It’s their latest thing.Why?And then,why?And it goes on until I simply start answering, “Because.”
“Because I save all my super fun for you two.”
“Oh,” Jack says.
And then, right on cue, Levi says, “Why?”
There’s a knock at my door and I look up, frozen for a moment.
“Do you want me to get it?” Mom asks.
“No. I’m going.”
“Just a minute!” I shout.
Then I lean over and kiss and hug each of the boys. “Be good for Granny.”
“We are,” Levi says.
“We always do,” Jack adds.
Mom laughs lightly.
They’re precious. But always good? Well, that’s debatable.
I stand, smoothing my skirt and taking a steadying breath as I look around the room. Then I walk toward the door, opening it in one brisk motion. I slip out and practically smack into EJ as I pull the door quickly shut behind me. He steps back, a big, warm smile on his handsome face.
Dangerous. Lethal, even. I could die from just looking at this man.
His eyes are fixed on mine. His smile is unrestrained. He’s not even trying to play it cool. He really likes me.
I feel all fluttery. My stomach does this swooping thing it hasn’t done in ages—if ever.
“Bye!” Mom shouts from inside the living room.
“See you!” I shout.
I hear Levi shout, “I wanna see Mommy’s friend!” as I grab EJ’s arm and turn him toward the street.
“So, I’m not saying hello to the boys?” he asks, still smiling.
“I don’t want to confuse them.”
He nods.
No argument.
EJ places his hand on the small of my back and chills radiate up from where he touches me. Not cold chills—these are the kind that feel way too good. I could wriggle away—put space between me and the way he makes me feel—but I don’t. This is one night. I’m going to indulge myself in all of it. EJ knows it’s one date. I made it clear. I’m not leading him on.
I relax just the slightest and EJ smiles down at me as if he could notice even the smallest shift in my posture.
“You look beautiful—more beautiful than usual,” he says.
I laugh. Not just a giggle or a light titter, either. I almost snort.
“What?” he asks.
“I don’t know. I’m just not used to … this.” I wave my hand between us.
