“What the helldo you mean, you’re going to the Bahamas?”
My mom laughs in my ear, and my jaw drops.
“Oh my god, it’s starting, isn’t it? I’m an adult child now? Just abandoned. Thrown to the wolves.”
Both Ben and Tisha laugh, and I can tell Brady is dying for me to look at his shit-eating grin.
“Oh, honey, no, don’t be ridiculous.” Mom pauses. “Once you give us a grandbaby, then you can come on vacations with us again.”
“Mom!” Now I’m laughing. “Well, I’ll let you tell my dad that he’ll have to wait a good ten years,if ever, to have his favorite ski partner on the slopes with him again, then.”
“Oh, you’re playing dirty, huh? Bringing out the big guns.”
I smile. “Is Zeus at least in the backyard? He didn’t bark when I knocked.”
“No, he’s been boarded.”
“Boo.” I pout. “Well, I guess I should tell you to have the best time, but next time you’re hopping on a freaking plane, maybe let your daughter know?”
“Like you let us know you’d be driving down a highway all day today?” she teases. “No, honestly, we just got through security and we’re waiting for a spot at the bar. We were going to call you once we got settled, but Ben and Tisha will take care of you.”
“Yes, we will!” Tisha answers back.
“Fine. You’re off the hook, but I fully expect to be in the car with you in December when it’s time to head up the mountain!”
“Wouldn’t have it any other way. Love you.”
“Love you, bye.” I hang up, finally looking to Brady to find his lips pinched to the side. “Go ahead, Big Guy, let it all out.”
He does laugh then, putting his arm around my shoulders and hooking my neck in the crook of his arm. “Looks like it’s a T-shirt dress in November for you. You’re going to freeze your nipples off, summer queen.”
“Brady!” his mom chastises. “You leave the poor girl’s nipples alone. Last thing a girl wants is to have her headlights on during the daytime.”
My cheeks are flaming, and Brady gives me a little shake.
“Hey, Mama, you got the ornaments dangling from your headlights yet?”
My eyes snap toward him, narrowing on the side of his face.
“Don’t be silly.” She waves him off. “It’s not even December, but I’ll get them on.”
“You could put them on now.”
I elbow him in the ribs in warning.
He ignores me, his tone silk fucking smooth as he says, “Cammie Baby, don’t you like it when ornaments stay on headlights all year long?”
His mom looks over curiously, and my mouth opens and closes as Brady tries to hide his laughter in my hair.
Tisha tips her head in thought. “You know what? You’re right. Maybe I’ll get me some of those little eyelashes to keep on year-round. Thanks for the idea!” She walks away, none the wiser that her son’s coarse hands have warmed my nipples.
Brady’s shoulders shake with silent laughter, and I pull from his hold.
“I hate you,” I hiss.
He slips up behind me, those big, strong arms coming around my waist, and he tucks his hands into the front pocket of hishoodie I’m wearing. His palms press into my lower stomach, and his shoulders are so wide compared to my own that he engulfs me completely, drowning me in his rich and spicy scent.
His lips find my ear. “No, you don’t,” he whispers, and I bite at the inside of my cheek to keep from smiling.