Chapter 122
Dorothea woke up feeling tangled, limbs heavy and awkward. The first thing she saw was a face so stunning it made her forget where she was for a second.
She had no idea how she’d ended up in his arms, but there it was, his arm draped across her waist, not too tight, not too loose, just enough to make her very aware of him. Even worse, her leg was thrown over his, completely unladylike.
She tried to slip her leg away, slow and careful, but Latham just pulled her closer. He held her so tight she could actually hear his steady breathing, calm and deep.
Dorothea glanced up, unable to stop herself from staring. He was ridiculously handsome, even in sleep. His eyelashes were long enough to cast shadows on his cheeks, his nose was sharp and perfect, and his lips, always pressed tight and sharp during the day, looked soft and relaxed now.
When he was awake, Latham always had that little smile, like he knew something you didn’t and was just waiting to spring it on you. But asleep, he looked gentle. Innocent, even. Almost sweet.
She tried again to wriggle out of his arms, and this time she managed to wake him. His lashes fluttered, and then his dark eyes locked right onto hers.
“Awake?” he murmured, voice rough and low right by her ear.
“Mhm.” Dorothea rolled over awkwardly, turning her back to him.
Latham chuckled, slow and quiet. “Getting shy p>
“Yesterday, you just decided to sleep in the master bedroom,” he said, teasing, “and then you rolled right into my arms and wouldn’t let go p>
He rubbed his chest for effect, smirking. “I tried to push you away, but you kept snuggling up like a stubborn little calf. You wouldn’t budge p>
He took her hand, pressing it to his chest. “Feel this. I think you bruised me p>
Dorothea yanked her hand away, heat rushing to her cheeks. “Stay away,” she snapped.
“I didn’t do anything. Don’t make stuff up p>
“And I didn’t choose the master bedroom, either. Your dad came over yesterday, saw we were in separate rooms, and moved my stuff in here. It wasn’t my idea p>
“Alright,” Latham said, his smile lazy. “Poor you. But you looked like you slept pretty well p>
Dorothea scrambled out of bed, eager to escape. “I’m going to wash up p>
Latham just laughed, folding his hands behind his head and closing his eyes. He
tried to calm himself, but honestly, just holding her with nothing more happening felt like torture.
Dorothea ducked into Garth’s room. The kid was still rubbing the sleep from his eyes, hair sticking up everywhere.
He scratched his head, blushing. “Aunt Dorothea, I need to change p>
She smiled, trying not to laugh. “Alright. I’ll wait for you in the dining room p>
Such a little guy, already so proper.
A few minutes later, Garth and
Latham both showed up at the table.
Garth moved quick, grabbing the
seat right next to Dorothea Latham
just raised an eyebrow and sat
across from her.
“Listen,” Latham started, “you can stay here, but there are rules. Bedtime’s nine o’clock sharp. No sneaking around at night No being picky with food. Linda cooks you eat. And don’t even think about asking me for homework help. I’m busy. Got it p>
Garth made a little face. “It’s not just your house. It’s Aunt Dorothea’s house too. You have so many rules p>
Latham smiled, but there was a warning in it. “Sure, it’s both our house. But with one call, I could send you right back to your own home. Want to test me p>
Garth knew better than to push his luck. He pouted, wiggled in his chair, and took a big spoonful of oatmeal.
“Fine. You talk too much p>
Latham clicked his tongue, then looked over at Dorothea. “I’m leaving on a work trip tonight I’ll be back next Monday. Try not to miss me too much. If you need anything, call me. My phone stays on p>
The room went quiet for a second. With Latham around, things always felt a little too charged. Dorothea mumbled, “Okay p>
Honestly, him going on a trip was a relief. She wouldn’t have to deal with him every night.
Of course, Garth didn’t take Latham’s warnings to heart at all. They went in one ear and right out the other.