Moving a Little Heart Read Online Free Page B

stool. Baylor followed him into the bedroom and slid under the cool, crisp sheets on Jake's bed.
    "Mmm, everything around here smells so good," she muttered, burying her face in his pillow. Her body grew heavier by the second as she sank into the soft mattress. "I'm sorry, but I'm passing on the food. I'm way too sleepy."
    "I see that, Sweetie. Get some sleep," Hayden said gently, stroking her back. "I'll see you in the morning. I'll leave the night light on for you to chase away the boogieman."
    "Why? Is Jake coming back tonight?" Baylor snickered into the fragrant pillow.
    "No such luck. Besides, he's the wrong type of boogieman. These night shifts are hell on him. He likes the light and is drawn to it like a moth."
    "Does he sizzle and pop when he gets too close?" She couldn't resist.
    "I have seen him sizzle and pop many times, but that's usually when a sassy little girl challenges his orders. Or pops bubbles in his face," Hayden said in return. "Go to sleep."
    "Night. Thank you," Baylor murmured as slumber swiftly claimed her exhausted body. She remembered the feel of lips pressing against her temple as the blankets were tucked protectively around her shoulders. Her heart ached—she was unable to recall the last time anyone had either kissed her so tenderly, or tucked her in. Reluctantly, she admitted that this parental type of caring was very soothing, but only when she was tired!

Chapter Two
     
    The sound of men's voices permeated Baylor's dreams and slowly brought her to a state of alertness. She quickly brushed her teeth and threw her hair into a single, high ponytail before venturing downstairs.
    "Good morning, Sunshine!" Hayden said cheerfully, jumping up to pour her a cup of coffee. "You're up early. How did you sleep?"
    "Like the dead. Where are my clothes?"
    "I tossed a load in for you since you didn't have a washer and dryer," another voice announced. Baylor frowned at the stranger sitting in the recliner with a remote control in his hand.
    "Pardon me? You are?"
    "I guess you don't recognize me out of uniform and in the light of day. Sorry about the wet swimsuit; I always take a dip when I get off my shift. Jake Paterson," Jake said, standing up to shake her hand. She gulped, looking up into his hazel eyes after a quick sweeping gaze over his muscular body. He certainly cleaned up nicely, Baylor mused.
    "He was being respectful and wore a suit in your honor." Hayden chuckled.
    "I appreciate that," Baylor lied, noticing the prominent bulge through the boxer cut. "You always swim? Even during the winter?"
    "Come rain or shine. It clears my head, especially after doing a twelve hour stint. I am glad you chose to follow my directions last night," Jake said, his deep voice rattling through her veins.
    "I didn't realize how tired I was, that's all," Baylor said defensively. "As for washing my clothes—don't you think you're taking this 'to protect and serve' thing a little too literally?"
    "It's what I do. Here is your house key. I got in this morning, as promised. Think about making a copy."
    "I'll do that tomorrow."
    "I hope you like pancakes. I stuffed them with fresh blueberries," Hayden interrupted, setting a stack of the fragrant hotcakes on the table. "Sit and eat."
    "Thank you," Baylor said, accepting the keys from Jake. His fingers touched hers, sending a little shock up her arm. She pulled away and turned to Hayden. "I have to say that this concept that men actually cook and clean is a shocker to me. It smells fabulous, but I really have to get back to the other place. I slept in too late, and—"
    "Eat," Jake ordered, stabbing a forkful and putting them on her plate. "You need your energy. Give her juice, not coffee. She needs the vitamins," he added to Hayden.
    "I happen to enjoy coffee. You both need to listen to me. I am finding this whole thing very uncomfortable," Baylor said with a frown. "You are way too familiar with how you are bossing me around. You don't even know me, and you act like you're