Baby's First Homecoming by Cathy McDavid Page A

had changed.
    “Take another day or two before you say no. It would be good for Jamie to have—”
    “I’m accepting your offer.”
    His jaw went slack. “You are?”
    “And the job, too.”
    “Wow.”
    “If you still want me to work for you.”
    “I do.” He grinned. Stupidly, he was certain. “That’s great.”
    “There are going to be some conditions.”
    “Naturally.” His grin widened. “I figured as much.”
    “I’ll move in and start work once we’ve ironed out the agreement.”
    He grabbed her by the waist and hugged her fiercely. Sierra and Jamie were coming to live with him! “Thank you.”
    She let out a startled gasp but didn’t withdraw.
    “I’m really glad you said yes.” He breathed her in. She smelled as good as he remembered.
    “Me, too.” She raised her arms, hesitated, then slid them around his neck, returning his hug.
    Yes, nice. Really nice.
    Wait, no. He reminded himself this was a friendly hug between two people whose only concern was the well-being of their son.
    His body had other ideas, as did his hands, which skimmed her back over the material of her too-bulky, too-thick sweater.
    He couldn’t stop himself. Her curves were too perfect, her scent too intoxicating, her skin like satin.
    Her skin?
    When had his hand moved to caress her cheek?
    “Tell me no.” He bent his head, his lips seeking hers.
    She didn’t. She couldn’t, not with him kissing her.
    * * *
    B IG , BIG MISTAKE . Huge, like the size of an entire mountain range.
    Exactly the kind of mistake that had gotten Sierra into trouble before.
    She knew she should hightail it out of there as fast as her legs could carry her.
    But she didn’t move.
    It wasn’t Clay’s arms circling her that prevented her escape. No, no. Or the sensation of his mouth, firm and warm and with just enough pressure to send a delicious thrill winding through her. A small part of her had wanted this kiss since she’d glimpsed him standing outside of her brother’s apartment. Possibly since the first day she came home.
    His lips moved her over hers, nibbling, teasing, coaxing a response from her. He got it, all right.
    She sighed and leaned into him, anticipating the moment when he’d deepen the kiss. Soothe the needy ache inside her.
    Just when things started to really heat up, he abruptly withdrew. She almost lost her balance, and a startled sound escaped her.
    A low groan escaped him. “I shouldn’t have done that.”
    Yeah, and she shouldn’t have turned into mush the instant their lips touched. What was wrong with her?
    He studied her with a piercing stare that split her apart and, she was convinced, revealed every one of her secrets.
    “Don’t look at me like that. It was just a kiss.”
    “Right.”
    “Oh, please.” She rolled her eyes. Clay wasn’t going to learn how much the kiss had affected her.
    His satisfied grin infuriated her. She was half inclined to tell him she’d changed her mind about everything, the casita, the job, the custody agreement, then she instantly reconsidered.
    The better course of action would be not to lose her head again. She could do that. Keep their relationship strictly professional and avoid him as much as possible.
    “See you tomorrow night.” His voice was low and slightly husky and reminded her of other kisses shared beneath shimmering moonlight.
    “What time are you coming by?” she asked with a not-that-I-care demeanor.
    “I figured we’d meet up at the rehearsal dinner.”
    Shoot, she’d forgotten about the dinner. Well, it couldn’t be helped. She’d agreed to attend even though she wasn’t officially a part of the ceremony. Both Sage and Caitlin had offered to make her a bridesmaid, but Sierra had declined, preferring to watch Jamie and assist with the reception.
    “See you there.”
    His gaze glided over her, slow and hungry. “You don’t have to walk me to my truck.”
    “I wasn’t going to.” Of all the nerve.
    He lowered his head.
    For one wild second, she