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then looked for something to do that would keep her at the table and in the kitchen. She refused to get up and go to her room, didn’t want to look as if she were following Mr. Bossy Pants’ orders. “May I hold Riley? I haven’t had much of a chance. That is, if it’s okay?”
    “Works for me.” Keely patted the bench seat built into the nook. “Come sit here, and I’ll hand him off.”
    Earl growled under his breath, “You are so taking a nap sooner or later, Tessa. Even if I have to put you to bed myself.”
    “Shut up, Earl.” She shoved her chair back, just missing his legs. Then she went around the table and scooted onto the bench seat. “Will this wake the baby up?”
    “No, Riley could sleep through Armageddon.” Keely transferred the baby to Tessa.
    God, Riley was a warm, little bundle, smelling uniquely of baby. Tessa cuddled him against her breasts. The ache in her heart and lower abdomen began again. She could almost feel her ripe eggs clamoring for fertile sperm.
    But she couldn’t even think of bringing a baby into her world, not with the way her life was now. She had to figure out how to deal with the past which had come back to plague her. She couldn’t allow such evil to touch something so innocent.
    Had she ever been this innocent?
    Yes, before—them.
    But even before the Branhams, her life had not been roses and happy childhood memories. Life in a Shanghai orphanage was far from idyllic, but at least she hadn’t been abused.
    Earl hadn’t moved from his spot by the table. His dark gaze was fixed on her and the baby; his lips were curved in a warm, almost loving, smile.
    “Go away, Earl.” Tessa rubbed her cheek over Riley’s head and rocked him. “I’ll take a nap later.” She looked at Keely. “Go take some time for yourself. Bet Ren would like some quality Keely time.”
    “Thanks, Tessa—you’re sure?” Keely stood, staring down at her, her forehead creased and concern in her eyes.
    “Yeah. Just leave the diaper bag. I’m betting the little guy will need a change before long. I watched you change him several times over the weekend. It’s not rocket science. I’ll deal.”
    “Thanks!” Keely headed for the hall, which led to the elevators that went to what the SSI men called the Bat Cave.
    “You can go skim the chicken stock and stir the soups, Earl.” She smiled sweetly and batted her lashes. “Since you said you would take care of those chores for me.”
    Earl chuckled and shook his head. “Sweetheart, you’re asking for it.” He leaned over, and because of his height, his nose practically touched hers across the rectangular farm table. “And I’m just the man to give it to you.” He reached for and then caressed her jaw. “You look good holding the little guy. A natural.”
    Tessa’s insides turned to mush. Yep, some strong pheromones the man had.
    Earl swept a hand over Riley’s head as it lay against Tessa’s breast. His fingers lingered over the upper curve of her breast for a split second before he straightened and then walked back to the stove. His movements reminded her of a giant, predatory cat. Not an image she needed right now.
    She closed her eyes and leaned back against the comfortable cushioned bench seat. The warmth and smells of the kitchen and the sweet powdery scent of the baby lying safely in her arms lulled her into a half-awake, half-asleep state in which she dreamed of what might have been if she hadn’t been stolen by evil.
    * * * *
    9:45 a.m.
    Earl prepped a salad for lunch to go with the soup and chili Tessa had started. He’d been furious with her when he’d come into the kitchen and found her still on her feet and working when she needed to be horizontal in a bed.
    Tessa had barely been able to stand without swaying. Plus, she hadn’t even eaten. Yeah, the little darling needed a keeper.
    So, he fed her. He liked feeding her. The oatmeal and juice had helped to bring some color back to her face. She’d been ashy under her