Page 111 of Pucked Up Plans
The three weeks after Thanksgiving seem to fly by, and soon enough, the holiday season is upon us. The days have been a good balance of work and fun, busy times with some downtime for me, and for me and Aubrey together.
We hung out at Walsh’s house for Sunday breakfast Thanksgiving weekend, but that’s the last time he and I got to be together. We spent an hour to ourselves walking around Target. He held my hand down every aisle, which made my inner self scream with delight. It was freeing, being so comfortable with him, doing such a mundane task as shopping.
It feltright. I can’t remember the last time I ever felt so comfortable with someone other than a member of my immediate family. While that’s scary as shit, it’s because it’s Walsh.Hemakes it much less scary.
I’ve seen him in passing at drop-off and pickup, but since the cold weather of December has hit Vermont, we don’t stand around the door waiting for the kids. The winter weather ushered in a pickup line, saving all of us from having to brace the cold and/or snow. As the cars line up, an adult brings two children out. The most we manage is a wave and a smile if our cars are near each other.
Lennon texts me every night she’s with him. Walsh mentioned something about her being relentless and not letting up on sending me a goodnight text. I think it’s sweet, and after Aubrey, she’s quickly becoming my favorite five-year-old. I miss the texts the nights she’s with Megan, but texts from Walsh certainly help ease the ache.
It’s amazing how all out the town goes for the holiday season. There’s a huge decorated tree on the town green, and with the fresh snow last night, even in the daytime, it’s alluring. I make a mental note to load Aubrey up in the car one night soon and drive around to see the lights, something we’ve never done before.
Main Street is all decked out with decorations. The lights are dim in the daytime and it would be way more impressive in the dark, but a magical aura permeates the air, the allure of the holiday spirit evading my senses.
I’ve finished my shopping for Aubrey but have Aunt Marsha and my family left to buy for. For our present this year, Mom and Dad bought us plane tickets to Kansas. I’m a little ambivalent about going home. There’s going to be subtle guilt about how much they miss us, especially Mom. I can’t let it deter me from building this life in Vermont. I have no desire to deal with Damon’s family if they find out we’re home. The threatening emails have dwindled to one every few days. I delete those suckers as fast as my fingers can.
I shake off the past, their efforts of trying to take Aubrey from me a mere memory. Their custody battle has no root in reality, and I pray they’ve given up. We’re both better off without them and their support.
Besides, tonight is Walsh’s birthday and we’re celebrating with a date at Dolce Vita. To say I’m excited is an understatement. Aubrey is sleeping over at Aunt Marsha’s, the idea hers. When she asked when she could “be a big girl andsleep over by herself at Aunt Marsha’s,” I couldn’t ask my aunt fast enough. Not sure the words I used were coherent, but Aunt Marsha understood my gibberish and agreed lickety-split. I’ll drop her off and then get ready for my date.
“Hey, you,” Walsh drawls when I slide into the passenger seat of his truck. He kisses my cheek and fingers the ends of my curled hair. I went for loose curls, and by the way his lust-filled eyes widen, he approves.
“Is my outfit too casual?” I blurt, nerves fluttering in my abdomen. The restaurant isn’t super fancy, but I want to look good for Walsh’s birthday. Though the actual day was earlier this week, tonight’s the first—and only—chance we have to celebrate alone.
He scans me over from head to toe, taking in the purple blouse and jeans I purchased earlier today. It’s his birthday, but I splurged on myself. On new undergarments as well. As much as I want to cower from the heated scrutiny, I don’t.
“Gorgeous, Tate.”
“Wait until you see what’s underneath.”
His head leans against the headrest, his eyes closing, a deep groan exiting his mouth. “Why must you torture me?”
“Because it’s fun.” I hesitate to mention the rest of what’s on my mind, but drop the pretenses and do it. “The shorter our meal, the longer the dessert.” I waggle my brows, falling into the role of a seductress.
He rolls his head toward me, his heated blues staring my way. “About dinner.”
In the brief silence, the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end, but I don’t let my mind wander to what he could say. Thankfully, he doesn’t make me wait long.
“Would you mind if, after the restaurant, we make a stop at the hockey house?”
I intend to tell him that’s exactly the opposite of what I want, but my mouth utters, “It’s your birthday.”
Walsh fits his palm over mine sitting on my thigh, enveloping my fingers in his. It immediately comforts me. “An hour tops. Cody’s been riding my ass because ‘I’m too busy for my friends.’ As if he doesn’t see me every day at practice and games.”
A tinge of guilt worms in. He’s a busy guy, but he’s also the one who makes most of our plans, tells me he’s dropping by after Aubrey goes to sleep. If he wanted to hang with his friends, he would, right?
“But you’re bringing me. Will they be upset to not have you alone?” I bite the inside of my cheek, holding my breath.
A lazy smile forms on his lips. Ones I haven’t kissed in too long. “They want to see you.”
My brows rise. “Really?”
He nods. “After the fundraiser, they’re more curious about who I’m spending my time with, and they need a breath of fresh air from all the puck bunnies and college girls.”
“And I’m someone who fits the bill?”
“Indeed. Very much so. We’ll chat more at dinner.”
And with a chaste kiss on my cheek, the discussion ends as he pulls out and drives us to the restaurant.
