Page 59 of Poppy Kisses
“Not so fast, quicksilver,” I said. “You have to finish your duties first.”
Auggie’s little shoulders slumped.
I addedpackto the list and pushed the board to the edge of the counter. “Here you go, Auggie. Check off each item when you get it done.”
He peeked at the list, gave one determined nod, and ran up the stairs. I was just happy he was willing to try it.
Jensen wandered over and checked the board. “Think that’ll work?”
“I’ve been told by parents that it helps the kids who get verbal lists jumbled in their head. Some parents swear by it.”
“Hmm.” He studied my writing. “If it’s as simple as that, I’ll take it.” He leaned over the counter. “And if he was asleep, I’d also take you right on this island.”
I let out a little gasp, but my gaze dropped to the counter as my belly tingled.
A rough growl left him. “Tell me, four-ten, do those rules account for when Auggie’s having a sleepover?”
I licked my lips, and he tracked the move. “I think that gives us a lot more flexibility.”
“And the Perez house? What rules are there?”
Oh god. So many options. I had to squeeze my legs together. “There’s an island there.” His pupils widened. “And no beds.”
“Fuck, Poppy.” He came around the island, but footsteps pounded down the stairs. He reared back and turned away from the stairs. The bulge in his jeans was clear. I’d never tire of his reaction to me.
“I got my clothes, Dad.” Auggie went in the opposite direction to the laundry room.
Jensen looked over his shoulder. “Thanks, bud.”
“The coast is clear,” I whispered.
He scowled playfully. “It’s never going to be clear with you. You going to the house?”
“Yes.”
“I’ll come by after I drop Auggie off.”
A thrill coursed through my veins. We were definitely going to test at least one surface in that house. “Okay.”
“And remember—it’s date night.”
ChapterFourteen
Poppy
I was upstairs in the Perez house when I heard the front door open and close.
“You should keep this locked when you’re here alone.”
I wiped my hands off on a rag and screwed the lid on the paint I’d picked up this morning. I left my future office and stood at the top of the stairs. “It’s Coal Haven.”
Jensen gazed up at me from the base of the stairs. He was wearing work jeans that were already spattered with paint and a different gray shirt than he had on this morning. “Sorry I’m late.”
“It’s just painting and cleaning.” He’d called and said a potential client had gotten a hold of him. Since Auggie was with Erin, Jensen said he could look at the project and prepare an estimate. That way, he wouldn’t have to email. “How’d it go?”
He shrugged. “Good. They want new cabinets in the kitchen and laundry room—all brand new, and then asked me to install the old ones in the garage for a workspace.”
“Doable?”
