Page 71 of Pucked Up Plans
“We have to grab our gear. I have it on good authority Mimi’s making pizza bagels for dinner.”
Her arms shoot into the air, pumping up and down. “Score. Those are like my favorite.”
“Gee, I didn’t know.”
Lennon throws her body into mine. “Yes, you did, Keeley. I tell you all the time.”
Scooping her into my arms, I carry her the rest of the way to our truck down the road. Her car parked behind my truck, Tate’s buckling Aubrey into her seat.
“Hey, there you are. Wanted to say goodbye and thanks again for the potatoes. Oh, and the cookies were delicious. Got any leftovers at home?”
I mean the words as a playful joke, but my delivery needs some work because it comes out more like I’m expecting her to have them. And to be for me.
“Trying out a new recipe for Thanksgiving. I assume it’s a keeper?”
“Yes. For sure. They’ll be a hit. I wish we could have them at our meal.” My words get away from me yet again. I need to learn how to better control myself around Tate.
“I’ll make you a batch if you’re prepared to clean my kitchen when I’m done.”
The word “Deal” flees my mouth without conscious thought. I’m uncertain what I’ve agreed to. I only paid attention to the “I’ll make you a batch.” After that, my brain shut down listening.
Tate smiles at me, and I determine I’ve said the right thing. “How’s tomorrow?” She doesn’t allow me the chance to answerbefore her shoulders slump. “Oh wait. You have a game. You’ll probably be tired after being out all day.”
Oh right.
Hockey.
“Can we play it by ear?”
She nods, her demeanor akin to being crushed. Before speaking again, she shakes herself out of the funk. “Either way, I’ll bake you a batch. Aubrey and I are running to the grocery store tomorrow so we’ll grab the ingredients. Need anything?”
Lennon butts into the conversation. “Can you get us a bag of those Mickey Mouse chicken nuggets? Keeley doesn’t know where to find them, but I told him you’d know where they were.”
Who knew she was invested in our conversation? Another reason for Tate and me to conceal our relationship from the kids.
Tate seems unfazed by my kid’s request, addressing Lennon with a broader smile. “Sure thing. I’ll add them to my list. One bag good?”
“Better get two. So we don’t run out of them too quickly.”
“Lennon!” I scold, my voice harsher than usual. One would think I’ve never discussed manners with this child.
“It’s fine, Walsh. I asked,” Tate consoles. “Besides, you’re always bringing food for us. It’s the least I can do.” She doesn’t seem at all putout, but when I reach into my pocket for my wallet, her hand on my arm stops me. The usual jolt of electricity shouldn’t surprise me, yet it does. I’m on higher alert. Or more like worked up after having to control my urges of being in such proximity to her the past two days and not being able to act on them. “It’s on me. Please. I insist.”
“Thank you, Tate.” Lennon gets the words of appreciation out before it even crosses my mind to thank her.
“You’re most welcome, Lennon. Daddy can grab them when he comes to pick up the cookies.”
She closes the door to the car and makes a move for the driver’s door.
“Wait a minute. Please,” I include for good measure. She grants my request with a nod of her head.
Digging the keys out of my pocket, I jog to my truck, unlocking the doors as I go. “Get in and get buckled. I’ll be right back,” I instruct Lennon. Without waiting for an answer, I slam her door and jog back to Tate’s car. Knowing little eyes are watching, I don’t lean in for a kiss or even make a move to pull her into me.
“I’m not sure what I did to deserve all this, Tate.” I want to insert more, but a street full of cars doesn’t seem like the right place to wax poetic about her kindness.
“Please. It’s two bags of chicken nuggets and ingredients for a batch of cookies.”
“It’s more. But I can’t get into it now, but one day soon I will. When I take you on a date.” Lowering my voice, I continue, “And then bury myself inside you.” Her cheeks immediately flush red. Not a tinge of pink. Full-on beet red. I fish my wallet out of my back pocket. Grabbing a twenty-dollar bill, I shove it in her hands. “Grab some condoms while you’re there. I’ll text you a picture of the ones I like.”
