Page 27 of Rules of Engagement

He answers, muffled against Jocko’s chest. “Good. I've missed you.”

“Yeah, it's been a while. You were this big last time I saw you.” Jocko holds his hand down around his waist. “You're growing up way too fast.”

Luke looks up at him and brags. “I’m eleven and a half!” Then he asks, “where’s your dog?”

“He’s inside with Aunt Betsy.”

“Can I pet him?”

“Sure, just don’t try to take his bone away.”

Luke rushes back inside. Jocko stares at the closed door for a few moments, and I realize he choked-up holding Luke.

I offer him the plate of food. He takes a cheese stick and pops it in his mouth. Then strolls over to the cooler to get another beer. When he opens the lid, he looks at me. “Are you ready for another?”

“No. I’m still good.”

He drops the lid and twists the cap off. “Lightweight.”

“I prefer, cheap date.”

He laughs out loud. “I prefer that too, actually.”

We stand together in silence. He eats completely unselfconscious at how much food he puts away, and I enjoy watching him indulge. The way his lips part when the food approaches; the way his tongue touches it, then draws it inside; the movement of his mouth as he chews; the pulsating of his Adam apple as he drains his beer.

Damn. I'm doomed. This man does it for me, like no one else.

“I'll get you another.” I offer as I finish my beer and walk to the cooler. Lifting the lid, I take two out. Then hold them for him to open. He twists the tops off, takes his, clinks the necks, and we both drink, enjoying the comfortable silence between us.

After a minute, I offer. “You know, a good old fashion head noogie is a good transition when Luke’s too big for tickling.”

He looks at me with that intense stare, and my heart melts.

I’m the luckiest girl alive.

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