Chapter 8 Emmie
EMMIE
As we get outside the salon, I am pleasantly surprised when Creed opens the door for me.
“Here you go.” Creed takes my hand and helps me step into his truck. The smile on his face seems to be planted there, which is not how I am used to seeing him. I guess that kiss had an effect, which I’m super grateful for.
Our drive over to Lennox is nice. Creed asks a variety of questions about my Swish Sisters and Spring Creek, and I’m happy to share more town history and information since I’ve lived here my entire life.
“Explain this Swish Sister thing to me.” Creed’s eyes are on the road, but I can tell he’s struggling to keep them there, stealing glances my way any time he can.
“Skylar started a Tuesday night basketball league. Mostly we get together to play a bit of basketball and chat. It’s a good standing date to get out of the house and put the mom worries behind us for a little bit. There’s a core group of us, but up to 30 different ladies randomly show up.”
“Oh cool. Why Swish Sisters?”
“Well, Skylar, Hailey, Becky, Sam, Monica, and I played high school basketball together on a pretty good team. We basically consider ourselves sisters. And we love the swish sound the ball makes when it’s nothing but net.”
Creed grunts, satisfied with my response.
“What do you do with Rowan in the summer? It seems like daycare would be a bit much, especially for Bart.”
“Yea, most daycares here in town won’t take kids past the ages of six or eight, since they’re already basically full.
Some people find high schoolers to watch the kids.
Others leave them home with a phone so they can call out.
Or the private preschool is closed for the summer, but offers daycare for kids ages five to twelve, Monday through Thursday, from 7:30 to 5:30.
The information will come out soon. I can let you know as soon as I hear about it. ”
“That might be a great option. I just don’t love the idea of leaving the boys home alone during our first summer here. Have you sent Rowan?”
“I haven’t needed to. But many of my Swish Sisters use it, and it’s a well-respected program. They go to the swimming pool twice a week, hit library hour with Becky, and do arts and crafts daily. They’re not big on screens, which is a huge plus for many people.”
“When you hear about it, please share. That might be my best option.”
“Can do!”
“What other summer programs are available for kids? You mentioned the library and the swimming pool. Are there any sports?”
“The school will send out baseball and soccer information in April or May. Many local kids sign up. Baseball tends to run in June and early July, then soccer will have a short month-long season just after that. Oh—and there’s swimming lessons at some point too.
They generally announce the times for that in early June as well. ”
“There’s more going on here in Spring Creek than I expected.”
“Yea, we might be a small town, but we really value our kids getting a variety of experiences and staying busy. You can also look into 4-H or Scouts. And you already know about the after-school basketball program.”
“I didn’t expect parenting to involve so much chauffeuring. And I really never expected to do it alone.” Creed’s voice drifts off as he re-lives what brought him to Spring Creek.
“You’ll get used to it. I thought the first year was the hardest. Then Rowan and I got a good routine down.” I reach over and squeeze Creed’s leg, trying to be supportive.
He gives me a slight smile. “I hope you’re right. Can you help me navigate to this Mexican joint, so I don’t have to pull my phone out?”
As we make our way through Lennox, I point out the hospital, explaining this is our emergency room if something happens outside of clinic hours in Spring Creek. “Can I show you Metallic Memories after supper?”
“What’s that?”
“There were a few buildings that burned down on Main Street years back. The town wasn’t sure how they would rebuild.
But someone who grew up here bought the burned buildings, cleaned them up, and now makes the most amazing metal sculptures that he displays in Metallic Memories.
It’s really beautiful, and they probably have the lights up for Christmas. ”
“Sure. That sounds interesting.”
As we pull into Nacho Average Cantina, Creed tells me to wait and jumps out to get the door for me. I’m thrilled when he doesn’t let go of my hand and leads me inside.
They’ve pulled out all the stops with Feliz Navidad displayed across the restaurant, as well as a variety of décor and lights. Creed rolls his eyes as we walk in, but I can see past his smirk.
“You know, you could have a little more Christmas spirit.”
“It’s not that I hate Christmas. I just don’t trust a holiday that encourages a stranger to break into my house and eat my food.”
I can’t help but roll my eyes at his pathetic, untrue version of Christmas.
“Can I sit beside you instead of across from you?”
I smile and nod, a bit caught off guard but thrilled by this idea.
The hostess shows us to a small table in the back, and Creed slides out my chair for me.
“Thank you.” I smile, grateful for his show of manners.
“So, what’s good here?”
“I’ve never had anything bad. But the steak fajitas and choripollo are my favorites.”
“What if we get one of each and share them?”
“I’d love that!”
Creed reaches over and gives my leg a gentle squeeze. I can’t help but feel the electricity from his touch light up my entire body. I think he can tell because the smile on his face just grew.
“What about some queso to go with these chips? And would you be ok if I order a beer?”
“Queso sounds great! We are having a night out without any of the kids. You can order two beers for all I care! I’m ordering a large margarita!”
Creed laughs and flags down the waitress so we can place our order.
The Mexican food is as good as ever. Creed has been smiling most of the evening, which is a huge contrast to his typically moody demeanor. We share our two meals, enjoying the contrast of them while appreciating the amazing goodness this small town staple provides.
“Thank you for supper. Ready to check out Metallic Memories?”
“Yea, I’m still not fully sure I understand it, but it sounds interesting.”
We make the short walk down to the park. The lion by the entrance catches Creed’s eye immediately. “Someone welded this together?”
“Yep. This is the piece that started it all and it lives here permanently as a tribute to the school mascot. The artist does commission work on the others. But every client knows he displays each piece here for at least a month before they go to their forever home.”
“These are exquisite. I did a bit of welding in high school and can still do some basics, but these aren’t just welding. This is art. I’m sure it’s just as amazing without all the Christmas lights even.”
Seeing the park through Creed’s eyes makes me appreciate this little Lennox gem even more. “It really is beautiful, isn’t it?”
“So are you.”
I look over to see Creed looking at me. It’s sweet and sends butterflies throughout my entire body. He takes a step closer, which I didn’t think was possible since we were already holding hands.
His gaze lingers before he places a finger under my chin. As he gently lifts his finger to bring my lips closer to his, he also leans down. The anticipation of this kiss is nearly more than I can bear.
As our lips touch, the spark between us is even more intense than it was earlier in the salon. This is no longer just exploratory to see if there’s a connection. This is checking compatibility mixed with a whole lot of desire.
I part my lips, eager to let Creed explore more of my mouth. Without a single hesitation, his tongue finds its way into my mouth. Our tongues start a gentle dance, Creed lets out a moan I’m sure he can’t control, and his other hand finds the way to the back of my head.
Our kissing continues, passionate and lustful. If we weren’t in a public space, I would love to see where this goes. But right now, I am going to enjoy every second of this amazing man’s kisses.
Creed pulls away, resting his forehead against mine.
“I’m not one for PDA.”
I take a tentative look around. “There’s only one other couple here, and I don’t think they mind.” Creed smiles and kisses me again.
“They might not. But I am ready to rip your clothes off. I know that’s not good manners on a first date or in public.”
“Who says it’s not good manners on a first date?” I look up at him, putting both hands around his neck and kissing him again.
“Are you suggesting what I think you’re suggesting?”
“I’m not making any promises. But neither of us have kids tonight. Why don’t we head back to Spring Creek, kiss each other a little more, and see where this goes?”
Before I even know what has happened, Creed has grabbed me by the hand, whirled me around, and I practically have to trot to keep up with him walking back toward his truck. I can’t help but laugh.