Page 41 of Headed for Home

“You don’t have to do that,” I rush to say.

His thumb traces the shape of my jaw. “I want to, beauty. Is that allowed?”

I lean into his touch, accepting whatever he’s offering at this point. “Uh-huh.”

“Should we play a new game? Mommy picked the last one.” Charlie resembles a tornado as we leave the small tent.

That shakes me from the stupor. “I did?”

“Yep! You hid and seeked with your boyfriend,” Charlie giggles.

“He found her. Good job, Rake.” Kenzie gives him a thumbs-up.

“What’s my prize?” Drake asks, playing along.

“You get your face painted! It’ll match the tattoos on your arms.” Kenzie squeals.

“Only if you choose the design,” he tells her.

“Bold move,” I warn.

But it’s too late. My little girl is already at the display boards, hovering her finger over the colorful options. Charlie and I share a laugh, giddy over what’s about to happen.

Drake catches our amusement. “Don’t worry about me. We’re bonding.”

I bite my bottom lip to trap a smile. My heart is the consistency of romantic slop. “Endless amounts of trouble.”

“You love it.” He squeezes my hip.

Kenzie arrives at a decision, but zips her mouth shut. “It’s gonna be a surprise. ‘Kay, Rake?”

“Sounds like a plan, Mac. I’ll get it done right after these fine folks.” He motions to the mom and her son waiting their turn.

“Oh, you can go ahead. I’ll pay to see this.” The woman’s eyes are entirely too trained on Drake. There’s a familiar heat wafting from her loins that makes misplaced tension coil inside of me.

I flick the green goblin off my shoulder. “This one is my treat. Give him the deluxe. We can afford to splurge.”

Drake grins while he takes a seat. “Business is booming?”

“I sold two horses this week.”

He whistles. “Well, shoot. Congratulations.”

Emotion steals my speech for a moment, but I swallow the lump down. “Thanks. It’s a needed boost. The market is tough but heavily in the seller’s favor.”

“Good on you, beauty. You’re doing the darn thing.” His eyes track Kenzie whispering to the artist. He slouches deeper into the chair and flips his hat backward. “All right, I’m ready. Do your worst.”

“Nah, only the best for you. My line will wrap around the block after this.” She dips a brush in water and gets started.

Humor climbs my throat when pink paint is slathered on the majority of his face. Laughter spews from me in unladylike snorts as the design takes shape. By the time glitter is added, my eyes are leaking tears.

The artist sprinkles on a few finishing touches and grabs a compact mirror. “What do you think?”

Drake is speechless for a moment as he inspects the transformation. “That’s me? Holy smokes, I’ve never looked better.”

“You’re like the coolest ever.” Kenzie stares at him in awe.

“Uh-huh,” Charlie sighs. “I’m so super glad you’re Mommy’s boyfriend.”

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