Chapter 34

As Taylor popped out her contacts and placed them in the soaking solution, Joe entered the bathroom. She turned to look at him and noticed the little scrap of lace with straps that was dangling from his finger. She raised her eyebrows.

"Brought you pajamas in for you," he offered innocently.

"Thank you kindly," she said as she reached for the negligee.

Joe yanked it back, then took a step toward her, wrapping his arms around her and bringing her close to him.

Taylor closed her eyes. Joe always knew what she needed and when she needed it. She swore he had a psychic hotline to her soul. She stood wrapped in his arms for a few minutes before asking, "So, are you going to give me my pajamas or am I going to have to sleep in my Bears jersey?"

Joe blushed. He really didn't expect the reaction he had gotten. He had assumed she would grab the negligee and be embarrassed. Instead, she was actually going to put it on. Sheepishly, he handed it to her. "Here you go."

Taylor rolled over again, unable to sleep. She closed her eyes again, and tried counting sheep. It didn't work. She just ended up more frustrated than she was before she started trying to count sheep. She started a round of I Packed My Grandmother's Suitcase. She had successfully made it up to French Fries before Joe rolled over.

"You going to be sleeping soon?" he asked.

"I'm trying to. I'm sorry if I woke you up."

"Haven't been to sleep yet. You're tossing and turning too much."

"Sorry," she said as she lifted the covers and slipped out of bed. "I'll sleep on the couch so I don't disturb you."

"Don't go," he said quietly. "Knowing you're in the next room and not beside me, that would be pure Hell." Reaching over, he started to rub her back.

She sighed as she settled and felt his fingers kneading the knots out of her stiff shoulders.

"Kinda tight," he observed. "No wonder you can't sleep. You worried about Pagano or Pearl?"

Pearl mostly. It sounds like after her husband died, she made Pagano her whole world. If something happens, she's going to fall apart. That isn't healthy.'

"No it isn't," he agreed. He stopped rubbing and leaned forward, kissing her shoulder. "You're not going to be that kind of Mom are you?"

"Lord, I hope not. I don't want to be a helicopter parent."

"I'll make sure you aren't." He stopped rubbing her back and slid his arm around her waist, drawing her closer to him. "And you can't do anything about Pagano or Pearl, so you may as well try to sleep."