Page 35 of The Girl He Loves

He’s not been good with ‘one’ so far.

“How long are you in town?” I ask him.

“The plan was to head to Tampa when Bike Week ends. Six more days.”

“Perfect, that all falls on the calendar as this week. So, based on your argument about one one-night stand a week, we only have this one night left.”

He snaps his fingers in disappointment. “Darn it, I should’ve thought that through better.” But the smile teasing at his lips tells me a different story. He’s not worried. Because he’ll come up with another argument tomorrow, and I can’t wait to hear it.

“Can I kiss you?” he says.

I nod.

He walks slowly toward me, like a puma stalking its prey. I’m backed up against the counter, and his hands go to my sides and box me in.

He lowers his head and swipes a kiss across my lips. Then another. By the third one, I’m meeting him halfway. It takes only three kisses to have me chasing him for more. I wrap my arms around him and pull him close. Time stops as I get lost in him, his kisses and the wonderful feelings that come with being held in his arms.

It’s a make-out session reminiscent of high school, pelvises brushing each other, lots of kissing and nibbling. Only this time I have one ear for any sound of Tyler headed our way. Dax’s hand toys with the hem of my shirt. Mine is gripping his hip bone, pulling him toward me. We’re going too far, too fast, like an out-of-control rollercoaster ride and I have my hands up ready to give in]to the thrill.

I push him away. “I have to get Tyler to bed.”

He backs up a step and swipes his hand down his face. Then blows out a slow breath. “I forgot where I was there for a moment.”

I beam. To know you do something magical to the person who is doing something equally wonderful to you is a self-esteem boost of epic proportions.

I yell into the living room, “Time to shut it down, honey. It’s bedtime.”

“Aw, Mom,” Tyler says, but the TV clicks off.

He comes into the kitchen moments later. “Are you leaving Dax?”

I say, “Not yet. Mom and Dax are going to hang out a bit.”

Tyler points to Dax. “You promised you’d say bye.”

Dax crosses his heart.

I rub chocolate off my son’s face. “Bathroom. Brush your teeth. Take a wet towel to your face, too. Or I will. I’ll tuck you in when you’re done.”

He groans but does as I ask.

Dax and I stand in the kitchen staring at each other. If he’s as revved as me, he’s probably counting the minutes until Ty falls asleep.

I put my fingers to my lips, “If we’re going to do this we will have to be very quiet. Ty must not know.”

He whispers, “Challenge accepted.”

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