Page 112 of Defensive Zone

“Because they might pee all over the couch with all that tickling,” Ava said.

“I’m going to pee,” Connor said, and Ava arched a brow.

Gabi laughed, her eyes bright as she met his gaze.

“Okay. Potty break and then more tickling,” he said, pulling both of the kids up. Connor ran down the hall to the bathroom.

“He didn’t really have to pee. Mommy said that we should tell you that if you tickle us for a long time,” Amelia said.

“Did she now?” Max asked, quirking a brow at his sister. She shrugged again, this time, with a smile.

“Lia. Stop telling Uncle Max all of my secrets,” Ava said.

Amelia grinned at her mother. “It’s not nice to keep secrets from Uncle Max, Mommy.”

Max didn’t miss the shift in his sister’s eyes, but in a flash, it was gone and she was smiling again. It wasn’t the first time he had wondered if she’d told him everything about Greg. She’d been cagey at the beginning, so he’d let it go because she was his sister and he was just there to help her pick up the pieces and move on.

“It’s okay. It’s a funny secret,” Max said.

Should he press Ava when the kids weren’t around? He shook that from his head. This morning was about having fun.

He turned his attention to Gabi, who’d been suspiciously silent.

“You were in on this, too?” he asked, moving toward her.

“You should tickle Auntie G,” Connor called out when he walked back into the living room from his fake bathroom break.

“No, he shouldn’t,” Gabi said, shifting toward the kitchen island. “Quick, give me the baby,” she called out.

He tsked. “Trying to shield yourself behind an innocent baby?”

Ava laughed. “She’s mine.”

“It wasn’t my idea. The kids came up with it. I’m just helping them discover new skills as any good nanny would do,” she said solemnly.

“Saran wrapping the kitchen entrance is indeed a life skill,” he said.

“In this house it is.” She let out a soft laugh.

Her cheeks turned a beautiful shade of pink as he got closer. The things he wanted to do to her right now that he couldn’t because of watchful eyes made his stomach tighten. He willed back his erection but didn’t miss when her eyes looked down for a second, or her indrawn breath.

“Max,” she warned.

“Gabi,” he said.

“You wouldn’t tickle me,” she said.

“Tickle her. Tickle her,” the kids chanted.

“Guess I gotta do as they say. It’s not nice to deny my niece and nephew anything,” he said.

“Fine. I surrender,” she said, holding out her arm, palm up.

“She’s ticklish on her side,” Amelia called out.

“They are as relentless as you,” Gabi said.

Then he dove in, tickling the spot on her ribs that he knew would have her doubled over with laughter. When she was gasping for air, he leaned in close.

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