Page 19 of Whispers at Seaside
“Serena,” Mira whispered. “Did you even hear what I said? I haven’t had sex inyears. Do you really think I’m going to gothere? Doyougo there?”
“Don’t be a prude. With the right guy I would.” Serena grabbed her hand and tugged her toward the bathroom. “Come on. Remember my high school hiding place? Even Hagen the detective can’t find them there.”
Serena climbed up on the sink and set the box of condoms on top of the cabinet. Out of sight, yes, but somehow Mira knew they would never be out of mind with Matt around.
“Now,” Serena said as she jumped down to the floor. “Let’s get started on your ‘aren’t-I-sexy’ attire.”
Serena wanted her to wear a dress—for easy access, in case you get time alone—but it made Mira feel like she was dressing to get Matt to make a move, and she was already nervous enough about wanting him to do just that. They settled on a blousy purple spaghetti-strap top, a cute pair of denim shorts, and leather sandals. Serena insisted she wear dangling earrings, a necklace on a long chain, and an armful of bangle bracelets, which jingled like bells around a cat’s neck with every step.
“I feel overdressed for a day of robot building.”
“You’re just not used to looking like a woman instead of a mom. You look sexy and sweet, which is exactly what you are, soownit.” Serena hugged her and patted Hagen on the head on her way to the front door. “Good luck with your robot, mini-man.”
Mira spent the next twenty minutes contemplating Nair, lube, and condoms, all of which made her both excited and really,reallynervous.
A knock on the door sent her heart into a panic.
“Matt!” Hagen leapt from the couch and ran for the door—and Mira slipped off the bracelets.
“YOU’REFINALLYHERE!” Hagen grabbed Matt’s hand and pulled him inside right past Mira, and didn’t stop pulling him until they were standing in front of the table where he’d spread out the pieces of the build-your-own-robot kit. “Are those flowers for my mom?”
Mira flashed an apologetic smile. “Hagen, don’t be so pushy, honey.”
Matt raked his eyes down Mira’s body. How was he supposed to concentrate on building a robot with her prancing around in a pair of skimpy shorts that made him want to run his hands up the length of her long, lean legs?
“Yes, buddy. These are for your mom, but I brought you something, too.” He reached into his back pocket and withdrew a piece of paper with a website address on it and handed it to him.
“What’s this?”
“That’s where we’re going to learn about what it takes to build a raft, which isn’t quite a boat, but it’s a start.”
Hagen gasped and threw his arms around Matt’s legs. “A raft! Mom, we’re going to build a raft!”
“First we’re going to research how to build a raft, so it might be a while before we actually build it.”
Hagen blinked up at his mother, his blue eyes narrow and serious. “That’s guy stuff, Mom. But we’ll tell you about it.”
Matt stifled a chuckle and placed a hand on his shoulder. “Buddy, a bit of advice. Don’t push the woman who loves you out of your life. I bet your mom is excellent at research. You should probably give her the option to be part of the adventure instead of making the decision for her.”
Hagen’s little brows knitted. He gave one determined nod and said, “Okay. Mom, if you want to do research with us you can. But you probably won’t want to help build it. That’s guy stuff.”
“Sounds perfect,” she said sweetly. “Why don’t you go put that paper someplace where you won’t lose it.”
Hagen ran down the hall and disappeared into his room.
Matt slid a hand around Mira’s waist and drew her against him. She smelled incredible, and felt even better. “I missed you, and you look utterly delectable.” He kissed her neck and took a step away when he heard Hagen running down the hall, handing her the bouquet.
“Thank you. They’re gorgeous.” She smelled the pretty flowers as Hagen came to her side. “Mm. They smell like mint.”
“They’re gloxinia.”
“Ready?” Hagen said impatiently.
“Oh yeah. I’m ready.” The innuendo in his voice was lost on the little boy, but Mira’s eyes darkened. Last night’s kiss had only made him hungry for more. Much,muchmore.
The three of them set to work at the table assembling the robot, but Matt’s attention was divided as his leg brushed against Mira’s, and she returned the secret touch, her leg pressing enticingly against his. Hagen and Matt read the instructions together, with Matt filling in all the bigger words Hagen had trouble with.
“How did you get to be such a good reader?” Matt asked.
