Chapter 7

“What’s wrong?”

“I’m just –“ Simon shook his head. “Nothing.”

Kaylee sat up, ignoring her nakedness. “Ain’t nothing.”

Simon sighed and smiled slightly at her lack of concern for her state of undress. He shouldn’t though, he was the only one in the room and he’d seen much more of her than he was seeing at this very moment.

“Sim-on.”

He chuckled at her attempt to look mad.

“It’s just –“ he glanced toward the door. “I feel like I’m neglecting River.” He’d felt like that for a long while. Even years ago, when he was worried about her being away in school. He’d concentrated on his studies, on his work – and his girlfriend – far too much. He’d worried about his sister, but he’d kept it so internalized that no one knew he was worrying but him.

Kaylee scoffed and playfully swatted his chest. “Ain’t the way of it. She’s happy for us.”

Simon shook his head to clear the unpleasant memories. “I know. I just –“

“Worry.”

Simon grinned wryly. He knew it was foolish. He knew River was happy for them. She was even getting better. There was no reason for him to worry so much. But he still did. It was his nature. And he was certain nothing would ever change it. “Yes.”

“It’s ok. It’s allowed.”

“You have a handbook somewhere that says what’s allowed and what isn’t?” He jokingly lifted the sheet.

She tapped her fingers on his chest and smiled playfully. Her eyes twinkled as she wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her body into his. “Yeah, wanna come find it?”

Simon flattened his hands along her back and kissed her, long and deep. Desire stirred in his groin and all guilt over his sister was wiped away with her skilled tongue and hands.

Simon’s eyes popped open and he stared at the dark ceiling for a long moment. He could hear Billy gurgling in his crib, but the boy hadn’t cried for attention or food yet. Simon knew, from experience, that he would soon. He sighed heavily and rolled closer toward the edge of the bed. He wanted to lie there for a litt