Page 251 of Small Town Firsts
I’d do anything for her.
“I don’t remember saying yes. Or you actually asking.”
My breath stalled. “I mean, you’re going to say yes, right?”
She tried to keep a straight face, but her lips kept twitching into a smile. Her fingers slid up my chest and around to the nape of my neck, then finally to the longer part of my hair where she could grip me tight. “I just might.”
I looped her legs around my waist and kept on walking. “Well, then I’m just going to have to convince you.”
She giggled. “Put me down, you idiot.”
“And let you run again? I think not, lady.”
“I’m never running again.”
I lowered her to her feet. Mostly because I was afraid I’d do something stupid in the dark and drop her. No way was I ever going to let anything happen to her.
Taking her knapsack from her, I stuffed the test back in and put the bag over my shoulder before turning her around and slapping her ass. “Get going. We’ve got a test to take.”
She dashed forward and we both ran up the stone steps to our home, then across the short distance to the back porch. When we reached the top of the stairs, I couldn’t wait any longer. I scooped her up and fumbled through opening the door. Somehow I managed not to drop her, which was a feat because we were laughing like idiots.
Still carrying her, I rushed through the house, finally depositing her in front of the bathroom door. “Okay. Go, you know. Do whatever it is you do.”
“What if I don’t have?—”
I pushed her into the bathroom and turned on the taps full strength. “Need a glass of water?”
She slapped at me and took back her knapsack before shoving me out the door. “Neanderthal.”
I paced outside the door and was sort of glad that she left the water running. Not that her peeing on a stick was weird—much.I mean, I did have a kid. Bodily functions were just part and parcel of my day.
But this was a really important stick.
She opened the door and I spun around. “Well?”
“Five minutes, buddy.”
My shoulders slumped as she dried her hands. “That’s forever.” I looked down at my watch and set the timer.
She grinned and walked into my space. “Then maybe we should make out for a few minutes.”
“Well, I can certainly do that.” I lowered my mouth to hers and slowly drew out the kiss. I tried to concentrate on the little things I knew she liked, but I kept sneaking glances at my watch.
She plowed her fist into my belly. “You’re incorrigible.”
I rubbed my ribs. “Ow. I can’t help it.” She tried to hide behind her curtain of hair, but I saw the nervous smile peeking through. “You want to know just as bad as I do.”
“No, I don’t. Well, maybe. What time is it?” She grabbed my wrist. “It has to be time.”
“It’s only been three minutes.”
She dropped my wrist. “Ugh.”
I tried to loop my arm around her waist but she wiggled free. “Seth, don’t try to distract me now. You had your chance.” She couldn’t stop laughing as I grabbed for her again and again. “What time is it now?”
“Twenty seconds later.” I banded my arms under her butt and lifted her until our mouths lined up. I stared at her as our lips met. “It doesn’t matter what it says.”
She looped her arms around my shoulders. “No?”
