Page 80 of Outlaw Heartstrings
I nod.
She nods back.
It seems that once we’ve decided on the rules, things are now quiet and awkward between us. The cake is long gone, and we just sit there under the moonlight, avoiding eye contact.
“So do we, uh…start?” Alba asks after a lengthy silence.
I tap my foot, realizing I don’t actually know what to do next. Just because I’m more experienced than she is in the bedroom doesn’t mean I’ve donethisbefore.
I try to buy myself some time. “You should never give up the goods to a guy without making him work for it a little,” I scold her.
She lets out a snort. “Work for it? I don’t even understand what that means.”
“Okay. We’re role playing, Tiny Tiger,” I whisper conspiratorially by her ear. “I’m some guy you just met, trying to get into your pants. Make me work for it.”
She blinks innocently. “How?”
I rise to my feet, acting casual and hoping my erection isn’t too obvious. “By making me take you on a date, silly.” I tap the tip of her nose. “Tomorrow night. Are you free?”
She nods, a glorious smile unfolding across her face. “Yes, actually. My real estate exam got rescheduled.”
“Good. Get a babysitter, and get dressed up. I’m taking you out to dinner.” Then I head down the stairs.
30
ALBA
Late in the afternoon, my mom pops over to pick up Jagger. With Easton around now, she hasn’t had to babysit every day, like she normally does in the summer.
So when I told her I needed a sitter tonight, she jumped at the chance to hang out with her grandson.
As we stand in my living room chitchatting while Jagger grabs his stuff, I can’t help but notice how good she looks. She’s even dressed more like her old self, in nice jeans and a cute blouse. No more mismatched sweatpants.
“Did you get your hair done?” I ask, trying to hide my shock when I notice the highlights.
Mom reaches up to touch the ends of her hair. “Oh, I got it done the other day when I went out with Monica and Tammy. “You like it?”
“I do. It looks so good on you, Mom.” I give her a hug.
Right then, Jagger runs into the room and joins in. “Yay! Group hug!”
Laughing, Mom and I both squeeze him tightly in our little huddle.
“Bye, Mimi!” he calls as he leads the way to the door, lugging a big bag full of books and puzzles to take to Grandma’s house.
“Bye, Buddy. You be good for Grandma, okay?”
“Of course I will.” He frowns at me over his shoulder like it should be obvious. “I love you!”
“Love you, too, Jag.”
We grin at each other and speak in unison. “Twenty-four-seven. All the time.”
Jag doesn’t know that I’m hanging out with his dad tonight. I sort of feel guilty about keeping that from him. A part of me questions whether I’m doing the right thing. I can’t let Jagger get hurt just so I can have a little selfish fun. But Easton and I have vowed to be careful and to keep Jagger’s best interests at the forefront of our minds. That’s what’s most important.
Mom ushers the little boy out my door, but just before she closes it, she pokes her head back inside. “Have fun tonight. You deserve it. I’ll drop Jag off early in the morning.” Then she smirks. “Just remember to put a sock on the front door, in case you’re, y’know, knockin’ ‘em boots.” She winks.
“Mom!” I gasp, watching her sashay down the porch steps with a little pep in her movements.
