Page 69 of Headed for Home

“Until about nine o’clock. The crowd gets rowdy after dark.”

“Oh, oh, oh! Mommy, look.” Kenzie has taken the liberty of removing herself from the harness. “There’s a rooster.”

Charlie follows her lead, propping himself on the center console. “Can we climb on it?”

“I don’t think—”

“Absolutely,” Drake says at the same time. “He’s a very sturdy—”

“Don’t say it,” I warn.

“Statue?” He winks at me. “Dirty girl.”

Kenzie sniffs my hair. “Do you need a bath, Mommy?”

“I’ll hose her down later,” Drake offers.

An outraged squeak rips from me and I thwack his bicep. “Pinkie Pie is just teasing me. Isn’t that right, trouble?”

He nods dutifully. “Your mom smells like sunflowers and happiness.”

Charlie glances between us, shrugging after his analysis. “Can we ride the rooster now?”

Drake drums on the steering wheel. “What’re we waiting for?”

Kenzie purses her lips. “You were talking. It’s rude to interrupt.”

“Raisin’ ‘em right, beauty.” He blows me a kiss and opens his door.

The incorrigible charmer frees the children, scooping one under each arm. Their legs spin in the air and immediately blast off once touching the concrete. My boyfriend grabs the activity bag before joining them on the sidewalk. He stomps the ground like a bull ready to chase. Kenzie and Charlie squeal in delight, racing around the rooster statue to avoid getting caught. They’re no match for Drake. After two spins, he has them lofted and plopped astride the metal mascot.

I’m frozen for a second, caught in a rare moment where I don’t need to do anything other than get myself out of the vehicle. It’s two parts strange and magical. Drake slides into the role effortlessly, as if he’s truly been waiting for the opportunity. The way he interacts with my kids is the most attractive thing I’ve ever witnessed. He might surrender to their every whim, but that’s something we can work on. Or he’ll figure it out on his ownwhen they push too far. That’s a problem for later. For now, their bond strengthens before my eyes and I’m about to bawl. Instead, I snag my phone to snap a picture.

Drake beckons to me. “C’mon, mama.”

The nickname shouldn’t be sexy coming from him but I trap a moan while climbing down from the truck. His gaze is hot on me as if he can sense my desire. A sigh breezes from me but it does little to extinguish the flames. I’m about to hump his leg when he tucks me tight against his side. Sandalwood and mutual affection swaddle me. Promises of delayed gratification join in too. My body slumps into his, which he rewards by kissing my forehead.

“Look at us, Mommy!” Kenzie flaps her arms like the rooster she’s perched on.

Charlie crows. “Cock-a-doodle-doo!”

“Too cute for words. Let’s capture the memory.” I grip my phone and turn the camera on us huddled close. “Say cheese!”

The prompt shouts from us and sweeps Main Street. Our smiles mirror each other as I snap the shot. We get several curious glances from fellow pedestrians. I’m sure it’s not a regular occurrence to see two kids riding a rooster.

“Shall we?” Drake motions toward the entrance.

“Are you sure about this?”

“You wound me, woman.” He clutches his chest. “My place of business isn’t that seedy.”

“Except when it’s called—”

“Don’t say it,” he teases.

“The most popular spot in town?” I wink. “Get out of the gutter.”

“They’re weird,” Kenzie mumbles to her brother.

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