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“It is. I called in a favor. I didn’t want people pointing their cell phones at us all night. I’m used to it, but I know you aren’t and if Paisley were here, I didn’t want them to get shots of her and for her to end up in the papers too.”
“Thank you.” I’m grateful he put so much thought into this. For me and my daughter. “So, this is a first for me, Monroe. You’re going to have to show me how it’s done.” I bat my eyelashes at him like a damn fool. I can feel my face heat from embarrassment. I’m terrible at flirting, at dating.
His eyes darken. “I got you,” he says, pulling me into him. My back is aligned with his front. His lips are next to my ear when he whispers, “I’ve got moves,” he says huskily.
I shiver, not quite sure if it’s from his hot breath or the words, and the meaning behind them. His hands land on my hips and he turns me slightly to the right. Apparently, my prior embarrassment, although felt foolish, did the trick.
“Now, stand like this,” he instructs.
“Oh, those kinds of moves,” I say once I find my voice.
“Larissa!” he mock scolds. “You have a dirty mind. I would never.” He smirks when I look at him.
“Uh-huh, let’s get on with the shot, Mr. I’ve-got-moves.”
“What?” he asks innocently. “I do. I’d be happy to show them to you. All of them.”
I can’t help but laugh when he winks at me. “Show me what to do.” His eyes darken, and I have to admit I’m turned on. It’s been a long time since I’ve actually enjoyed a man’s company, and felt any kind of attraction.
“Okay, let’s start like this.” For the next two hours, we hit ball after ball. Easton positions me, stands behind me, and even hits a few with me. My body is… alive and already craves his touch. I might have even pretended I forgot what he told me a time or two, just so he would stand behind me and wrap his arms around me again.
I’m hitting round after round, and I have to admit now that I’m making contact, I’m enjoying this more than I thought I would. P would have loved it.
Easton steps back and tells me it’s my turn again. I step up to the plate and get into my stance. Holding up my bat, I give him a nod that I’m ready to go. I feel more confident this round. When the ball is released, I remember what he’s shown me. I wait until what I feel like is the right moment and swing the bat. Not only does it connect, but it also flies through the air to the back of the net. It’s my best hit yet. I drop the bat and jump up and down. “Yes!” I cheer.
Easton rushes to me and picks me up, swinging me around. Then he starts to sing “Girl on Fire” by Alicia Keys, causing me to burst out laughing.
“Don’t quit your day job,” I tease.
“It’s true. The more you hit, the better you’re getting. I’m impressed,” he says, setting me back on my feet.
I pretend to brush something off my shoulder. “You know, all in a day’s work.”
“You had enough?” he asks, laughing.
“Yeah,” I say, even though I’m not ready for our time to end.
He grins. “On to the next adventure.”
“What might that be?” I try to hide my smile but fail. I’m having a great time and am glad I didn’t let my worries or fear keep me from our day date.
“It’s a surprise.” He kisses the tip of my nose. After lacing his fingers through mine, we say goodbye to Larry before we’re back on the road.
Planning dates is not my thing. Planning dates that an adorable four-year-old might be tagging along with is challenging. I wanted to spend time with Larissa, and Paisley if she had been with us, but I wanted them both to have fun and feel comfortable. So I planned a picnic. At first I was going to go to the park, but not wanting them to end up on the front page of the tabloids, I decided to call in a favor. Tank Thomas played with my dad, and to this day, they remain good friends. He owns a large farm not far from here. Thankfully, he said we could stay as long as we liked. He and his wife are out of town. It’s the perfect spot with lots of privacy. I ordered food from a local deli, packed up a couple of old blankets, a cooler for water, and I threw in a couple of juice boxes for Paisley just in case.
Kids drink juice, right?
I also picked up a Frisbee, and I found a new pink glove, the smallest I could find. I got Larissa one too so the three of us could play catch. Not sure Larissa will want to play catch, but lying back on the blanket with her, just talking sounds pretty damn good to me. She’s unlike anyone I’ve ever met. So far, today has been perfect.
“I just need to make a quick stop,” I tell her. I want to reach over and hold her hand or set mine on her warm thigh, but I keep both hands on the wheel. The last thing I need is to scare her away because I can’t keep my hands off her.
“That’s fine. I’m with you.” She smiles. As the day goes on, those smiles seem to come easier for her. I have to fight the urge to puff my chest out, pretty sure I’m the reason behind her smiles. I’m doing that. Making her smile. She has a lot on her plate with working, school, and Paisley. I’m glad today I could give her a day of fun. A day to maybe not think about all her responsibilities. Larissa takes care of everyone, that much is already obvious, and dammit if I don’t want to be the one to take care of her. This connection we have is real. I feel it with every touch, every look. I’m out of my element with her, but I’ll be damned if I let that scare me away.
The stop at the deli is quick. Everything packed up in a wicker picnic basket like I requested. I didn’t care what it cost; I wanted today to be special.
“Look at you,” Larissa says when I place the basket in the back seat.
“What?” I feign innocence.
