Page 139 of Pucked Up Plans
A tad bit mean to use my child as a pawn in my enticement game, but desperate times. Lennon would love for Tate to see her skate, but my motives are purely selfish. Doesn’t matter I saw her hours earlier in a two-piece bikini, I can’t get enough of her.
We told the girls we’re dating, though we’re not overtly intimate in front of them. A peck on the cheek or lips here and there, but nothing outlandish. We save that for after-hours. We’ve had to be creative about sex, but there are certain cases where she’s way more agreeable to my demands of having my way with her once Aubrey’s sleeping. Fireworks those nights.
Aubrey and I will sit in the stands. Is it cold in the summer?
The ice is still as frozen no matter the weather outside
Bummer
Want me to pick you up?
When?
Uh, like twenty minutes?
Lennon stirs on the couch. I suck in a breath to see if she’s going to wake up on her own. I planned to scoop her off the couch and stick her in the car, hoping she’d keep sleeping. Her head lifts, her eyes open, she smiles at me, flips over, and conks back out. My attention returns to the phone.
I’ll drive us. Aubrey’s in a mood. Not sure what’s up with her
Aubrey has bad moods?
I’ve never seen the kid throw a tantrum, be unkind, or put up a fight about anything. Well, except for when I ate all her donuts. She wasn’t too happy with me then.
On the rare occasion. We’ll meet you at the rink
See you later
I fill our water bottles. Mom joins me in the kitchen. “How was the pool?”
“The monster had fun.” My mother doesn’t conceal her chuckle. “Aubrey made it in the water, with a smile even. Progress.”
“She’ll get there. No use forcing it.”
“Agreed.” I top the bottles with ice, tightening the caps, and toss some squeezies and granola bars into the bag.
“Where you off to?”
“Aspenridge to skate.” She gives me the “mom glare,” the one she perfected by the time I was three. Or so she’s led me to believe. She also enjoys pointing out how she didn’t need it until I came along. “What?”
“I didn’t say a thing.”
“Actions speak louder than words, Millie Keeley.” She smacks the back of my head.
“Ow.”
“Respect, boy.” Her grin defies her words. “What time will you be home? Dad and I are going out for dinner, but I’ve already made a meatloaf. Think you can heat it for you and the underling?”
“Sure.” A one-brow raise calls me out on my bullshit. I amend, “I have faith Tate can.”
Ma harrumphs and points a finger my way. “Do not take advantage of her kindness.”
“I assure you, Tate will be more than willing to heat a dinner you’ve prepped, will enjoy every bite, and not think I’m taking advantage.”
A wistful smile graces her lips. “She’s a good egg.”
“The best.”
I sure hope I don’t screw up what we have. I’d be lost without her in my life. We haven’t talked about future plans, but she’s stuck with me and Lennon for the rest of our lives. Once I can save up enough money for a ring and a house and everything else Tate deserves in life, I’ll make it official.
