CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
I prop an elbow on the kitchen island, my focus riveted on Drake and his adoring fans in the living room. He’s sprawled on the couch while Scott occupies the loveseat. The twins sit on the floor beside my boyfriend, gazing at him in awe.
A sigh buzzes my lips. “What’re they doing in there?”
Paisley shrugs. “Bonding.”
“Didn’t the men hate each other this afternoon?”
“Guys are weird.” My cousin states that comment as a fact. “They’re probably regaling each other with tales of the great hay battle. At least they stacked the bales afterward. Great teamwork in the end. Kenzie and Charlie are hanging on every word.”
“I still can’t believe those two nincompoops did that.” My back hurts just thinking about it.
Paisley scoffs. “Seriously? Drake will do anything to win you over. Even if that involves aches and pains. You better rub him the right way later.”
“Stop it.” But the heat collecting in my lower belly confirms our thoughts are following the same path. I grab my drink to cool the rising flush. “He doesn’t have anything to prove.”
My heart melts into the consistency of mush as the twins begin doodling on Drake’s arms. They’re coloring in his tattoos while adding their own designs. The big softie reclines deeper into the cushions and lets them have their way with him. Scott mumbles something about lacking discipline.
“Just jealous,” Drake retorts. “Mac and Cheese can do no wrong.”
“Wow. He’s incredible,” Paisley breathes.
“The whole package,” I agree. “And mine.”
She laughs. “If we weren’t besties, I’d hate you a little bit. That guy is going to worship the ground you walk on for the rest of your life. He’ll never dull your shine.”
“Only enhance it.” My lips curl as I watch him treat my kids like his own.
Paisley’s attention shifts to me. “You’re different.”
I straighten my spine. “Is that bad?”
“Relax.” She swats me. “He’s bringing out a calm side of you that I haven’t seen in too long.”
It’s a change I’ve sensed in myself. I allow my smile to spread, that lightness giving me renewed energy. The man responsible definitely deserves to be rubbed down the right way.
“Is this real?” It’s been almost two months at this point and the whirlwind romance vibe continues to gain momentum.
Her brows dip. “Are you still questioning him?”
“No, not at all. It just feels too good to be true.” And I’ve told Drake that much.
“That’s how love is, or so I’ve heard.” Paisley exhales a lungful of impatience.
Meanwhile, my breath hitches on the concept. “We’re not there yet.”
Her nod is just for show. “Has he met Shawn?”
“Not yet.”
“On purpose?”
“No, it just hasn’t happened naturally. There aren’t requirements for that sort of thing. I didn’t meet Pam for months after they started dating and that was just fine. Shawn trusts my judgment in return. We invited him to Charlie’s T-ball game in two weeks. His schedule hasn’t allowed him to attend any of the others.” I glance at the calendar packed with tasks to complete in the meantime.
“Is the team ready for that? I went to one practice and… yikes.”
My eyes roll. “There was a game yesterday.”
She cringes. “How did that go?”
“Better than expected. They’re young children,” I laugh. “You can’t assume they’ll become professional athletes overnight. It’s a miracle the sport holds their concentration for thirty minutes.”
Kenzie and Charlie complete their artwork, racing off to find the next project. Drake rises from the couch. The hem of his shirt is askew, but not bunched enough. As if listening to my silent demand, he stretches and exposes a mouthwatering slice of sculpted abs. I swallow a sip of iced tea, suddenly parched. Paisley fans my face before doing the same to hers.
“Their coach, though.” She hums when he turns in our direction, which earns her a harsh jab to the ribs.
“I’m gonna have to ask you to leave soon,” I snark.
“It’s just innocent ogling. He should be on the cover of romance novels. I’d like to display him on my shelf.”
“No way,” I blurt. “Not unless I own the only copy for my private collection.”
She sticks out her tongue. “It’s fair to share.”
“Get your own book boyfriend brought to life.”
“Trying and failing, thanks for the reminder.” Paisley flips a section of hair over her shoulder.
“If a certain someone would just forget about the grump.” I pat her head. “The grass is much nicer on this side of the fence.”
“Yeah, yeah. Here’s comes your paradise in the flesh.”
Drake struts toward us, his skin freshly decorated with nonsense scribbles. His hair is mussed to match the heavy droop of his eyelids. Thick stubble coats his jaw but those devastating dimples pop as he smirks. I grip the counter to resist launching at him.
“Are you talking about me?”
“Maybe.” I wink.
“Thought so. My nose was itchy.”
“Did you scratch and sniff?” I inhale the scent of woodsy spice and artificial fruit, which must be from…
“Oh! Speaking of markers, check this out.” Drake angles his chin to expose sloppy words scrawled on the side of his neck. “Mac and Cheese branded me. Gonna make it permanent.”
“Don’t you dare.” My ovaries won’t survive and I’ll end up pregnant with triplets.
The blue ocean in his gaze pulls me under. “You can come to the appointment. Maybe get ink of your own.”
I’ve actually been considering it, especially after recent events. “Okay.”
“Really? That was easy.”
“It’s not a big deal. I already have one.”
“No sh—oot?” His wide gaze latches onto the twins sitting at the table, very much within listening distance. “Where?”
I fold my right ear to expose the spot. “Got this after Mimi passed.”
His thumb drifts over the infinity heart. “This is the symbol from the post that’s hanging over your driveway’s entrance.”
I nod, fondness wrapping me in a hug. “We adopted it as Greener Pasture’s logo. Mimi made that wood sign ages ago. More sentimental than anything.”
“Very special. I love it.” He bends to kiss the token I always carry with me.“Maybe I’ll get one added to my Mac and Cheese tattoo.”
“You’re messing with me,” I breathe.
“Nope, I wouldn’t joke about something so personal. I’ll have the kids keep their design fresh until we can get an appointment.”
“Why would you permanently mark your skin with their random doodles?”
“What you consider a random doodle will soon be my most treasured piece.” Drake winks. “At least until you draw on me.”
“Gladly.” I hook an arm around the back of his neck and pull him into a kiss.
“Get a room.” The complaint comes from Scott as he shuffles into the kitchen, a noticeable limp in his stride.
“We had one.” I gesture to the suddenly crowded space. “You intruded.”
His gaze roams to my cousin. “Still single, Paisley?”
“Not if you’re asking.”
“Ouch.” But he chuckles. “I’ll take that as my cue to exit gracefully.”
“Like that’s possible for you.” Drake laughs and claps him on the back.
Scott winces. “Thanks for letting me crash after your boyfriend railroaded me.”
“Two peas in a very strange pod,” Paisley muses.
Kenzie and Charlie wedge themselves into the small gap separating me from Drake. My little girl blinks up at him. I brace myself for the slew of possibilities she might spill.
“Are you staying for dinner, Pinkie Pie?”
He smiles. “It’s my treat.”
Charlie gasps. “Like cupcakes?”
“Ah, not quite.” My boyfriend looks at me, desperation pinching his brow. Such a softie.
“Maybe after supper,” I concede.
The twins whoop, cinching us together in an unbreakable embrace. Drake’s gaze collides with mine. Waves crash, spilling between our stares. There’s a tugging sensation like we’re drowning in each other. We fight the tide to deliver us ashore. Together.
Paisley glances at us, huddled in a quad formation. Her posture deflates. “Ah, crap, I better make myself scarce too.”
“How convenient. I’ll walk you out.” Scott gestures to the entryway.
“Have fun,” I croon. “Thanks for the delivery and extra help today.”
“Our pleasure.” His eyebrows wiggle at my cousin. “After you, blondie.”
Her skeptical awareness skewers him. “Don’t get any ideas. This doesn’t mean anything, Scottie.”
“Yeah, yeah. Benson would unalive me if I actually tried anything.”
Her sharp cackle echoes down the hall. “He couldn’t care less.”
“That’s what you think,” Scott drawls.
The front door closes, shutting out the rest of their conversation before we can say goodbye. Charlie and Kenzie struggle to free themselves of our pretzel. Their feet skid on the floor as they race from the room. Chester and Cheeto appear from who knows where to chase after them.
“Don’t go too far. We’re going to eat soon,” I call after them.
They send me a backward wave. “M’kay!”
Drake slides a palm into my back pocket, giving me a firm squeeze. “What’s on the menu, mama?”
My chin rests on his sternum while I flutter my lashes up at him. “I thought you were buying?”
“Should we go to my place and see what cobwebs are available in the fridge?”
I falter. “You’re inviting us to your house?”
“Why do you sound so surprised? It’s not the first time.”
“Just might be,” I reply.
“You’re not missing much. Been thinking about putting it on the market.”
My heart stutters. “Are you moving?”
His fingers dig into my ass, pulling me flush against him. “Once you’re ready for that.”
“Wait.” Static crackles in my ears. “You want to move in together?”
“It’s the next logical step. I’m over here constantly as it is. My bed is the only thing I use.”
“You’d just pack up and leave your home behind?”
“That bachelor pad isn’t much of a home. Lacks personality. Too quiet. No history. But this place?” Drake motions to the personal knickknacks and decorations I’ve purposely arranged. “Love grows here. There are memories embedded in the walls. Deep roots. Positive energy. Welcoming atmosphere. Greener Pastures is where you find comfort after a hard day. Where you raise a family. Build a life. Stay put.”
I glance around, seeing the space through his description. Emotion clogs my throat and I gulp. “Yeah, it’s really special.”
He swoops low, pressing his mouth to mine. “Just like you.”
I smile into another kiss, gliding my tongue along his bottom lip. “Impossible to resist.”
“And don’t forget I’m good at doing laundry.”
Our conversation from Bean Me Up floats to the surface. “You were coming onto me. Vigorously.”
Drake smirks, a naughty gleam entering the equation. “I’ll be your Dixon. Permanently. Just let me in, beauty.”
My nod bumps his chin. “But this is a huge decision. It’s not just me. I have to think about what’s best for the kids.”
“That’s more than fair. Whenever you’re ready,” he repeats.
“You’ll be the one I tell.”
“Until then, I’ll keep my humble abode for our sex dungeon.”
“That’s definitely something I want to see.” My grin reflects his.
Drake studies my features for a moment. “You’re happy.”
Laughter bubbles from me. “What was your first clue?”
His gaze bores into mine. “I can read you, beauty. This is your happy face.”
I trace the crinkles at the corners of his eyes. “And this is yours.”
“Thanks to you.” He kisses my inner wrist.
I hum. “Such trouble.”
“For your panties.” His rasp curls my toes, and threatens to send my mind to the gutter.
“On a less serious note,” I tease. “When was the last time you ate dino nuggets?”
“As in chicken shaped like dinosaurs?”
“Those are the ones.”
Drake strokes his jaw. “Can’t recall.”
“Well then.” I begin backing to the freezer. “Hope you brought your appetite.”