“I know.”
“You’re even gorgeous when you’re smug. There’s no end to your terror, is there, you monster?”
She laughed and swung their clasped hands. “That was so much fun, Gavin. It felt like what Aubrey and I used to get up to with our parents. She always had some scheme or another, and I was always the straight man. Until tonight. Yes.” She pumped her fist high. Then she stopped him, her eyes shiny. “Right now, I’m kind of sad. Because I miss her. But I’m happy too. Because that was a good memory.” She drew him into her arms, and he went willingly. Then she kissed him. Not a sexual touch, but a loving one that sent his system haywire all the same. “And now when I think of her, I’ll also think of you.” She smiled. “You made a new memory come alive. Thanks.”
“Anytime.” He kissed her back, rubbing her stomach. “Is it just me, or was it a little weird with the baby bump?” He stared into her eyes, so blue, so bright.
“It was weird. I mean, I’m not there yet, ready for kids. But when I touched it, I wondered what it would be like.”
“With me, or in general?”
They both tensed. Such a stupid question to ask.
Then she smiled. “Both. And is that freaky or what?”
He smiled with her, feeling so much for her he had no idea what to do with all that balled-up emotion. Gavin cleared his throat. “Speaking of freaky…I believe I owe you something.” He moved his hand from her stomach and around her back to her ass. And squeezed.
“Well then, Smoky,” she said, her voice husky, “let’s go home so you can pay your debts.”
