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“Shh!” someone hissed from behind them.
Riley’s face heated.
Justin laughed and gave an uh-oh look.
She turned back to the movie, intent on watching the space story and not being one of “those” people who talked all through a movie.
When Kyle reached over and grabbed her hand, lacing his smaller fingers with hers, Riley wanted to hug him for the sweet gesture.
When Justin took her other hand she smiled, but wasn’t sure if she wanted to hug him too or pull her hand away. Not because she didn’t want to hold his hand, but because of the heat zapping from his body to hers at the skin-to-skin contact.
Justin holding her hand made her heart pound. Her stomach twist. Made her want to hug him with nothing between their bodies. Made her very aware of how very domestic they appeared, with her in between Justin and Kyle.
She shouldn’t be doing this. So why was she?
Grimacing at her thoughts, she stared at the movie screen but could no longer concentrate on the alien life forms trying to take over the earth.
An alien life form was trying to take her over.
Or it sure felt that way.
She cut her gaze to Justin.
Popping a piece of popcorn into his mouth with his free hand, he was watching the movie with great interest. As if his holding her hand was no big deal and was not affecting him in the slightest.
At least one of them was enjoying the film.
Then, without looking toward her, he squeezed her hand, letting her know he was aware of her watching him. Maybe he was even aware of what was happening inside her, because his hand held hers a little tighter.
After the movie, they dropped the kids off at their respective homes. Jevon was their last passenger, and Riley’s stomach knotted more the closer they got to where they’d drop him off.
The boy had moved to the front row of seats in the SUV, preventing Riley from voicing her concerns about bringing him back home to Justin.
Fortunately, when they got to Jevon’s, although there were still several cars in the driveway, there was no sight of the creepy men. Justin walked Jevon to the front door, keeping his hand on the boy’s shoulder while he talked for a few minutes to a harried-looking pregnant woman, with a baby on her hip and another tugging at her shirt-hem.
Riley couldn’t hear what was being said, but saw the woman nodding a lot, then hugging Justin after he handed her something. Money, most likely.
How could Riley not like a man who did such good? Sure, he’d break her heart if she let him, but the man was one of the kindest people she’d ever met.
When he pulled the SUV into her driveway Riley didn’t hesitate, and nor did she question whether Justin would follow suit.
No one was at the house, so they let Daisy out into the backyard. Following the dog, Justin headed toward the bench where they’d spent hours beneath the eucalyptus tree and the fairy lights.
Riley hesitated, and then, heart pounding, asked, “Want to lie on the hammock with me for a while?”
“Absolutely. I’ve been waiting for you to invite me.”
They’d spent several evenings in her backyard, but for whatever reason she hadn’t asked him onto the hammock. Tonight she didn’t turn on the fairy lights, opting for the twinkling stars and lying in the hammock. With Justin. Large tree limbs would partially block their view, but there would be plenty of sky shining through to gaze upon.
“You first,” she told him when they reached the hammock, thinking it would be easier for her to get in if he was already there.
Justin climbed into the hammock, took Daisy from her, then patted the space beside him. “Your turn.”
Being careful not to flip him out, Riley got into the hammock and snuggled next to him. She became instantly alert at the feeling of her body against his. Over the past couple of weeks he’d held her hand, kissed her hand, even her forehead, but he’d never kissed her lips or pressed his body to hers.
She wasn’t sure why. Part of her appreciated it that he hadn’t pushed. Another part—well, that other part was sorely disappointed and tonight seemed to be taking charge.
Although usually the eucalyptus filled her sen
