Page 62 of Pucked Up Plans
My two favorite parts of the meal are how Millie gushes over how well Aubrey eats, almost making Lennon feel guilty for eating noodles and the super special biscuits. Not once does she take the bait. The other is sneaking peeks at Walsh. I try to be stealthy, but I doubt I am.
He catches my eyes a few times. The smile he returns nearly ignites a fire within me.
Wouldn’t that be an interesting headline for the news tomorrow: “Man invites new girlfriend over for dinner; girlfriend goes up in flames, burning down the house.”
Wow, Tate. Overactive imagination?
After Walsh and his dad clean up, Aubrey and I finally say our goodbyes.
Millie starts, addressing Aubrey first. “Aubrey, I hope you had a good time today and you’ll come back and visit soon. You’re always welcome at our house.”
Without prompting, Aubrey replies, “Thank you. I’ll come back.” My daughter initiates a hug with Millie.
My heart squeezes with her declaration and action. Her being comfortable in a place other than home isn’t easy for her. The fact it’s Walsh’s family certainly has its benefits.
And no, they aren’t all sexual benefits.
Next, it’s my turn. “Tate, it’s been my pleasure having Aubrey and you at our home. Please don’t be a stranger.” With her embrace, a feeling of immediate comfort washes over me. As she releases me, she whispers not so quietly, “If you have any tips to get kids to try new foods, send them my way.”
I can’t help the laugh tumbling out. “It’s nothing I did. She has an extremely varied palate.”
“I heard that, Mom,” Walsh exclaims with a pout.
“You were supposed to, boy.”
“Thank you for having Aubrey for the afternoon and extending the invite to dinner. We always appreciate yourleftovers.” When the sentence leaves my mouth, I cringe at how it must sound—begging for food. I’m about to clarify, but Millie saves me.
“I’ll remember for the future.” She silences for a minute, giving Walsh some side-eye. “Be sure to inform me when you need more than leftovers. I raised a good boy, but he’s not perfect.”
Should I feel more affronted she’s hinting at knowing something is going on between Walsh and me? Because all I feel is relaxed and invigorated.
“I wouldn’t expect him to be. So far, I like what I’ve seen.”
Apparently, my honesty policy extends to his family members as well.
“Tate and Aubrey have to be going now. I need to drop them to their car, so I’ll be back in a bit. Be useful and give Lennon her bath, would ya?”
I wait with wide eyes for her to call him out on his issued demand. No doubt she perceived his teasing tone, but still. She is his mother.
Instead of reprimanding him, she returns, “At least she smells better when I do it.”
Pretty sure my chin drops to the floor. I’m also certain I want to be around to witness more of this dynamic.
Walsh directs us to his mother’s car since his seat is still in there. Without hesitation, he leads Aubrey over to the side of the car with the permanent seat. Shock doesn’t describe the emotions surging through me. Not because of his actions, but Aubrey’s. She doesn’t bat an eyelash when he lifts her and clasps her buckle, making sure it’s fastened securely.
Shit.
As if I need more excuses to fall for this guy. Now he’s got my daughter wrapped around his finger too.
When he climbs behind the wheel, he glimpses at me. His face changes into confusion. “What’s wrong? Did I overstep? Oh, she can probably buckle herself. Lennon can too, but I always make sure it’s tight and…”
My hand to his, I cut off his apology. “You don’t have to be perfect. Just don’t hurt us.”
I so badly want to kiss him, but Aubrey’s watching. And while she might not know what it means exactly, I won’t put her in a place to question it.
His eyes travel to the rearview mirror. With a smile and his eyes locked on my daughter’s, he promises, “I have no intentions.”
Please let that be the case.
