The Divorce Prescription

Jonah stepped into the room, and Bella's face immediately lit up with excitement. "Aunt Hailey, is Uncle Jonah going to sleep with us tonight?"

Hailey shook her head. "Of course not."

"Why not?" Bella asked.

Hailey bent down and kissed Bella on the cheek. "Because you're a little girl, and little girls shouldn't sleep next to any man except their daddy. It's a special rule just for us ladies."

Bella nodded, as if she understood part of it. "That's what Mommy told me too."

Hailey handed Jonah a storybook. "I'm going to take a shower. Can you tell Bella a story while I'm gone?"

Jonah accepted the book. "Got it. She's in good hands."

As Hailey headed toward the bathroom, she glanced over her shoulder. Bella was lying peacefully on the bed, while Jonah leaned against the headboard, reading the story aloud.

His deep, soothing voice was perfect for storytelling. He had such gentle patience with children.

Hailey smiled to herself as she stepped into the shower.

By the time she emerged, Bella was already sound asleep.

She asked softly, "Is she asleep?"

aside and tucked the blanket around Bella. "Yeah, she's out

her damp hair. "Mr. Pilsner, you can

gently tugging her slender arm and pulling her down onto his lap.

"Obviously."

tonight? I'll

to sleep on the couch here when there's a whole bed waiting

"Because you're here."

leaned in and kissed

quickly pressed a hand over

darkened with desire. "Then be

pulled her

scattered, and her body melted into his touch. Before she could steady

we going?"

haven't showered yet," Jonah murmured. "Come,

reply, he carried Hailey straight

to protest, but Jonah didn't give her the chance. He pressed her against

can't," she

off his clothes.

word hit her

never called her "baby"

out. "Wait... we can't. You