Page 65 of More Than a Helping Hand

Two seconds later, I’m on the bed and he’s hovering over me.

“I’m not sure this counts as keeping your hands to yourself.”

He makes a show of glancing at each of his hands, then his legs. “I’m not touching you.”

“A problem with an easy remedy.” I grasp his shirt and tug him down to meet my lips. This weekend, I’m focused on trying to simply enjoy his company and all the perks that come along with it, like kisses and back massages.

A laugh rumbles in his chest as he rolls onto his back and pulls me on top of him. And he breaks the kiss long enough to say, “This is a happy ending to a crappy situation.”

“I’m glad I didn’t cancel.”

He threads his fingers into my hair. “Me too. I’ve been looking forward to this for weeks.”

Twenty minutes later, I slide off the bed. “I need to call Bailey and check in.”

He tugs me back to the edge of the bed and kisses my cheek. “And after, I’ll take you out for steaks. Then we can walk on the pier.”

“That sounds very romantic.” I lean back against him and pull his arms around me. “Be quiet while I’m on the phone. If she hears even a whisper, Bailey will recognize your voice.”

He trails kisses on my neck, which makes it hard to form sentences. But to his credit, he is being quiet.

Mom answers after the first ring. “Primrose, hello.”

“Hi, Mom. Did you make it to the hotel? Are you having fun?”

“We did, and we are. Would you like to talk to Bailey?”

“Please.”

“Mom!” Bailey’s voice pitches with excitement. “I had fried shrimp and french fries. And Grandma let me have a Dr Pepper. It was so good.”

I love hearing how happy she is. “That’s great. I’m so glad you are having a good time with Grandma.”

“Are you having fun?”

Her question catches me off guard. But I answer honestly. “I am. But I miss you.”

“I love you, Mom. Want to talk to Grandma some more?”

“Yes please.”

Mom is on the line a moment later. “She’s growing up so fast. I think I’m going to love this tradition.”

“She sounds like she’s enjoying it for sure.”

“I know I am. And I hope you are too.” Mom gives a small laugh. “That’s all I’ll say about that.”

“Love you, Mom.” I end the call and melt into Anderson’s arms. “I’m guessing you heard all of that.”

“Every word. Come on. Let me take you to dinner.”

* * *

The sun has been downfor hours by the time we walk out to the pier. Moonlight glistens on the water. Fish launch themselves into the air, splashing on reentry. And assorted bugs and critters make their own kind of music.

Hand in hand, we stroll out to the end. I’m at the rail, and Anderson is behind me. We watch the boats that are out night fishing.

When I shiver, he wraps his arms around me. “Just say the word, and we’ll go inside.”

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