Page 37 of Clara's Secure Hideaway

Clara covered her mouth with her hand. Good Lord, what had they done? This would take forever to clean.

“It’s your turn, Davey,” Heath said, swiping a can of whipped cream off the counter and holding it out. “Show us what you got.”

Davey pulled away from Clara’s legs just enough to glance up, seeking permission.

She nodded, and he ran to Heath, grabbing the can and shoving the white nozzle to let the cream spray all over Heath.

Deep, rumbling laughter poured from Heath, and he scooped Davey off the ground and swung him in the air before stealing the can and repaying the favor.

Davey squealed. “No! Stop!”

Heath set him on his feet then eyed Clara. Grinning he shook the can. “Should we include your mom in the grand finale?”

“Oh now,” she said, raising her palms and taking a step backward. “I need coffee before I can participate in this kind of craziness.”

“Get Mommy!” Avery chanted then tossed green and red sprinkles in her direction.

“Yeah,” Sally cried, mimicking Avery’s actions. “No one escapes this fun without either making a mess or becoming one.”

Considering her options, Clara tapped the tip of her index finger against her chin. “Well, if I have a choice, I think I’d rather make one.”

In one swift movement, she lunged for the table and secured a bowl of sprinkles in her hands. She grabbed a fistful and faced Heath with her brows raised.

He smirked. “I dare you.”

Davey clapped his hands. “Do it, Mama!”

Heath took a step forward, head tilted to the side. “I don’t think she’s got it in her.”

“She does,” Avery cheered. “Show him!”

“Nah.” Heath batted a hand through the air, and a puff of whipped cream flew off his finger and landed on the top of Davey’s head. “She wouldn’t dare.”

Clara threw her tiny candies across the room, bursting into laughter when the sprinkles clung to his beard and whipped cream covered shirt.

Sally cackled. “I think you’ve met your match, son.”

“Yeah,” Avery joined in. “She’s your match.”

Heath’s face lit up seconds before he snatched the can of whipped cream from Davey’s hand and ran toward her.

Cool, sticky cream flew into the air, landing on her cheek. “No!” she squealed over more laughter. She covered her head with her arms.

“Get her!” Heath yelled.

In an instant, sprinkles and pancakes and wild giggles assaulted her. Davey and Avery jumped up and down, dousing her with whatever their little hands got a hold of. Heath snickered and Sally stayed seated but joined the fun by tossing chocolate chips at the group.

Joy erupted in the pit of her stomach, bursting through her veins like shooting stars. She untangled herself from her kids and twirled to escape the chaos but found herself pressed against Heath’s chest.

She stilled, the air around her growing thick with electricity. Her smile fell and the overwhelming desire to lick the sweetness off his face had her wetting her lips with her tongue.

His gaze dropped to her mouth, and he swallowed hard.

She flattened her palm to his cheek, and the rough whiskers of his beard scratched her skin. “Thank you.” She wished she could say more, do more, but that was all she had to give with little eyes watching her every move.

He dipped his chin and heat turned his brown eyes into burning embers.

Swiping her thumb across his jawline, she smeared a dollop of God only knew what into his course whiskers and wrinkled her nose. “I’m going to pay you back for this, you know?”

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