Page 55 of Love Her

Chapter 25

Felicity

Dating as a thirty-something single mom living with her parents is a far cry from what I remember as a teenager in college. When I was younger, it seemed to be all about quantity over quality. Not in the number of guys I dated but the amount of time we spent together, where we went, how often we were seen together. Now, with Connor, it’s quality. The stolen moments when he has PT or after I rush home after work before his shifts at the bar.

I’ve not ventured inside the bar. That’s something I’m not ready for. Truthfully, I may never be. I like this bubble we’ve created. One where I can be Lis and not Felicity. The version of me I’m free to be with Connor isn’t perfect but she’s also not on high alert, ready to battle anyone whenever necessary.

The quick glances and winks at the baseball field have been something else completely. He’s pushing my rules of PDA to the limit but not crossing them. I know people see it. Owen sees us looking at each other, and while he hasn’t said anything to Connor, I see the disapproval in his expression.

Weeks of keeping him to myself is about to change. He’s stepping into my world. Literally. I stand back and take in the scene before me. Connor made it approximately two steps into the house before Jacob commandeered his attention. My little boy stares at him in a way that stabs at my heart. It’s one of awe and admiration. The way a child should look at his father, not the man his mother is dating. Jabbering on about his performance at yesterday’s game, Jacob starts reenacting his last play of the game. Connor praises his performance from yesterday and again today.

Meanwhile, Clem is standing next to me mumbling how embarrassing her little brother is. I noticed she put a little extra effort into her appearance today, changing her outfit at least twice before settling on a pair of jeans and a bright pink top. Like me, she knows this day is different. Everyone knows Connor but only as Jacob’s coach. Or in Clem’s case, the man who saw her with a bra on over her clothes.

I’m surprised my parents have held back from appearing in the doorway also. In a strange turn of events, it would seem that both my mom and dad have developed a crush on my boyfriend. Each time Connor says hello to my mom, she visibly swoons. Some day at the field I expect her to pull a fan from her purse to cool herself. Meanwhile, my dad is always telling me what a nice guy he is and how patient he is with the players. He especially appreciates the way he spends a little extra time with the players who need it.

When I confessed that Connor was the man I’ve been seeing, I half expected them to throw a party. Truthfully, they’re relieved. Not only that I’m putting myself out into the world and moving forward, but that the man I’m seeing is the polar opposite of Michael. Neither of them thought very highly of my ex-husband or how distant I was after marrying him.

“Okay, that’s enough. Let Connor in the door.”

I tug on the back of Jacob’s shirt, but it doesn’t deter him from speaking. That is, until my mom appears and announces she’s made chocolate chip cookies. Abandoning his idol, he takes off for the kitchen.

“Hi Clem. How are you?”

Blushing and nibbling on her thumbnail, my daughter appears to be charmed speechless from a simple question. After a little nudge, she smiles and shyly replies, “Good. How are you?”

“I’m really good. Excited for some mini golf.”

“Honey, will you go ask your brother to use the bathroom and wash up before we leave?”

Nodding, Clem leaves us alone. Stepping into my personal space, Connor slips a hand around my lower back and places a sweet kiss to my lips. Melting into him, I grip the cotton of his T-shirt.

“Hi.”

“Hey, darlin’.”

Smacking his chest for his slip doesn’t earn me an apology but instead, a hearty laugh. “What? It’s just us standing here. That’s well within the rules.”

Damn loophole. Pulling him into the kitchen where my parents are sitting around the island chatting, I watch as Connor and my dad shake hands and talk about yesterday’s Little League game. Mom just watches the two of them with hearts in her eyes. My family seems to be as enamored with Connor as I am. He has successfully charmed the Remington household.

The love fest with my parents is cut short when the kids return. Saying our goodbyes, I let my mom pull me in for a hug. She is kind enough to wait until Connor and the kids leave the room before she whispers in my ear, “I like him for you.”

“Me too.”

Herding everyone out the door is a chore, but I finally manage to get it done and soon we’re belted in Connor’s truck and heading down the highway toward Burlington. Music fills the cab as Clem sings along quietly and Jacob talks non-stop. This isn’t abnormal for him. He’s an extrovert and will talk about most anything if given the opportunity. Call me a bad mom, but I’ve learned to tune out his chatter to a dull mumble and listen for key words that require my response. I like to refer to it as survival of the fittest.

Since our mini golf date was a turning point for us in our relationship, Connor suggested it for our first day out with the kids as well. Of course, it came with a warning that he planned to win this time. As if he has a chance.

“Don’t be a sore loser, Lis. You can’t win every time.”

“Yeah, Mom. It’s not your fault we rock at mini golf.”

Connor fist bumps Jacob and then adds a little “pow” sound at the end. Great. It’s bad enough they beat Clem and me but now they have a secret victory handshake or something. Seeing my boyfriend and my son palling around and teasing makes me very happy to be a sad loser.

The kids walk ahead of us as we stroll the streets of downtown Burlington. An old school toy store is a few shops ahead, and I know they’re both going to shriek at the sight. Connor’s hand brushes mine and whether it was intentional or not, it still brings a smile to my face. Slowly, he takes my hand, interlacing our fingers as we stroll. I suck in a breath because this is a statement to the kids. Spending the afternoon with him is one thing but showing any sign of affection is another.

“Is this okay?”

Nodding, I squeeze his hand and let him lead me to where Jacob is peering in a window. To my surprise, it isn’t the toy store but an ice cream shop. When I follow his gaze, I spot Brian and Gigi sitting at a table.

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