Free The Unclaimed Baby by Sherryl Woods Page B

intense gaze following her. In the bathroom, she stripped off her clothes as the water ran into the tub, turning it into a froth of lilac-scented bubbles. When it was filled almost to overflowing, she stepped in and sank down to her chin. It was sheer bliss.
    She rested her head against the back of the tub and closed her eyes, as the warm water lapped gently over her.
    It was the last thing she remembered, until she felt herself being scooped out of the water, the air cold against her damp skin.
    â€œCord?” she murmured sleepily.
    â€œYes, darlin’.”
    â€œWhat happened?”
    â€œYou fell asleep in your bath,” he said as he briskly toweled her dry and tucked her robe around her.
    She was too out of it to feel embarrassment, though something told her she should. Instead she just snuggled against him and let him pick her up and carry her into the bedroom. He’d already turned down the sheet and spread. He set her gently on the bed, then pulled the covers over her, his movements quick and decisive.
    â€œWeren’t we going to have dinner?” she murmured, struggling to sit up.
    He pushed her right back down. “You need sleep more. If you wake up and you’re hungry, call me. I’ll bring you a tray.”
    â€œOkay.”
    â€œSleep tight, darlin’,” he whispered and then he turned out the light.
    He didn’t leave the room at once, though. She sensed him standing over her. It was odd, she thought groggily. She hadn’t felt this cared for, this cherished in years. Not even with Kyle.
    On that thought, she fell into a deep and dreamless sleep.
    It was daylight before she awoke. The pale, wintry sun was filtering into the room. She hadn’t felt this rested in ages, she thought, stretching languidly. No nightmares about the accident. Not a one.
    She was still indulging in the wonder of that when she remembered. “Oh, my God, the baby.”
    Ashley must be starving by now. As Sharon Lynn tightened the belt on her robe, she listened intently for Ashley’s cries, but there was only silence.
    Then the rest of the memories flooded back—falling asleep in the tub, Cord rescuing her and putting her to bed. The thought of him touching her made her skin tingle. Blast, she thought with a touch of regret. She’d had a man’s hands all over her last night and she barely recalled a second of it. What a waste!
    She crept into the living room, then came to an abrupt stop, the beginnings of a smile on her lips.
    Cord was sprawled awkwardly on the sofa, one arm outflung, the other curved tightly around the baby resting stomach-down on his chest. They were both sound asleep.
    Now there was an image to steal a woman’s heart, she thought, watching them.
    Even as Sharon Lynn stared, Ashley began to squirm. Sharon Lynn reached down to pick her up, but before she could, Cord snagged her wrist with his free hand.
    â€œWhy don’t you come on down here and join us?” he inquired lazily.
    She pulled away. “I thought you were asleep.”
    â€œJust resting my eyes.”
    â€œYeah, sure.”
    â€œI was. How much sleep do you think I could get with this little one demanding food every fifteen seconds?”
    â€œShe’s not that bad.”
    â€œSeemed like it. No wonder you fell asleep during your bath last night.”
    The mention of that brought color flooding into her cheeks. She could feel the heat of it. “About that…”
    He grinned, obviously enjoying her discomfort. “You gonna thank me for saving you from drowning?”
    â€œHow long was I actually in there?”
    â€œLong enough for the water and dinner to getcold. I finally got scared that you’d slipped in, so I tapped on the door. When you didn’t answer, I decided it was time to invade your privacy.”
    â€œThe water was cold?”
    â€œLike ice.”
    â€œAny bubbles left?” she inquired hopefully.
    His grin broadened.