Her hair is braided back into two pigtails, and she’s dressed in an outfit that can only be described as “survival chic”. Her cargo pants look way too nice to have ever been worn outside, and her shirt might have been functional if the bottom half wasn’t cut off.
It amazes me how she never fails to grab the attention of everyone in the room—in this case, it’s everyone in my backyard.
“Blake!” Clover’s screech could likely be heard in space. She runs over and practically tackles B to the ground.
I didn’t talk with her about me and B’s relationship at breakfast, and the rest of the day, I was too busy setting up this party, so as far as Clover knows, B is here as her art teacher and the hero who rescued her from a scary situation last night.
A magic eraser couldn’t wipe the smile off my face as I watch the two of them interact. My chest feels tight, and I can’t help but run my hand over it to ease the ache. At some point, I come to my senses and walk over to them.
“Dad, you didn’t tell me you invited B!”
“I invited her last night after your little rescue mission. Figured you owed her a piece of cake as a thank you for going to get you.”
“It’s ice cream cake!” Clover is positively beaming, her arms still wrapped around Blake’s waist.
Surprisingly, Blake looks comfortable there. “No shit! That just so happens to be my favorite kind of cake.” I lovethe way she doesn’t talk to Clover like she’s a baby. She’s blunt and acts like she’s talking to a friend.
“Mine too.”
“Hey, Clover, I think your team is waiting for you.” I nod my head toward the group of chaotic nine-year-olds screaming like their lives depend on the outcome of this relay.
“Oh crap! It’s my turn!” Clover bolts off without a second thought.
“You came.”
Blake tucks some stray hairs behind her ear. “I wish.” Her wink nearly knocks me off my feet.
“You naughty, naughty girl.” I wrap my arms around her, not caring what anyone around us thinks.
I expect her to look around, nervous about who might see, but her eyes are locked on mine.
“If you stay the night, I can make that happen.”
“Hmmm, convincing..."
My hand on her backside gives her ass a subtle squeeze, and her eyes dilate in response to it.
"Kasson, is this the girl you were talking about?"
Regretfully, I let her go and turn toward Clover's grandma. "This is Blake. Blake, this is Daisy's mom, Nancy." I lean over and whisper to Blake, "Sorry, I guess we're doing this now."
"Nice to meet you." Blake reaches out her hand, and instead of shaking it back, Nancy uses it to pull her in for a hug.
"Sorry, Blake, she's a hugger," I say too late.
With Blake facing away from me and Nancy's arms wrapped around her, Nancy mouths to me, "She's cute," silently, so Blake can't hear her.
All I can do is shake my head. Nancy's dad, who'swalking up behind Nancy, mirrors my sentiment.
"Nancy, let the poor girl go before you scare her off."
Nancy releases her grip on Blake and pulls back, still holding her shoulders to keep her close. "We're very excited to meet you."
The embrace is going on longer than normal, so Daisy's dad uses a gentle hand to pull her back.
I pull Blake to my side. "I promise she's not always this clingy."
"Yes, she is." His honesty makes us all laugh.
