“So did my brother finally ask you out? Or are y’all still using these kids to spend time with each other?” Tunk asked as soon as I stepped out of my car at the ferry dock for the field trip. It was the morning following the bowling play date, another late night since we decided to take the kids for ice cream right after since we were now planning to spend the day at Splash Mountain this weekend.
Yet here I was, early with Jo-Jo barely awake for the day. Seeing Tunk didn’t come as a surprise since I told him this was where we would be and he offered to tag along for extra hands.
I went from a work filled schedule to booked and busy in a matter of weeks.
I clenched my imaginary pearls as I opened my mouth and my eyes grew wide, trying to act offended by Tunk’s words.
“What? Tsk, using the kids. Who was doing that? Ya know, Jo-Jo and the girls were friends first. No one was using them. We were just, umm… There is nothing wrong with wanting the kids to bond first. I’ma just stop talking. Yes, we made plans for next Sunday,” I said just as we reached the ferry.
Tunk tossed me a smirk as he shook his head.
“Oh shit, you got it just as bad as him, huh. Olive, be cool. Wait, speaking of being cool. Is little man going to make it?” He tossed his head toward Jo-Jo who was hugging my hip with his head damn near attached to my rib cage at this point.
“Yes, I asked if he wanted to skip today since I was off and he said no. He’ll wake up when he sees the girls or your brother.” Tunk went to open the gate for us when a bubbly, light skinned girl appeared with a scanner in her hand.
“Good morning, ma’am, are you a part of the Redmond Park crew?”
“Yes. Jo-Jo, it’s time to show the lady your ticket.” I rubbed Jo-Jo’s back softly to get him to stand up. I reached in my shoulder bag and produced his ticket and my five dollars to pay for my ride. While she scanned his ticket, Tunk pulled my hand back, preventing the lady from taking my money.
“Tunk, what are you doing? I have to pay the lady. The camp covered the kids only.”
“Naw, not you, and I’m already knowing Lando would be mad if he knew I let you. So, put your money away because here he comes.” I looked up to see him headed this way looking good as hell.
“Mr. Lando!” Jo-Jo was now suddenly fully awake and bursting with energy, running toward Highland. I stared, taking him in, looking so professional and so sexy. I didn’t know if it was the blazer or the slacks or the decorative stripes, but I loved a man in professional mode.
“Lawd, you blessed the right man for this job because he looks fine as hell in his uniform.” The sound of someone clearing their throat and a couple low chuckles had me closing my eyes as I blushed from embarrassment.
“I said all that out loud, didn’t I?” I asked the stewardess since she was the only person still close by. Tunk had left me togreet his brother and the girls who came out for Jo-Jo. I was so embarrassed that I couldn’t move.
I groaned as I dropped my face into my hands just as Highland’s scent was all I could focus on.
“Olive, I promise, ain’t no need to be feeling a way about giving me a compliment. I appreciate that you’re attracted to me. We both know I’m attracted to you. It’s nice to know we’re on the same page there too.”
“Highland, that was different. They didn’t need to see me gawking over you like that. Oh god, did Jo-Jo hear me?
“Olive, you give that boy too much credit for paying attention to anything not in his face. If he did, he had no idea what we’re talking about. Kids don’t think this is a uniform. I just look dressed up. Will it help if I tell you how beautiful you look this morning?” I nodded, still doing my best to avoid his eyes. Highland lifted my face until all I could see was him and his gorgeous smile. When his arms wrapped around my waist, my body suddenly relaxed, allowing Highland to create this safe space for me. It was weird being on this side of the cuddles.
“Gotdamn, Olive, you ain’t playing fair in this dress this morning. I’m already knowing the ocean got some competition with the waves your ass is giving in this muthafucka too. God bless the lucky man who gets to rub it too. Shit, maybe I should—” Highland was moving his hands lower behind me, inching closer to my ass. Once he reached his target, he gave it a light squeeze before I stopped him.
I playfully hit his chest. “Alright Highland, you’re going to make it worse for me and my cheeks.” A burning sensation took over my face that I tried to cover with my hands.
“Hold on, let me see. Can’t have nothing happening to them.” This crazy man actually broke our embrace to walk around me, making me laugh.
“Nope, those cheeks still good. Sitting up nice if I do say so.” I looked around to see who was still out here with us and saw it was only the stewardess who was fighting for her life as she tried not to laugh.
“I’m starting to wonder if my ass is the only reason for your interest,” I said just as he stepped back in front of me.
“Not at all. Olive, you're dating a man who requires more than a fine ass body and a pretty face. I need a relationship that has some substance. I want all the meat and potatoes. This is what has my full attention, Liv.” Highland placed his hand on my chest before he put it on my forehead.
This time when I blushed, Highland grabbed my hand and kissed the back.
The sound of kids had us both looking up to see our little moment in time was over. The bus from the camp had pulled up and the kids were damn near shouting over each other to be heard.
I tucked my lip to conceal my smirk while Highland looked to be questioning his decision while he grabbed the back of his neck and groaned lowly.
“Liv, on a scale of one to ten, how badly do you think this ride over—no, I take that back, day is going to be?” I laughed while I put my hand on his chest now, hoping to be a sense of peace since chaos was now getting off the bus and growing louder.
“Ah, come on now, what’s a couple more kids to add to our bunch already? Besides, Daddy, you won’t even be amongst the masses of them since you’ll be in your private captain’s room and all.” My body stilled at my own word choice.
