Page 68 of Of Pucking Course

When I see my mom’s favorite tea brand, warmth pools in my chest.

“You’re going to score major points going out of your way to get my mom’s favorite tea,” I tease.

He smiles. “It’s the least I could do. She’s fed me and sent me home with leftovers more times than I can count.”

“Oh, please. You know my mom. She lives to feed people. She would take it as a personal insult if you didn’t come over regularly and eat her cooking.”

Sam chuckles.

“So what are you up to today?” I ask.

“I offered to watch my niece and nephew this afternoon so my sister and brother-in-law can go for an early dinner.”

“That’s so nice of you.”

“I’m excited to hang out with them. I haven’t been able to see them much, even though we live in the same city now, since I’ve been so busy playing this season.”

“When you babysit, are you the fun uncle and let them eat candy and ice cream for dinner?”

“No way. I always lay down the law. I’m super-strict Uncle Sammy.”

I laugh. He catches my wrist, pulls me against him, and kisses me hard. When we break apart, I’m dizzy.

He rests his hands on my hips and gazes down at me. “Think about what you want to do in bed tonight, okay?”

My heart thuds in my chest, and that familiar ache pulses between my legs. “Okay.”

He kisses me, then starts cleaning up the kitchen while I run back to my room and get ready for the day, grinning like an idiot the whole time.

Chapter 23

Dakota

“Honey, are you sure this color isn’t too much?”

“It’s perfect, Mom. Look.” I set the shopping bags I’m holding on the dining table at my mom’s house and pull my phone out of my pocket. I snap a photo of her and show her the picture.

Her big brown eyes widen the slightest bit before she lets a small smile break free. “That’s quite lovely.”

“That lipstick color on you is so pretty. And I know I’m not the only one who thinks so.”

I share the photo with my group chat with Sophie, Ingrid, Bella, and Maya.

My mom is trying out a bold lip color. So pretty, right?

They all reply instantly.

Sophie: Wow! You look beautiful, Nancy!

Ingrid: OMG that shade of red is your color!

Maya: So gorgeous!!

Bella: Stunning! What’s that shade? I need to buy it ASAP!

I turn the phone screen to my mom so she can read everyone’s texts.

Her cheeks flush, and her smile grows. “Oh, goodness. Your friends are so sweet.”

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