“I guess,” I answered after a long pause.

“Good. Just like your friend’s bun in the oven.” He shot me a smirk. Playful Jax had returned, and was about to meet the angry bitch from the previous night.

I pointed my finger at him, a tight scowl in place on my face. “If you ever try to mess with me again like you did last night, I’ll not only tell Logan about this little venture of yours, but I’ll also make sure Caleb finds out you knew about the baby and didn’t tell him.”

He held up his hands. “Fine, you win. Last night I was more irritated about Courtney insisting we eat dinner with you guys than anything. I knew Logan would be pissed, and when Julia stopped over, I was screwed. My sister’s a protective one—twins and all. So, yeah, it was a dick move to take it out on you. I’m sorry. Friends?”

Did I just receive a sincere apology from Jax West? My smile was huge. “Apology accepted. And yes, friends.”

He moved to reenter the room as I asked, “So, friend, how about I borrow your car today?”

He looked back. “I thought I could taxi you again.”

“Nope. I’d rather drive.”

He rolled his eyes. “You know Logan has other vehicles in the garage, right? He’d gladly loan—”

I shook my head. “Nope.” I held out my hand.

He dug into his pocket. “Fine. But if I have to go anywhere, I’ll be taking one of Logan’s.”

“Works for me,” I said excitedly as he placed the keys in my hand.

“Be gentle with her.”

Now I was the one rolling my eyes. Men and their cars. He and Luke would get along well. “You got it. And be gentle with that kid in there.”

He chuckled. “Not my fault he can’t stand a little pain.”

“Right. I’m sure it’s more than a little.”

I’d started walking away when he asked, “You don’t have any, I take it?”

“Tattoos?” My brows shot up.

“Yeah.” He grinned.

I shook my head. “No, not my thing.”

“Well, if you change your mind, let me know. It’s on me.”

“I’ll keep that in mind,” I said, turning back away toward Logan’s room.

Once I was dressed and climbing into Jax’s Mustang, I sent a text to Luke.

What time can I bring Scout by?

His reply came when I was halfway to Main Street.

Anytime. I took a sick day.

A sick day? He’d seemed fine twenty-four hours earlier.

Are u sick?

Who’s asking lol

I smiled as I replied.

I take that as a skip day then.

Whatever u want to call it. I’m home so bring him by any time. Apt 20A

K be there in an hour.

I arrived at Logan’s office after shooting him a text saying I’d bring lunch by if he didn’t have plans. To my pleasure, he didn’t. We ate tucked away in his office with clothes strewn about, the door locked and blinds shut.

“I better go.” I stood, grabbing my bra that had been tossed over his desk chair.

“Why?” he asked. His eyes were closed peacefully.

“Because you need to work,” I replied, giggling.

His eyes shot open, and he dragged me back down. “I could use another break.”

“As tempting as that is, I have to pick up Scout.” Reluctantly, I pulled away and straightened myself, scanning the room for my shirt.

“Now? I thought that was this evening.”

“It was, but Luke took the day off so I told him I’d bring him by…” I checked the clock. “…twenty-five minutes ago.”

With a groan, he sat up. “Too bad. I haven’t had my fill.”

“You rarely do.” I smiled.

“Very true.”

“I’ll see you tonight—unless you have some wild Friday-night plans out on the town.” I hopped into my pants.

He thought it over, a wicked gleam in his eyes. “I could take you out. Anywhere you want to go.”

Standing over him, I watched as he buried his head in my navel. “How about a movie night with Oliver, and after his bedtime…”

He looked up at me with a soft smile. “I love that you care for my son…that you truly care for him.”

“Always,” I told him before stepping out of his hold to find my blouse.

Logan stood gloriously naked. “He’s excited about our surprise for you tomorrow.”

“Right, the one where I have to wear an old turtleneck and ratty sweater. How could I forget?”

His smile grew as he gazed at me with a look that seared my soul. “Stay with me through the weekend,” he murmured.

“I can’t.”

“Why not?” he asked, sliding on his shirt.

I stepped back to him and placed my hands on his biceps, which bulged against the silky fabric. “Because on the way here, I called the school to confirm I return next Monday and they said I could return this Monday instead if I was up for it.”

A frown settled over his lips. “Were you talking on your cell while driving?”

“What?” My brows furrowed.

“You said it was on your way here, which implies that you were talking while driving.”

I snorted. “That’s what you took from what I just said?”

He was deadly serious. “My girl putting herself at risk is the only thing that struck a chord.”

His concern for me warmed me to my toes. “Your girl, hm?” I whispered across his lips.

“My girl, my angel, my lover. So many descriptions, but only one question remains.” His head moved back slightly so he could read my eyes. “Were you talking while driving on snow-covered roads?”

My shoulders sagged. “Yes, okay, but I was at a light for most of that time. And for the record, I can look out for myself. I’ve been doing it for quite a while now.”

His lip quirked, his arms encircling me. “I know, but now you have help. So tell me about this parked-at-a-light explanation. Are you lying?”

“Maybe,” I muttered, my eyes cast downward.

He chuckled, and I jumped when his hand swatted my ass. He kissed the tip of my nose and murmured, “You’re so damn adorable.”

“I thought I was hot,” I teased, kissing his jaw.

“You’re everything I could want and more.” He kissed me softly, then moved away to grab his pants. “So, are you sure you’re ready to return to school?”

“More than ready, which is why I can’t stay through the weekend. But I will till Saturday night. I need Sunday to get organized.”

“Spend Saturday night with me, and I’ll release you bright and early Sunday.”

“Release me?” My brow cocked.

“What would you call it—set you free to return every evening?”

My teeth dug into my bottom lip to catch the laughter that was bubbling inside me. “You might want to skip the poetry.”

Finally fully dressed, I grabbed my coat and purse and placed a kiss to his lips as he stepped into his trousers.

“See you later, lover,” I purred.

“Looking forward to it.” His eyes glistened with adoration, and I sauntered out his door with an intoxicating high.