“I don’t like to see you worried or upset, but knowing you love me enough to worry is very sweet.”

“I love you too much.”

“Not possible.”

“It’s not in my nature to be gushy, so maybe I don’t say it often enough or show you—”

He stopped her with a soft, devastatingly sensual kiss. “Baby, you show me every day, in every look and every touch. I never wonder how much you love me. I always know.”

Reassured by his words, she clung to him, needing him more than she’d ever needed anyone.

“I promise I’ll be fine, and I’ll be back before you know it.”

She tightened her hold on him. “For the record, I’m disgusted by myself. It’s so not like me to be a needy female.”

His soft chuckle drew a hesitant smile from her. “You’re my needy female, and I love you so much. I had no idea it was possible to love anyone as much as I love you.”

They stood there, wrapped up in each other, for a long time, until the water turned off upstairs, and he released her with a kiss that promised sensual delights the moment they were able to be alone. “Let’s get the boy in bed so we can spend some time together.”

“What time do you have to get up?”

“I have to be at Andrew’s by three.”

“Is your detail going on the trip with you?”

He nodded. “Where I go, they go.”

After they shut off the lights and locked the doors, they walked upstairs together.

Scotty was in bed when they got to his room, and they went in to say goodnight.

Nick sat on the edge of the bed. “So I won’t see you tomorrow or Saturday, bud, but I’ll be back early on Sunday.”

“Is Mrs. Littlefield still coming up on Saturday to see me?”

“Yep,” Nick said. “I talked to her today, and you’re on for lunch and a movie.”

“Cool. I can’t wait to see her. Have a good time on your trip with the president, and make sure you memorize all the sick stuff about Air Force One so you can tell me about it after.”

“I’ll do that.” Nick leaned forward to receive a tight hug from Scotty. “Keep an eye on Sam for me while I’m gone.”

“I’ll do my best, but she won’t make it easy.”

“I can hear you,” Sam said dryly, which made them laugh.

“Dude, you’re feeling my pain.” Nick kissed Scotty’s forehead and gave him another hug. “Have fun with Mrs. L. Tell her I said hi.”

“I will.”

Nick released him, and Sam moved in to pull the comforter up and over him, leaning in to kiss him.

“Come get me if you wake up during the night.”

“I will. Thanks, Sam.”

“Night, buddy.”

“Hey, Nick?”