The late afternoon sun sprayed in through Whitney’s bedroom window. Even though she was warm, her skin damp with sweat, she drew the blanket up to her chin. If a guy was going to have to see her naked body, Whitney preferred it to be in the dark. But, as a single mom, she had to take the opportunity when it was presented.

Jay rolled over, peeked at his phone. The covers on his side were bunched near his feet. He clearly didn’t have the same body image issues she did. She knew, really, it didn’t make much sense. He’d seen everything of hers a few minutes ago.

The front door popped open, followed by the sound of keys rattling, a backpack being tossed on the ground with a thump. Whitney’s eyes widened.

“The door.” She pointed.

She hadn’t been expecting Amelia home from swim practice. She thought she had another half hour at least.

Jay sprang into action, racing across the room and shutting the bedroom door. Whitney hurriedly pushed her arms through the straps of her bra and tugged her shirt on.

“Mom? You home?” Amelia’s voice got closer.

“Yep,” Whitney hollered. “Um...be out in just a sec.” Searching through the bed, she couldn’t find her underwear. “Had a meeting earlier?” she shouted. “So I’m just changing real quick.”

Amelia didn’t answer. Probably didn’t even care. Whitney heard footsteps in the kitchen, the suction of the refrigerator. When Amelia got home from swim practice, she was always ravenous. Had been since she was little.

“Jay,” she whispered, since he was near her dresser. “Grab me a pair of underwear please. Top drawer. Middle.”

“Sure thing.” He opened the door, pulled out a lacy pair.

Of course he’d pick those ones, she thought.

Before closing the drawer, his gaze lingered in it for a moment. Then he turned, tossing her the panties. “You know, there are such things as banks, right?”

“Huh?” Standing, she pulled on the underwear, then stepped into her pants.

Face reddening, he shook his head. “Sorry, I shouldn’t have said anything. It’s not my business.”

That’s when she realized he must’ve seen her money envelope. She waved away his apology. “Oh, no, it’s not a big deal,” she whispered, walking closer to him as he wriggled into his own pants. “That’s just money from my side gigs. I’m saving it to buy Amelia a car.” She kissed him lightly on the mouth. “Now stay here and keep quiet. I’ll sneak you out when she goes back to her room.”

Then Whitney smoothed down her hair, licked her lips and stepped out into the hallway, closing the door tightly behind her.