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“Yes! Rams is coming to get me.”
“What kind of ice cream are you going to get?” I ask.
She taps her index finger against her chin, pretending to think about it. I’ll give it to her. She’s always getting something different. When I asked her one time which was her favorite, her reply was “Uncle Brooks, it’s ice cream. All of them.” Did I mention she’s smart as hell?
“I think I’ll get swirl with sprinkles.”
“Good choice.” I press my lips to her temple as the front door opens. I hear my mom greeting Ramsey. Pushing my bad mood down deep, I carry Blakely to the living room to say hi to my little cousin. When I round the corner, I freeze. Ramsey is talking to my mom, and standing next to her is Palmer.
“Ladies,” I say, my mood suddenly a hell of a lot brighter.
“Hey, Brooks.” Ramsey steps forward for a side hug, tickling Blakely, who reaches for Ramsey. She doesn’t hesitate to take her from my arms.
“Palmer.” She waves and leans in for a hug too.
She’s out of my arms all too soon, but her familiar scent washes over me. It’s as if seeing her and smelling her is a balm for my pissed-off disposition. “You ladies are getting ice cream?” I ask, even though I already know the answer. I’m just trying to stall to keep them here a little longer.
“That’s the plan,” Palmer replies, glancing over at Ramsey and Blakely as they talk to my mom.
I lean in close to her, pretending to look behind her and whisper, “I missed you last night.”
“You saw me,” she whispers back.
“I slept like shit without you there.” It’s a confession I didn’t plan to make.
“Brooks.” There is so much she’s saying from the tone of her voice. Longing, desire, and if I’m not mistaken, a little regret. She wanted to stay. The look in her eyes last night and here right now tells me she did.
“Ready?” Ramsey asks.
I take a step back. “Yep.” Palmer’s voice is way too chipper and guilty as hell, but I couldn’t care less. I don’t care if anyone finds out about us. I’m into her.
“Have fun.” I wave.
“Kiss!” Blakely calls out.
I laugh but go to her, kissing her cheek. “Be good today.”
“I will, but we’re all leaving, Uncle Brooks.”
“You ladies all be careful,” I amend my statement.
“Not that,” Blakely scolds me. “Rams and Palmer need kisses too.”
“Oh, is that how this works?” I ask my niece when really all I want to do is take her to the toy store and buy her everything she wants.
“Yep. Thems the rules, Uncle Brooks.”
“Well, we can’t be breaking the rules. I am your favorite uncle, after all.”
“For right now,” she says, making my mom, Ramsey, and Palmer laugh.
“You little stinker.” I tickle, and she wiggles in Ramsey’s arms. “Ramsey, be careful, and have fun.” I press my lips to her cheek.
“Now, Palmer. Ice cream is waiting,” Blakely instructs.
I turn to look at Palmer, and her eyes are wide as if she can’t believe I’m about to kiss her in front of my family. She has nothing to worry about. I’m not going to kiss her like I crave to, but my lips against her skin is enough to hold me over. For now. I step in close, placing my hand on her hip, and kiss her cheek, closer to her ear. “Be safe, beautiful,” I whisper and release her all too soon. “Have fun,” I tell her, my voice normal considering the desire I feel from even that small amount of contact with her.
“And be safe,” Blakely reminds me.
