CHAPTER NINE
“M ommy, Mommy!” Charlie tugs on the hem of my shirt and points at a nearby food truck. “They got cotton candy. I want some. You said I could.”
“Yep, that’s great.” My eyes sweep the festival crowd again.
Kenzie tries to yank me in the opposite direction. “The face painting lady is over there. We’re doing that first.”
“Nuh-uh, my tummy is hungry. I need the cotton candy.”
“But I want my face painted,” Kenzie demands.
“We can do both,” I mumble absently.
“M’kay,” Charlie chirps. “Me first.”
“No, me! I go first.” Kenzie stomps her foot.
My son shakes his head of shaggy hair. “I’m the oldest. I get to choose.”
“That’s not fair,” my little girl whines.
“Please don’t argue.” But the request lacks authority as my attention wanders across the sea of people clogging Main Street.
Kids and their parents have flooded Knox Creek to attend the annual Daze & Knights carnival. Most of the attractions are meant for children, but adults are encouraged to join in the fun. My knees and bladder are already preparing for the bouncy houses. The inflatables portion is in the park, which requires us to wade past rows of vendor booths along the way.
Tents and stands from dozens of small businesses line the road. A familiar brick building is ahead on the left. The logo makes my belly flip, and I avert my gaze.
I’m most definitely not searching for Drake. There’s not a chance his cock den is included at a family-friendly event. It doesn’t bother me in the least that I haven’t heard from him since last weekend. The fact that it’s Saturday and I’ve seen him the past two didn’t register. Nope. We had a quick—but very passionate—fling and it’s over. That’s exactly what I predicted.
The pang in my chest calls me a liar. Dammit. This is the part I planned to avoid.
A harsh jostle to my arm whips me from the melancholy. “Mommy? Are you listening?”
“Mhmm,” I answer.
Kenzie parks a fist on her cocked hip, not buying my noncommittal response. “Then why’d we stop walking?”
“We did?” I realize my sandals are firmly planted on the pavement.
Charlie gasps. “Oh, oh! We know that guy.”
I glance at my son and try to follow where he’s pointing. “Who, monkey moo?”
“That’s your boyfriend!” Charlie stabs at a very specific spot and begins hopping higher than a bunny.
My cheeks blaze like I have a fever. I already know who he’s referring to without seeing the proof. “Um, weren’t we getting a snack somewhere?”
Kenzie relaxes her sassy stance. “Mommy doesn’t have a boyfriend.”
“Does too. He came to our house,” Charlie insists. “His tattoos are awesome!”
My daughter blinks at me. “But boys are yucky.”
“Girls are grosser.” Charlie sticks out his tongue.
“Ewwwww,” Kenzie complains. “You’re rude.”
The twins stare at each other, exchanging glares and silent insults like they often do. Meanwhile, I gather the courage to peek at Drake. A baseball hat shades his eyes but I’m certain that steely blue gaze is pinned on me. He turns more fully toward us and I’m captivated by his presence. I shiver despite the warmth rushing under my skin. Half a block separates us but we might as well be a foot away. It feels like his focus is touching me, reminding my body of how easily he can provide pleasure.
Charlie catches wind of our staring contest. “See! Mommy looooooves Rake. She’s got those googly eyeballs just like when Pam looks at Daddy.”
Kenzie starts nodding along. “They’re gonna get married. Maybe we can throw flower petals in that wedding too. And then they’ll take a big trip and be gone for a suuuuuuper long time. Mommy will get a baby in her belly and need to take lotsa naps. Her boyfriend husband will rub her feet. It’s like when they all live happily ever after in the movies.”
My son wrinkles his nose. “But are we gonna be in the happiness too?”
She shrugs. “I dunno. Is Mommy’s boyfriend nice?”
“I think so?”
Kenzie smiles. “He’ll let us stay and we’ll have another daddy.”
“That sounds cool,” Charliebreathes.
“Okay,” I sigh. “That’s enough of that. Mommy doesn’t have a boyfriend. You’re not getting a second dad. No babies in my belly either.”
As if waiting for a cue, Drake waves both of his arms straight in the air like he’s flagging down an airplane. “Hey, family!”
I hang my head, the heat in my face reaching a level that burns. My fingers offer a limp wiggle before I duck into the crowd as a shield. Unfortunately, many of them are gawking at me.
“Such trouble,” I mutter.
A shrill whistle slices into the distance between us, demanding notice. “Stay there! I’m coming.”
“We gotta go.” I usher the kids to the cotton candy stand, which conveniently hides us from view.
“But your boyfriend told us to wait,” Kenzie says.
“He’s not my boyfriend,” I repeat for hopefully the final time.
Charlie huffs. “Rake is a boy and he’s your old friend. That makes him your boyfriend.”
“The terms don’t quite…” I start but my tongue ties. “That’s not how it works.”
My daughter squints at the teenager spinning sugar onto two paper cones. “But—”
I pay for the sticky treat and steer my kids to the next stop. “What design do you want on your face, bunny boo?”
Kenzie’s eyes sparkle, blue fluff already glued to her lips. “Elsa!”
“What a surprise.” I laugh and glance at my son. “And for you, monkey moo?”
“Venom,” he growls.
I startle. “Oh, that’s… interesting.”
“He’s super scary and has sharp teeth.” Charlie gnashes his own into another bite of cotton candy.
“Um, okay.”
We slide into the line and I breathe easy for what feels like the first time since we arrived. The kiddos chatter about whose face paint will be better while munching on their sweet snack. I take a moment to soak in the sunshine. We shuffle forward, making progress. Rinse and repeat.
A buzz vibrates my back pocket. I slip my phone free and peek at the text.
Trouble: Hey, beauty. Where’d you go?
I consider not responding, but the silent treatment isn’t nice. Especially when he’s done nothing to deserve that.
Me: There’s stuff the kiddos want to do.
Trouble: Can I join you? Unless you’re not ready for that. I don’t want to overstep.
I stare at his words, imagining the honesty thrumming in his tone. Indecision churns my thoughts into whipped butter. There hasn’t been a man in my life since Shawn, but he barely counts as anything except a fantastic father for our kids. He and I didn’t work out, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be co-parents. The twins accepted Pam as another parental figure once their dad made it official.
Kenzie mapped out a similar fate for me with Drake before even seeing him up close. Charlie met him and isn’t traumatized. Unless I consider the boyfriend assumption. That’s more problematic for me, though.
A heavy exhale slumps my shoulders. “Hey, moo-boo?”
They swivel toward me as a cohesive unit. “Yes, Mommy?”
I grin when they don’t fuss about the conjoined nickname. It’s hit or miss these days. “Would it be okay if Drake stopped over to say hello?”
Charlie’s forehead crinkles. “You mean Rake?”
“His name is actually Drake,” I laugh.
“Is that your boyfriend?” Kenzie’s voice lifts to a dreamy tune.
“He’s just a friend,” I reiterate.
“And a boy,” Charlie adds.
My daughter giggles. “He wantsa hang out with us. I think he’s your real boyfriend.”
“Maybe he should stay where he is,” I mumble to myself.
“Noooooo!” Charlie shakes me until I almost drop my phone. “I wanna see Rake.”
“Don’t make me regret this.” I motion from my eyes to theirs.
Drake gets the same message when I reply to tell him where we are. Kenzie skips to the open seat when the artist is ready for her. Charlie gobbles the rest of his cotton candy, his skinny limbs twitching with the incoming sugar rush. I brace myself for the unknown.
“There’s the lovely bunch I’ve been missing.” Drake’s approach parts those blocking his path to us.
I don’t fight my smile. “Didn’t expect to see you here.”
His stance widens beside me. “Why not?”
My lips curve higher. “This doesn’t seem like your usual scene.”
A quick shake of his head scolds me. “I’ll have you know that Roosters is donating all proceeds from today to a charity that feeds starving children.”
“That’s… really incredible.” And crumbles the puny restraint I’d attempted to build against him.
“Much more than a sordid cock den.” Drake winks.
“I’m done! Your turn, moo.” Kenzie hops off the chair and inspects her transformation in the provided mirror.
“Yay!” Charlie eagerly replaces her, explaining his choice to the artist.
“You make a beautiful Elsa,” I tell my daughter as she does a twirl.
“Thanks, Mommy.” Her eyes slide to the man next to me before returning to her reflection.
A bubble expands in my throat and I suddenly lose traction in this situation. He’s just a guy. They don’t have to like him. My heart is far from invested. But a clench in my chest argues that the beating organ isn’t falling for lies.
Drake appears content to allow the scene to unfold naturally. His expression is relaxed and open for engagement. My kiddos exchange a silent glance that holds an entire conversation without a word.
“What’re they doing?” Drake asks from the corner of his mouth.
“It’s a twin telepathy thing. They’ve probably been doing it since they were wombmates. I think they’re feeling you out.”
“Ah, okay. I’ve got this.” He rubs his palms together.
“Should I be concerned?”
“Only for what you’re wearing under those shorts.” His left dimple blows me a kiss and I sway.
“Oh, my.” I haven’t regained my bearings when Drake spreads his arms wide in greeting.
“Mac and Cheese! Thanks for letting me tag along. I’ll make it worth your while.”
Kenzie squeaks and a sparkle enters her gaze. “Is that our nickname?”
“Absolutely, Mac.” The man responsible looks too pleased with himself, especially when my little girl begins bouncing in a circle.
“I love it!” Kenzie shouts.
“Me too!” Charlie cheers as the artist finishes his design.
“Is that a monster on your face, Cheese?” Drake motions to his own cheek.
“I’m Venom. Feed me tater tots and ice cream,” my son demands in a demonic tone while curling his fingers into claws.
“Whoa!” Drake stumbles backward. “Please don’t hurt me.”
“I’ll save you, Rake.” Kenzie flutters fake wings and zooms in front of her brother, tapping him with a pretend wand. “There. Now he’s frozen.”
“Save me,” Charlie wails. “I’m sooooo cold.”
“What should I do? I’m conflicted.” Drake hesitates, unsure whose side to be on.
“Don’t worry,” I murmur. “They’ll work it out.”
As predicted, Kenzie spins around her brother and boops him with her invisible magic. “You’re melted, Venom. But you better behave or I’ll lock you in the dungeon.”
“M’kay, promise.” Charlie smiles wide. “Let’s fight bad guys!”
Drake laughs as the twins whack and slice a fleet of villains into thin air. “Wow, you didn’t tell me your kids belong in movies.”
I roll my lips between my teeth but a giggle escapes. “They’re very theatrical.”
He applauds them. “I’m here for it.”
“Which reminds me…” My attention swings to the line behind us. “We should get out of the way.”
Before I can grab my wallet, Drake dumps entirely too much cash in the woman’s money jar. “That should cover it.”
“You don’t have to do that,” I rush to say.
His thumb traces the shape of my jaw. “I want to, beauty. Is that allowed?”
I lean into his touch, accepting whatever he’s offering at this point. “Uh-huh.”
“Should we play a new game? Mommy picked the last one.” Charlie resembles a tornado as we leave the small tent.
That shakes me from the stupor. “I did?”
“Yep! You hid and seeked with your boyfriend,” Charlie giggles.
“He found her. Good job, Rake.” Kenzie gives him a thumbs-up.
“What’s my prize?” Drake asks, playing along.
“You get your face painted! It’ll match the tattoos on your arms.” Kenzie squeals.
“Only if you choose the design,” he tells her.
“Bold move,” I warn.
But it’s too late. My little girl is already at the display boards, hovering her finger over the colorful options. Charlie and I share a laugh, giddy over what’s about to happen.
Drake catches our amusement. “Don’t worry about me. We’re bonding.”
I bite my bottom lip to trap a smile. My heart is the consistency of romantic slop. “Endless amounts of trouble.”
“You love it.” He squeezes my hip.
Kenzie arrives at a decision, but zips her mouth shut. “It’s gonna be a surprise. ‘Kay, Rake?”
“Sounds like a plan, Mac. I’ll get it done right after these fine folks.” He motions to the mom and her son waiting their turn.
“Oh, you can go ahead. I’ll pay to see this.” The woman’s eyes are entirely too trained on Drake. There’s a familiar heat wafting from her loins that makes misplaced tension coil inside of me.
I flick the green goblin off my shoulder. “This one is my treat. Give him the deluxe. We can afford to splurge.”
Drake grins while he takes a seat. “Business is booming?”
“I sold two horses this week.”
He whistles. “Well, shoot. Congratulations.”
Emotion steals my speech for a moment, but I swallow the lump down. “Thanks. It’s a needed boost. The market is tough but heavily in the seller’s favor.”
“Good on you, beauty. You’re doing the darn thing.” His eyes track Kenzie whispering to the artist. He slouches deeper into the chair and flips his hat backward. “All right, I’m ready. Do your worst.”
“Nah, only the best for you. My line will wrap around the block after this.” She dips a brush in water and gets started.
Humor climbs my throat when pink paint is slathered on the majority of his face. Laughter spews from me in unladylike snorts as the design takes shape. By the time glitter is added, my eyes are leaking tears.
The artist sprinkles on a few finishing touches and grabs a compact mirror. “What do you think?”
Drake is speechless for a moment as he inspects the transformation. “That’s me? Holy smokes, I’ve never looked better.”
“You’re like the coolest ever.” Kenzie stares at him in awe.
“Uh-huh,” Charlie sighs. “I’m so super glad you’re Mommy’s boyfriend.”
Drake clutches the area over his heart. “Is this what it feels like when dreams come true? I can’t believe your mom is my girlfriend and she has the best kids in the whole wide universe.”
A protest tickles my tongue but I let the label stick. Just for today. My children flock to him as if he’s been their favorite person forever. They’re totally smitten, not that I blame them. The warmth in my belly spreads until I’m sweating.
Another generous wad of cash is added to the lady’s money jar before we return to the crowded street. A glance at Drake standing tall and proud folds me in half. I’m unable to contain my glee as it quakes my entire body.
“What’s so funny?”
“She turned you into My Little Pony,” I laugh.
“Pinkie Pie,” Kenzie corrects.
He neighs and stomps the ground. “Your mighty steed has arrived. Wanna ride?”
Lust replaces amusement in a fiery wave. “Yes, please.”
“This is doing it for you?” He points to the paint job that’s turned him into single mom clit bait.
“Big time.” I fan myself.
But I can be patient unlike my kiddos. The twins swarm him, tugging from both sides. It’s no surprise they begin arguing about who goes first.
“Hey, hey,” Drake shushes. “Guess what? I have two legs. You can ride at the same time. Hop on!”
Kenzie dances on her toes. “We totally get to be part of the happily ever after.”
“Yessssss! This is the best day everrrrr,” Charlie hollers.
They squeal and attach themselves to him. Their little arms hold tight as they balance on his feet. Shrill giggles spill from them, rising above the festival noise. Drake whinnies again and begins walking forward in exaggerated strides. People turn and gawk. He waves at the admirers shamelessly. I follow behind, almost tripping head over heels from the view.
Drake glances at me from over his shoulder. “Hey, beauty?”
My leisurely stroll speeds to a trot so he doesn’t have to shout. “What’s up, trouble?”
“I know you’re busy and we’re taking things slow”—he chuckles when I falter at that second point—“but there’s a surprise party for one of my best friends and his fiancée next weekend. Will you be my date? If that’s not convincing enough, the Roosters crew demands a proper introduction.”
My lashes flutter at the whole package beside me. It’s impossible to deny him while decked out as Pinkie Pie. “I’d agree to just about anything right now.”
“Probably shouldn’t have told me that.”
“Don’t push it. There are limits,” I tease.
Drake swoops slightly while maintaining his choppy gait. “I look forward to discovering them.”
“And why’s that?”
“I’m going to swing for your fences and head straight for home.”