âYou go ahead. Iâm exhausted, so Iâm off to sleep.â
Shawnâs face fell slightly.
âOkay then.â
Retreating to the bedroom, Katherine sprawled on the bed, which felt unusually chilly without Shawn beside her. He usually warmed the bed quickly with his presence. Yet the faint sounds of the TV drifting in told her he wasnât coming anytime soon.
As sleep was about to claim her, she sensed a presence enveloping her.
Shawnâs voice, low and enticing, murmured in her ear, âStay with me tonight. Iâm scared of the dark.â
Katherine kept her eyes closed.
âThere are no ghosts. Whatâs there to be scared of?â
âBut Iâm truly scared.â
As usual, Shawn was up to his playful tricks once more. Yielding to his persuasive charm, Katherine rose from her bed to join him in the living room.
Offering her a skewer, Shawn said, âHere, have some while itâs still warm.â
However, the robust flavor of the lamb overwhelmed her senses, triggering a wave of nausea. No sooner had she settled down than she rushed to the bathroom, bending over the toilet.
Following behind, concern laced his words as he stuttered, âKathy, could it be that youâre pregnant?â
âThatâs total bullshit!â Katherine spat but nothing came out. She got up and rinsed her mouth, giving Shawn a disgusted look.
âBarbecue just turns my stomach now.â
âWhy is that?â Shawn was confused. He thought barbecue was Katherineâs favorite. Could he have been mistaken in thinking it would make her happy?
He considered asking further, but her stern gaze stopped him.
âFine, I wonât pry,â Shawn muttered, recalling how touchy women could get sometimes, as he stepped outside to get her a glass of water.
Katherine had no appetite.
âGo ahead and eat. Iâm off to bed.â
âIâll sleep with you!â
âArenât you hungry?â
âI might be, but Iâll warm the bed for you first, since Iâm your little cutie.â
During Shawnâs teenage years, his parents were still around. It was commonly said that a daughter was more comforting, but Joelle, who had been adored since birth, was quite demanding. Shawn, always thoughtful, seemed older than his years. Once, while out with his mother, a compliment was given to Shawn for his good sense. His mother had laughed and said, âOf course, heâs my little cutie.â That nickname had stayed with him.
In bed, Shawn wrapped his arms around Katherine from behind.
âKathy, does your stomach hurt?â
âNo.â
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