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Grace grins at me, her expression dazed. The post-coital glow shines in her eyes. “Should we play again?”
The biggest park in Knox Creek is just off the south end of Main Street. Castle Pointe sprawls far and wide and offers a variety of spaces for recreation. A large playground stretches across one side. There’s a sandy beach that edges a section of Twin Lakes. A dozen or more tables sit on top of a slope that overlooks a grassy field. Violet chose one in the middle for us to occupy.
Sunshine kisses my cheeks and I tilt my face skyward for another dose. This spot was Bradley’s idea after I mentioned a friend wanted to join us for lunch. We packed a picnic and several activities to keep us occupied for the afternoon. I think he’s been itching to get more male interaction.
On cue, the impatient boy groans. “When is Garrett gonna get here? I’m bored.”
I pause in distributing their food. “Um, ouch. Do you see me?”
He shoots me a scowl that only kids and Jake Evans can pull off without repercussions. “Yeahhhhh? You’re always here.”
“Rude, dude. You’ll miss me when you start school next month.”
“Loves you.” Violet cuddles into me.
“And I love you, cutie pie.” I give her a quick hug before glancing at Bradley. “At least someone likes having me around.”
Bradley’s mean mug flips into a megawatt grin that I foolishly believe is for me. “Garrett!”
“Hey, everyone. Am I late?” He rounds the table to sit beside the little guy.
Bradley has stars in his eyes as he stares at him. “Nuh-uh, you’re super on time. But I’ve been waiting for you.”
Garrett laughs at the contradiction and ruffles the kid’s unruly hair. “I’m known for my prompt arrival.”
His attention shifts to me, and a heatwave spikes my temperature. It’s almost difficult to look at him without blushing. The things I’ve let him do to me—along with more that I hope to explore—aren’t appropriate to reflect on in public. Tingles burst across my cheeks as an unmentionable recap from the other night streams live, regardless of where we are.
“Hi,” I breathe.
He winks and I almost fall off the bench. “Thanks for inviting me.”
Bradley tugs on Garrett’s shirt. “Wanna share my ham and cheese?”
He studies the half-eaten sandwich as if debating internally. “Nah, buddy. That’s all yours. How else will you grow to be big and strong?”
Bradley eyes him while absorbing that nugget. “I wanna get muscles like you.”
“Keep eating.”
“M’kay.” He shoves the rest of his sandwich in his mouth and chews with gusto.
“I tink tis yummy.” Violet is happily munching on hers in much smaller bites.
Meanwhile, I pass Garrett a pre-packaged meal. “And one for you.”
He removes the lid and takes a peek. “What did you make me?”
“Ham and cheese. We keep it uniform so nobody gets upset.” I nod to the toddler diva next to me.
“Looks delicious.” The hunger in his gaze appears to be craving more than cold cuts.
I gulp at the tightness in my throat. “Hope you like it.”
“You gotsta eat it all gone,” Bradley interjects to douse the flames. “Then you get an Oreo. It’s double stuffed. My favorite.”
Garrett holds up his palm for a high-five. “Solid choice, buddy. If I’m gonna stuff something, it’s gonna be double.”
I choke on the next bite, my mouth too full. “Good grief.”
