Chapter 28

Kyp

Blood pumped through me with a vengeance as my hand lightly slid over that curve that drove me wild. The image of that same curve totally bared in the shed the day she’d been turned flashed into my mind and I felt the breath leave me. My hand roamed from her waist to the small of her back and back again, sending my pulse spiking even higher.

Mom’s door opening upstairs jerked me back to the present. I pulled Rachel in for one last squeeze and felt her curves pressed up against me. Swallowing, I let her go, but kept my hand lightly on her waist, wanting Mom to know.

She walked in all rumpled and with slight shadows cupping her eyes. She immediately zeroed in on my hand as Rachel hid behind a giant gulp of coffee.

“Morning, Mom.”

“Good morning.” She suddenly became more alert as her gaze swung to my face.

“Morning, Jennifer,” Rachel added softly.

“So, um, Rachel and I,” I started, unsure how to phrase it. Were dating? Were seeing each other? I didn’t even know the right word.

“Are together,” Rachel finished after my slight pause. I glanced at her, appreciating her word choice. Together. Not alone. Together. Wolf preened.

Mom’s smile reached her eyes and banished any remaining sleep.

“That’s fabulous. Really. I’m delighted for both of you.” I could see her brain whirring as she looked at us, her smile still in place.

“Mom, what is it?”

“I…I was just thinking that some ground rules might be in order, since you guys are both living here for the time being.”

Rachel’s phone rang loudly from the tabletop.

“Sorry, it’s my mom. I’ll go take it to the other room.” She snatched it up with a smile and ducked her head as she went into the living room.

“Kyp, I am happy for you,” Mom said quietly as she slid her arms around me for a quick hug.

I couldn’t stop smiling. “Thanks, Mom.”

“I don’t mean to be a buzz-kill, but you know why you need ground rules,” she whispered, concern evident in her voice.

“I know. And we’ll definitely set some. But we’ve got to go, or we’ll be late. Did Jonathan bring you home last night?”

“He did. And yes, he’s taking me to work later today, too.” She smiled, her eyes taking on a dreamy quality.

“Wow. I think you’ve got it almost as bad as I do,” I teased her.

She chuckled. “Maybe. Have a good day. Love you.”

“Love you, too, Mom.”