Undercover Heat
Page 27
When she lay back down, she moaned. He could tell the pain was a lot worse than she let on. “How about a shower?” he asked.
“I’m too tired to take a shower.”
“Who says you have to do anything.” Gently, he slipped his arms under her, and scooped her off the bed. Instead of protesting, she snuggled against him, letting him carry her to the bathroom.
“You know, I’m not sure I’m comfortable with you as my nurse.”
“Hey, let me remind you I have played a doctor twice in my illustrious career.”
She looked up at him with a wrinkled brow. “A coroner and a veterinarian.”
“Oh, and I thought you didn’t watch my movies.” He maneuvered the shower knobs until the water felt suitably warmed. He set her down on the tile, her feet adjusting like a newborn doe.
He loved how she felt against him. The fullness of her body, and the pride he felt for the duty it had performed. Carrie Ann was the mother of his child, and that alone made him want to worship her. “You feel better?”
“Uh huh,” she muttered, and he felt the tension ease. He took the bar of soap and stroked it over her, then went for the bottle of lilac shampoo. “So the doctor said six weeks, right?”
He felt her smile against his chest. “Yes, and I trust you’ll behave for that long.”
“I’m not worried about me. It might drive you crazy, though.”
She punched him playfully, and he kissed the top of her wet head.
“You know,” Ty said, “I meant to tell you. Now that the baby is born, I was thinking that I should probably think about getting back to work. I was talking with a few people about a new project.”
“Oh yeah?”
“Yes, well it’s sort of a sequel, or I guess a new movie with old characters. Problem is, I’m not sure if the other actor wants to reprise their role.”
“What’s the problem? They have other commitments?”
He rinsed the conditioner from her hair and wiped the remnants from her cheeks. “You could say that. Anyway, the producer thinks maybe the other actor could be talked into doing it, and suggested I take a shot.”
“Well, I suppose if it’s a good role, and the script is acceptable. You can be very persuasive.”
“I was hoping you’d say that.” He took her face in his hands. “What do you say Lexie Love? Wanna be my costar?”
Spray from the shower stuck to her lashes. She was pale but her eyes bright, her pink lips formed a smile. “Honey, I don’t know. I just had a baby, and I have this place to run.”
“Four month shoot right here in New York. No travel. The baby stays here, and so do we. I already talked to Lizzie. She’s willing to help with babysitting.”
“Ty, Lizzie already has Emily to worry about.”
“And Manny is also really excited about it. I think he thinks that a small baby is much easier to look after than a big one.”
“I’m curious about that myself.”
“Carrie, everything is all worked out. Just say the word.”
When she stumbled, he caught her, and swung her back in his arms. “Maybe we should get you back to bed, darlin’.” He turned off the water and wrapped her in a towel. With patient hands, he dressed her and dried her hair, before tucking her back under the sheets.
“You spoil me,” she mumbled.
“That’s the idea.”
He slid in next to her, stroking her arm to relax them both. “I’m right here,” he whispered in her ear, but realized the words were meant more for his own. He laced his fingers in her damp hair as if anchoring himself to what was his. “I’m not going anywhere, Carrie Ann. Never.”
As he drifted, he realized he never really had. He had always been there, hidden in her heart, belonging to her, and only her. And now he was finally home.
The End
Other Books by Danielle LaBue
Writing as Dani LaBue:
Dweller on the Threshold
Crush
Writing as Danielle LaBue:
Merry Christmas, Douchebag (a novella)
Love Inc.
Break Point
Undercover Heat
No Tell Noel (a novella)
About the Author
Photo by: Danielle Bronson
Danielle LaBue has been a writer her entire life, penning her first story in purple crayon at the tender age of seven. She lives in Western New York where she watches lots of television, tries to be vegetarian and considers training for a marathon. Purple is still her favorite color.
Fun Facts
- Least favorite task in the whole world: emptying the dishes in the dishwasher.
- First job: cashier at Burger King. I lasted three hours before a customer yelled at me about room temperature ketchup and I quit.
- Dream job: writer and cast member on Saturday Night Live. Basically I want Tina Fey's life.
- Something interesting about you: I'm a former ski racer.
- Favorite snack: Cheese Its
- Least favorite clothing: jeans because I dislike the feel of denim (especially on cold days) against my skin.
- Favorite hobby as a kid: making prank phone calls (all in good fun, of course).
- Favorite TV show of all time: Moonlighting! If it's cheesy eighties, I have the full DVD collection.