Page 55 of All Inn Thyme
“Can I ride your motorcycle sometime?” Kase asks, hopeful.
Ty laughs. “Your momma definitely wouldn’t like that.”
“Why not? She likes it when you drive it.”
Ty tilts his head down at Kase. “Why do you say that?”
“Because she always watches out the window when you get on it, and she goes like this…” He exaggerates putting his hand on his chest, pretending to swoon.
Ty laughs again. “Does she now?”
“Yeah, I think she likes you even though she pretends she doesn’t. She likes Nova, too. Sometimes she sneaks extra chicken for her when you’re not looking.” He shrugs.
“That’s really nice of her.”
“Nova is my best friend now.”
“I love that for you, Kase.”
“Do you like my mom?”
“Yeah. I like your mom. And I like you, too.”
My heart is so full listening to them, even though Kase is telling my secrets. That’s what little kids do—they always tell the truth and they always call you out. They see things we don’t even say. I smile as I step out from behind the house and walk toward them.
“Hey, guys. Save any for me?” I call as I cross the lawn. It’s cool and cozy and a perfect night for a firepit.
“Momma!” Kase says as Ty takes his stick so he can run over to hug me.
“Did you have a good day, bug?” I kiss his head and hold him to me.
“Yeah, I’ve only had six marshmallows,” he states proudly.
“He’s had two,” Ty calls as he gives me a look that makes me want to tear off my clothes and jump him as soon as I get Kase to bed. His eyes meet mine and lock in there. I swear this guy knows what I’m thinking, and when he nods with his sexy grin, I bite back a grin of my own and force myself to look away, the heat rising to my face. I’ll blame it on the heat from the firepit.
“You can have mine, Momma. I can make another.”
“Thanks, honey.” Ty hands me the stick. His hand brushes mine as he stares right at me. Yeah, he knows what he’s doing.
“You’re not working tonight?”
“Nope.” He pokes another marshmallow with the stick. He looks so good in his faded grey T-shirt that reveals his massive biceps and forearms. I’m standing close enough to him to detect the campfire aroma on his clothes. It’s fitting, since I feel like I’m playing with fire with him.
“How was your day?”
“Pretty good.” I’m still curious about what Toad said earlier, so I casually throw it out there. “Hey, I ran into Toad and asked if he knew you. He said he doesn’t recall you working at Larkin. Do you know him?”
He looks at me carefully and says, “I know Toad from Sam’s mostly. He works on his bike there. Sam’s a club member with Toad.”
“Hmm, weird. Must be a big place over at Larkin if you don’t see each other all that much.” I take a bite of marshmallow, thinking about what he said. It makes sense, but I still have a funny feeling about it. “Good stuff. Where’s Nova?” I look around for her.
“Napping in the chair,” Ty says as we look over and see her wrapped in a light blanket, snoring.
“Some guard dog you’ve got there.”
“Oh, don’t let that fool you. She saw you creeping around the corner earlier eavesdropping on our conversation and dimed you out.” He shoots me a knowing wink.
I put my head down and smile, embarrassed as I put my arms around Kase and hug him close.
