Chapter Five
Lying in Seth’s arms afterward was one of Presley’s favorite things in life. It was at that moment she felt so close to him, so comfortable and safe. This was their life together and she could physically feel his love, not just during but after too in the way he held her, stroked her skin, and whispered silly little things in her ear. It was then that the barriers of the day melted away and they could communicate so easily, talking about their future plans and dreams. Seth was open with her in a way that she’d never dreamed was possible.
Nestled in the crook of his arm, she rested her head on his shoulder while her fingers idly traced patterns on his chest. His heart thudded steadily under her hand, strong and sure. Just like the man lying next to her.
“I’m going to get a glass of water.”
Before she could protest, he was sliding out of the bed and leaving her to enjoy the afterglow all alone.
She pointed to the water bottle by the side of the bed. Seth was a stickler for keeping one there at all times. He was all about hydration. “We have water.”
Rubbing his chin, he shrugged into the Star Wars robe the kids had picked out for his Christmas present. He rarely wore it. “I want cold water. Can I bring you anything?”
This. This was why she was beginning to think her husband had been replaced by a lookalike. Seth hated that robe and he didn’t care what temperature his water was.
“I’m good.” She patted the bed next to her. “Can’t you come back and cuddle a little longer?”
He was already backing toward the bedroom door. “Thirsty but I’ll be right back and we’ll pick up where we left off. I promise. Love you.”
Practically turning and fleeing, Seth scurried out of the bedroom and down the hallway. Something was definitely going on and she was going to find out what it was.
Throwing on one of Seth’s old t-shirts, she snuck quietly as possible down the hall and peered around the doorway to the kitchen only to find the room empty. Flummoxed as to where he would be at this time of night, Presley stood in the middle of the kitchen but then heard muffled voices. It was faint but she padded toward the back window that overlooked the deck and the kids’ swing set.
Seth. Standing outside the backdoor in his hated robe. Talking on the phone. A call he obviously didn’t want her to hear. He’d just made love to her so passionately but now he was talking to God knows who about God knows what. And being secretive about it.
Whirling on her bare feet, she stomped back to the bedroom and shut the door, wishing she could slam it but that would wake Ben and Lulu. Heart thundering against her ribs and shaking all over, she stared into the mirror on the back of the closet door. The woman that looked back was pale, eyes wide and lips trembling. It was the face of fear.
Her husband was sending her a message whether he realized it or not. He wasn’t the same and he didn’t appear to be happy. Maybe she had put him on the back burner after Lulu’s birth and then the coffee shop. It was so easy to take a spouse for granted, although she’d never felt that Seth did that to her. Was she that selfish that she assumed he’d be there for her no matter how she treated him? He loved her. She was sure of that. But that didn’t mean that he wasn’t restless. He thought he wanted every day to be the same but he came alive when there was excitement and spontaneity.
Presley needed to give him that gift again. She needed to give herself that gift too.
It was time to shake things up in the Reilly household. But how?
* * * *
“Everything looks clear here,” Seth reported to Tanner. “Knox is patrolling around the house and my deputy Hank is watching the entries into town. If Harbaugh is close, we’ll know.”
Seth pulled the edges of his robe closer to keep out the chilly air. He couldn’t get re-dressed before coming outside. That would have raised Presley’s suspicions sky high and she was already looking at him strangely. Even before becoming a mother she’d had a highly-tuned bullshit detector, but since giving birth it was formidable indeed. Ben and Lulu weren’t going to get away with anything in their teenage years.
“That’s good,” Tanner replied. “I talked to Dare today and he’s still digging into Danny Harbaugh’s past, but hopefully he’ll find something or someone that might give a clue as to where he’s lying low. I’d rather find him before he finds you.”
“I just want him to stay away from Presley and the kids.”
There was a small silence on the other end of the line before Tanner spoke again.
“You haven’t told Presley?”
Seth shook his head even though there was no one to see it. “Absolutely not. Ever since Lulu’s birth she’s been battling terrible migraines. Last time she visited the doctor she told Presley to avoid stress. Then the doctor kind of laughed at her own advice because how can a mother of two young children avoid stress? But the doc said she should do her best which Presley tries to do with that meditation stuff, but with the coffee shop I can’t put one more stressor on her plate.”
It was Seth’s job to protect his wife. Watching Presley go through those debilitating migraines was almost more than he could bear. He’d do anything to keep her from having a single one.
“You know she’s going to find out eventually.”
“I know,” Seth sighed. “And she’s going to be madder than a wet hen when she does but I’ve made the call on this. If she needs to know I’ll tell her but until then I’m going with the ignorance is bliss theory.”
He didn’t even mention the pregnancy test to Tanner. That was a secret until both he and Presley decided to share the news. But it was one more big reason not to stress her. If anything happened to the baby because his wife was frightened or upset, he’d never forgive himself.
“She’s going have your balls in a jar on the mantle, my friend.”
Better his balls damaged than Presley herself.
“I’ll take my chances. Also, I have some good news. My parents want to take Ben and Lulu to Graceland day after tomorrow for a couple of weeks. I admit to planting the idea but they loved it. I just have to convince Presley it’s a good idea.”
“That is excellent news,” Tanner approved. “I know one of us will want to trail behind them but I also have a deputy who retired not long ago and he’s going crazy with boredom. I’m sure he’d jump at the chance if you wanted to send him with your folks and kids. We could use the help. I can vouch for him. He’s a good guy.”
Seth didn’t even have to think about the decision. “Call him and let’s get it set up. I think the kids will be safe with my parents but you’re right. I don’t want to take any foolish chances.”
“Will do. Check in first thing in the morning. I have the day off so I’ll be taking over for Knox.”
“I’m taking some time off this weekend,” Seth replied. “To take some of the strain off of you guys. If Presley and I are in the same place, then only one of you need to be on duty.”
“Good plan,” Tanner approved. “You’ve been working overtime for weeks anyway and I’m sure there are projects stacking up at the house.”
The first one on the list was to paint the peeling steps on the back deck. Presley had said something a while ago but he hadn’t noticed until tonight.
“A million of them.”
Seth couldn’t get Harbaugh behind bars quick enough. This was becoming a pain in the ass.
“Listen…thanks.”
“Don’t mention it. I know you’d do the same.”
“I would but I hope to hell I never have to.”
Tanner laughed. “Amen, brother. Now get some sleep. I’ll see you in the morning.”
Tucking his phone back into his robe pocket, Seth tried to be as stealthy as possible entering the house. Locking the door behind him, he held his breath as he tiptoed down the hall, stopping to check on his children first, both fast asleep and looking angelic. He wanted to kiss their foreheads but if he woke them up there would be nothing but trouble. Better to err on the side of caution.
When he cautiously entered the master bedroom, the room was dark and Presley was tucked under the covers sound asleep. Tossing the robe away, he slid between the sheets next to the most beautiful woman he’d ever known. And quite the vixen, too. She’d shocked the hell out of him tonight with that black lingerie but that was his Presley. Unpredictable. Spontaneous. Never a dull moment since he’d met her. His life had been gray and staid but now it was bright and multi-colored. He had everything he’d ever wanted under this roof, and he’d do whatever it took to keep them safe.