Page 67 of Rooster

“Ah, okay. I got it.” Nathan thought for a minute, then answered, “I’d say my low was failing my science test today. It sucked, but everybody else failed, too.”

“This is the first I’ve heard about the test.”

“Everybody failed it, Mom.”

“I’m not worried about everybody else.”

“Any-way... I’d say my high was not having to go hunting with Dad.”

“Oh, yeah.” Maggie grimaced. “What did you tell him?”

“Just that we were going out of town.”

“Good.”

“Okay, Samantha,” Ronin interrupted. “It’s your turn. What’s your high/low?”

“Hmmm.” Her brows furrowed as she toyed with her skewer. “I don’t really have a low. It was an okay day, but if I had to name one bad thing, it’d be when Ms. Downy wouldn’t call on me in math today. I knew the answers and raised my hand, but she wouldn’t even look at me. It was like she was doing it on purpose, but whatever. It doesn’t matter. My high was having lasagna for dinner. It was the bomb.”

“I’m glad you liked it.” Ronin turned to me as he said, “And what about your highs and lows?”

“Well, my low would be finding out that my kids had a not-so-great day today and that they didn’t even mention it to me.” I let out a breath, then added, “And my high would be right here and now, with all of you. It’s been nice.”

“I’m glad you’ve enjoyed it.”

“What about yours?” Nathan asked Ronin. “You gonna tell us your high/low?”

“Sure.” Ronin’s smile faded as he started, “My low was pretty low today. I lost a good friend, and we had his funeral a few hours ago. It was tough.”

“Oh, Ronin,” I gasped. “I’m so sorry. I had no idea.”

“I know, and it’s all good,” Ronin let out a sigh. “He had a good run and will be remembered well. Can’t ask for more than that. Besides, I’ve gotta pretty damn good high that’s helped get me through it.”

“Oh? And what’s that?”

“You.”

He cocked that sexy eyebrow, and it was all I could do to keep myself from going over and kissing him long and hard. But that wasn’t going to happen—not after what happened the last time we were together. I had no choice but to keep my hands and mouth to myself.

I did my best to play it cool as I asked, “I’m your high?”

“You are.” A sexy smirk crossed his face as he added, “I like having you here at my place. The kids, too. Hell, I might have to just keep you here.”

“Oh, it’s early yet,” I snickered. “Let’s see how you feel on Sunday.”

“Yeah, we’ll see.”

I had to admit I was a little surprised. The night turned out better than I could’ve imagined, and it was clear from all their laughing and carrying on that the kids felt the same way.

We’d been sitting out by the fire for almost an hour when Nathan stood up and asked, “Can we go set up our PlayStations now?”

“Yeah, that’s fine, but I don’t want to hear any shouting.” I glanced over at Samantha as I said, “And that goes for you, too, little Ms. Screecher.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

And just like that, the kids disappeared, and Ronin and I were left alone by the fire. It was the first time I’d had a chance to really look around, and it was truly a beautiful spot. The porch was slightly elevated, which gave a better view of the ocean. The moon was full, and the light shimmering on the waves beckoned me to come for a better look.

I stood and leaned over the railing. Ronin came over and stood next to me, and we both watched as the waves crashed against the rocks below. “It’s so beautiful.”

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