“So that happened,” he finally said. “Guess I should sneak out before she decides to read us a bedtime story.”

“You could stay.”

Trev stared at her, evidently as stunned to receive that offer as she was to be making it. Hastily, she added, “If you’re seriously okay with helping me out, it would sell the lie. Do you have anything pressing to do first thing tomorrow?”

“I can rearrange my schedule.”

“Then let me get you a toothbrush,” Leanne whispered. She’d bought a value pack and hadn’t worked through them all yet, so she gave Trev the blue one, along with a washcloth and towel. “Do you usually shower at night?”

“I did before I came over.”

“Then you can use the bathroom first.”

It was weird as hell hearing him move around in her en suite while she changed into a nightgown. This reminded her of being married the second time. Her first husband, Garrett, had hardly even been home, while the sequel husband, Malcolm, tried to force a functional relationship, but the more he pushed, the more uncomfortable Leanne became. He had been so determined that they made sense together, as if logic alone could create a lasting bond. But then, of course, leaving proved so easy for him in the end: another rational decision, a foregone conclusion. I could spend years in therapy figuring out my emotional damage.

When Trev came out, she had the bed turned down. A queen seemed like a ridiculous luxury for sleeping on her own, but now she was glad for her foresight. The mattress was new, so nobody but her had ever slept in this bed. It had seemed like an auspicious decision, sweeping out the old to make way for the new. He’d stripped down to his boxers, and she bit her lip. Tonight, she’d had nothing to drink whatsoever, and he still looked damn fine. Not cut, but his arms were thick, and his shoulders were surprisingly broad, probably from when he did lawn care.

“This okay?” he asked, cutting into her vaguely steamy thoughts. He gestured to his attire or lack thereof.

Leanne shrugged. “It’s fine. We’ve already slept together naked.”

“Glad I’m not the only one still thinking about that. I’ll get cozy. Come to bed whenever you’re ready.”

Why does that sound so damn inviting?

***

The next morning, Trev woke to find Leanne already gone.

Using some arcane sorcery, she’d slipped out from under his arm—he’d stirred at some point in the night spooning her—and gotten ready without bothering him. It was weird as hell waking up in a strange place; he could hear Junie moving around, and he braced himself for the most awkward morning after ever.