Page 36 of Johnathan

“So, do you think our lesson today was helpful?”

She sat back in her chair and tried to breathe as the memory of his body pressed on top of hers sent warmth throughout her core.

“Yes. I think so. I’d like to try that hold that tripped me up again. That’s the one I want to be able to get out of the most.”

“We can do that. I’m glad you want to keep going. I was a little nervous that maybe we’d pushed too hard and you would decide to stop.”

“I think I’m in it now. You know, facing it was always going to be hard, but having you there made it easier.”

“Alright, one kid’s dinner and two cheeseburgers, one with pickles,” John grimaced, and Abby laughed. “And one without.”

“You really don’t like pickles?” she asked.

“Can’t stand them. I think it’s a texture thing. The crisp ones aren’t bad, but sometimes they are just limp and slimy.”

“Well, I happen to love them.”

“Good. If I ever accidentally get a pickle when we’re eating together, I’ll just give it to you.”

“Sounds good to me. I’ll eat your pickle anytime.”

John laughed and cleared his throat. Why did she just say that? Heat scorched her neck and she said a silent prayer that it wouldn’t show on her face.

“Ladybug, it’s time to put your crayons away and eat your dinner.”

“Almost done, Dad!”

Abby picked up her burger and took a big bite. Condiments squished out all over her hands and face, but she didn’t care one bit. It was delicious. A small moan escaped as she rolled her eyes and chewed.

“That good, huh?” John’s eyes were hooded and a slow smirk was making its way across his face. “You’ve got a little… Here, let me.”

His body leaned across the empty chair between them. His finger swept across her mouth as he cleaned the condiments from her skin.

“Better?”

He nodded, licking the ketchup from his finger just like he’d licked the cream cheese that oozed out from her bagel.Holy hell!

“John! We didn’t know you were going to be here tonight!”

His eyes went wide as he turned to look at where the voices had called out from.

“Mom. Dad. What are you guys doing here?”

“Didn’t feel like cooking tonight, honey. Hi, Abby. It’s so nice to see you.”

Abby smiled at John’s mother, wishing the ground would open and swallow her up. Mrs. Boone’s eyes were sparkling, darting between her and John. Abby wasn’t blind to the fact that it looked like they were on a date.

“Grammy! Grampy! You eat wif us?”

“No, sweetie. We don’t want to interrupt your meal.”

“Oh, you should sit down,” Abby found herself blurting out. What the hell was wrong with her? John looked shocked and she shrugged her shoulders. “The wait looks crazy tonight. If you sit with us, you can get your meal faster.”

“That’s so sweet of you, but we don’t want to butt in on your date.”

“Oh, no. Not a date. John, shouldn’t they join us? ”

John grumbled under his breath, but she missed what he said.

---