When Chase slips in beside me, I’m deliriously happy and not just because I feel the long, hard length of him pressed against my back. Violet is responding to the treatment. Her energy level is up and she hasn’t had a fever since.

Chase spoons in behind me and nuzzles my neck as his hand glides up my thigh to my hip.

“Are you awake?” he whispers, his words fanning my hair.

Though I’d awoken to the sounds of him entering the bedroom, a silly giggle escapes me. It’s late and I don’t care as his fingers squeeze my side before traveling down and then up my sleep shirt to find my center. I suck in air.

“I need you. It’s been a long day without you,” he says.

I nod because I always need him. He lifts my leg and guides his cock to my entrance. I stifle a moan as he pushes inside me.

“Damn, you’re always wet and ready for me.”

I moan out an agreement. It’s true. Just knowing he’s near, my body responds.

His thrusts are fast and hard, taking me higher each time. He works his magic touch on my clit with precision. It won’t be long as he pumps in and out of me.

“Touch yourself,” he commands.

His hand disappears to glide up my stomach. I use my hand where his was to keep up the pressure.

“I’m close,” I beg.

He cups my breast and pinches my nipple. I bite my tongue to hold back a cry. It would be loud and might wake the neighborhood.

His mouth is at my pulse point, sucking as he squeezes my tit and tweaks my nipple.

“I’m going to come so hard there’s no way you’re not going to get pregnant.”

That’s enough to send me over the edge and moaning out his name.

“Damn, baby, that’s it. Your pussy is fisting me so tight right now, I can’t hang on.”

He rolls me toward him some to sink deeper as he pulses inside me. It spurs on my orgasm to last that much longer. Then he’s still and we are both breathing hard.

“I shouldn’t have woken you,” he says.

I shake my head. “That’s worth waking up for.”

I don’t ask why he’s late. I trust him completely.

“How was Violet today?” he asks.

“Great. She’s like a different child in a good way.”

He nods as he moves us back to our sides, but doesn’t pull out his softened cock. He’s long and thick enough to not slip out. And I like the feeling of him there and enjoy these quiet moments. Soon, his breathing changes. He’s fallen asleep and I have to smile. It’s so damn wonderful to have him possessively wrapped around me even with his hand still holding one breast. Just as quickly, I follow him into dreamland. It’s not a wonder, as I would follow him anywhere.

A tap on my nose wakes me. Chase is gone. Since Violet’s gotten better, he’s gone to practice early and comes home late. I don’t complain because I know he’ll be there for me in a second if I need him.

I open my eyes and find Violet with a pink substance all over her face. I sit up and bend down to examine it. It smells fruity.

Laughing, I say, “What have you gotten into?”

“Yogie,” she says, all proud of herself.

I glance at the time. It’s past nine in the morning and I groan. I’ve overslept. I should’ve set an alarm. Violet decided to get herself breakfast and had gotten a yogurt.

“Let’s clean you up and fix you a proper breakfast. How about pancakes?”

She nods and we do, making a mess of the kitchen while we prepare. But I don’t care. I love how happy she is. It’s so great how fast kids bounce back from illnesses as if they were never there.

That afternoon, my bestie video calls.

“Hey,” she says somberly.

I tell her all about Violet. I look over to where my baby sings and dances to the cartoon character on the TV.

“Everything’s great. She’s responding well.”

“I’m still getting tested,” Beth says.

“God, I miss you. I hope you can come out again for your vacation.”

“Me too. But so many people have quit in the last month, you wouldn’t believe.”

I feel guilty. “I wish I could come back.”

“No, you don’t.” She laughs. “You’re in Italy for goodness’ sake.”

“How’s Joshua?” I tease.

She may have pushed him toward me, but I know my friend secretly crushes on the guy. He is hot. I can’t blame her.

A blush flames her face. “He asked me out. You’re not mad, are you?”

I feign shock. “No way. He’s all yours.”

“Oh, I’m being paged. No rest for the weary. I’ll call you later.”

When we hang up, a pang of longing for Chicago hits me. I dial another number to FaceTime. It’s not long before Owen’s face pops up on the screen.

“Hey, stranger.”

“Hey, you.”

There’s an awkward moment before he ends it.

“How’s everything in Italy? How’s Violet and Chase?”

My smile seems to take over the screen. “They’re great.”

Then I explain everything.

“I’m sorry, Andi. Holly and I will get tested.”

Feeling guilty, I say, “I didn’t call you for that. I miss you guys.”

“I know. We miss you too. But I want to help and I’m sure Holly would too.”

“Is she around?”

My time is all mixed up when it comes to what time it is in Chicago.

“Yeah, do you want me to put her on?”

“Yes, I miss her so and Violet will want to see her.” I take the iPad over to the living room. “Violet, see who’s on the screen.”

Owen waves at her and then Holly fits into the picture.

Violet waves and soon the two girls are talking and singing. The doorbell rings.

“Owen, I’ll be right back.”

The living room is in the sightline of the front door. I can hear Violet and Holly with their garbled speak. Violet is showing her a new doll she got from Chase, who spoils her rotten.

When I open the door, I’m shocked to see Lucia there. I’d convinced the security guy he could make a quick run to grab lunch, and I halt the door opening and move to make sure she can’t see inside.

She lifts her chin and asks, “Is Chase here?”

“He’s not,” I say, hating that she can hear my daughter.

The woman doesn’t deserve it. Why can’t she just walk away gracefully?

She glances down at her belly bump, which I ignore. “I have to talk to him.”

I move to step outside, but leave the door cracked open behind me so I can hear Violet. Owen is talking to the girls and I know I have a few minutes.

“Can I offer you a piece of advice?” I ask.

She rolls her eyes. “Why? You are only jealous.”

“Actually, I’m not. Yes, you are more beautiful than I am, which puzzles me. Why chase after a man who doesn’t want you?”

“Because I am better than you. He should want me.”

Her accent is thick, but I understand every word she says.

“The thing is, men don’t marry a woman to look at. They marry a woman to live with. For whatever reason, Chase wants me. That doesn’t take away anything about you. It just means you aren’t for him. But there are probably a million men out there who would walk over crushed glass to kneel at your feet. You deserve a man like that.”

“I deserve Chase.”

“Look, I get it. He’s a great catch. But we both know he tells it like it is. If he finds you here with that fake baby bump around your waist—” Her eyes grow wide. “—Yes, I’m a neonatal nurse. I’ve seen lots of baby bumps, especially after women give birth. And I myself tried one on when buying maternity clothes. I know the difference. Anyway, Chase won’t be happy. And he’s done so much for you already. You’d do well to find a man that cherishes you.”

I’m not sure if what I said did the trick or if the sound and sight of Chase’s car coming up the drive chases her away. She flees to her car, turning on the engine just as he parks. I glance back and see Violet singing into the iPad, so Owen and Holly are still there.

Chase’s narrowed gaze follows the car as it speeds off before he heads over to me.

“Why was she here?”

I shrug. “She wanted to talk to you.” He blows out a breath and I see steam forming. I hold up a hand. “I handled it. I’m hopeful that’s the last we’ll see of her.”

“I should talk to her.”

“Don’t.” I shake my head. “You’ll encourage her. Your best bet is to ignore her. She knows how you feel. She’s just finding a way to initiate contact.”

“Did she look pregnant?”

“She’s not. It’s fake.”

His jaw tightens. “Trust me. I called her on it. That’s why she left so fast. She knows she has nothing you want.”

He kisses me then glances over my head since he’s taller than me. “Who is Violet talking to?”

“Holly and Owen.”

His brow arches. I step back into the house, giving me another inch or two. Then I draw him close. On my toes, I plant a kiss on his lips.

“Don’t be jealous. He’s just a friend and that’s all he’s ever been. He asked about you. Besides, you’re home early.”

“I can’t stay away from my girls.”

I grin and he smiles back, gracing me with another kiss before he goes to Violet and chats with Owen. I watch in fascination as they actually get into a conversation when Violet and Holly have said all they want to.

When I pull out the roast, I finally get why Mom never worked outside the home. There’s something satisfying about taking care of my family. Yes, I miss working as a nurse. But I don’t feel bored like I thought I would.

Chase surprises me while I lift the lid of the pot to smell the gravy I’ve worked up for our smashed potatoes.

“God, woman, is there anything you can’t do?” he asks as he puts his arms around me from behind.

“I can’t play soccer.” I glance at him over my shoulder and offer up a wink.

“Football,” he groans. “Not you too.”

I turn in his arms.

“Do you want to teach me the difference?” I tease. “One is a full-contact sport, right?”

He tugs me flush against him. “You’re killing me. I want you right here.”

We both glance over at Violet. Then he gives me a wicked grin. “I will have you later and you’ll pay for teasing me.”

He slaps my ass and I yelp. Then he’s back over with our daughter. She hands him a doll and I stifle a giggle. When he does his little girl’s voice, it’s so endearing.

“Team Wilde,” I say to myself.

Things go so great the next week, Violet and I go to Chase’s last regular season game. Though they are slated to go to the playoffs.

Violet cheers as I try to explain what’s going on. “Dada ball.” She points.

Sure enough, Chase dribbles, as it’s called, down the field to the goal. When he called it that once, I thought he was talking about basketball. Boys and their sports.

Violet jumps up in my lap. “Goal.”

She says it perfectly as her dad scores. It’s one of those moments I wish for two more hands and clairvoyance. I would have liked to get that on camera. But someone taps me and points to the big screen. There Violet is on her feet with a fist in the air saying the word again and again.

It’s exhilarating and unnerving at the same time. Have they found us? Would we be targets for the paparazzi?

But all of that is moot when time runs out and fans storm the field. Chase is surrounded, having scored the last goal to break the tie. I stand there and watch my man. He pushes his way through the crowd, hops over the barrier, and treads up the stands to us. If there had been any doubt who we are to him, that’s all gone. He kisses Violet first and then me.

Later that night, when it’s just the two of us, I ask the question.

“Did the press ask you about us?”

He couldn’t stay with us after the game. His contract requires he speak to the press after games. We’d gone home and waited for him to arrive.

“They did. But it’s fine. It’s time the world knows that I’m yours. Maybe Lucia won’t try anything else.”

I hope so.

It must’ve worked, because after that, Lucia never shows her face again.

Two mornings later, he’s gone again. With the playoffs beginning, they didn’t get but a day’s break, which we spent taking Violet to the zoo.

He’s gone to practice and I’ve let Violet sleep because we had a long day yesterday. When I check the time, it’s well past ten and Violet still hasn’t gotten up.

When I enter her room, my heart stops. Her cheeks are flushed and her skin is hot—too hot. I don’t need a thermometer. I rush to my bathroom and turn on the shower. She’s barely opened her eyes when I scoop her up.

“Mama, feel bad.”

There’s no time to call Chase yet. I need to bring her fever down and call the doctor before I call him. It could be nothing, but deep in my heart, I know better.