drink, she walked into the kitchen to rinse the mug. Matt’s kitchen was beautiful, large, and with state-of-the-art appliances. The dinner he’d made had been simple but delicious—and full of carbs. It was exactly what she’d needed. Unlike most bachelor guys she knew, his pantry was pretty well stocked, too. She’d spotted some eggs and cheese in the refrigerator when she’d fetched the milk earlier. Maybe she could cook him breakfast. Return the favor with a hot meal before he had to go out in the cold. She smiled. She’d like that. Besides, Brayden would be up at the crack of dawn anyway. It didn’t seem to matter how much sleep—or not—the kid got; he was always awake with the birds.

Lauren looked at the oven clock. It was nearly one a.m. If she was going to be in any shape to use sharp knives and the stovetop in the morning, then she’d better make her way to bed. She hoped the warm milk would help finally bring sleep on. She tiptoed down the hall, peeking in at Brayden. He was sound asleep, splayed out in bed like a starfish, the blankets half hanging off. She snuck into his room and tucked him in, dropping a kiss on his forehead, taking the opportunity when he wouldn’t duck out of the way or proclaim, “Gross, Mom!” at her attempts to give him a hug. Despite how tall he had gotten the past few years, he would always be her baby.

Continuing down the hall, she paused at the entrance to Matt’s room. She bit her lip. As much as her libido may want to, there was no way she was peeking inside his room the way she had with Brayden. There would be no tucking in of Matt, and definitely no kissing. Still, something fluttered inside her at the thought, something she’d thought was long dead. Since James’ death, she hadn’t felt even a speck of arousal, even at the sexy pictures some of her girlfriends posted online. Damn, those girls had some good man candy. Still, while she’d been able to appreciate their form, nothing caused her heart to race or her breath to stutter. She’d begun to think that nothing ever would again. She’d even grown to accept the idea. Perhaps it was her punishment for what had happened after James’ death, the universe’s way of telling her that Brayden had to be her sole focus.

But still, the idea of Matt lying sprawled across the bed, the bedclothes falling away from his body . . . that sent a warmth spiraling through her that she hadn’t felt for years. No. She couldn’t do it. Not only was it a bad idea, he’d probably throw her out on the street for being a raving lunatic. Who peeped into someone else’s bedroom just so they could admire them while they slept? Fucking stalkers were about it.

She forced her feet to move on. One step, then two. Then they stopped dead as a shout came from behind Matt’s door. She frowned, listening. There was a muffled yell, a crash, then another shout. What the hell was going on in there? Had a real creep actually broken in? Crap! Had Victor found them?

She sprinted to the bedroom door and flung it open, expecting to see a masked intruder standing in the middle of the room. Instead, there was no one except Matt, who was writhing around on the sheets, his face twisted in what appeared to be agony, but he was fast asleep.

A nightmare. That had to be it. She’d had her fair share in recent years. If she could wake Matt and save him from having to spend the whole night in restless fear, then she would. She moved to the edge of the bed and sat, shaking his shoulder. He cried out again but didn’t open his eyes. “Matt,” she whispered, and then louder the next time. “Matt.” Still nothing. Leading forward, Lauren grabbed ahold of both his shoulders, shaking hard and calling out his name. “Matt!”

He flew up to a sitting position and wrapped a hand around her neck. Lauren froze. Before she could make herself move or try to get away, Matt’s eyes opened and his hand instantly dropped away. “Lauren?” His eyes widened, and his face grew more horrified by the second. “Lauren? Oh, my God! Did I hurt you?” He leaned over and flicked on the bedside light, gently turning her head to the side with a finger on her chin.

“I’m okay, Matt.” Her expression turned serious. “Are you?”

He scrubbed his face with his hand. “I’m fine. Lauren, fuck, I could have really hurt you.” He leaned forward again, his horrified look replaced with concern. “You’re sure you’re okay?”

A shiver went through her at his touch. He hadn’t hurt her. Lauren doubted he ever could, even in his sleep. That didn’t mean his touch didn’t have all sorts of other effects. She forced the feelings down and instead wrapped Matt in her arms, hugging him. If nothing else, perhaps she could offer comfort.

Her eyes closed, reveling in the warmth of his body as his arms tightened around her, holding her close. He’d always been into sports, but wow, he’d changed in the eleven years since she’d seen him last. His hard body pressed against hers, and she could feel the ripple of every muscle when he moved. He was shirtless, and his bicep was nearly as large as her thigh. The shiver of sensation turned into a full blaze when he turned his head slightly, his lips barely grazing across her cheek. She turned, meeting his mouth, and couldn’t resist any longer. Her lips met his.