He blinked. “Oh.”
“Yeah, oh.” She blew out a breath. “It was last year at a Christmas concert. I had a slight cold. No big deal, until my daughter told over a hundred people in a hushed auditorium that I had something in my nose. The word she used was a ‘booger.’ At least the lights were dim.”
He chuckled. “I really like your kid.”
“Thanks. I do too.”
They stood close, near but not touching. He forced himself to keep his hands in his jean pockets for fear he’d take her in his arms and kiss her in front of her daughter. “So, ah, you let me know about dinner.”
“I will. I’m waiting for Sherry’s mom to call me back.” Her dimple flashed. “She owes me one.”
“Well, I’m excited to eat anything you make me.” He forced himself to stop thinking about eatingherand cleared his throat. “What did you think of brunch? Was my cooking up to snuff?”
“You make a mean brunch, Reggie.”
“I really do.” He buffed his nails on his chest.
“So modest too.” Her attention turned to Emily, shrieking with laughter while Frank licked her all over, the two of them rolling in the grass. “I hate to go, but we have a few things to do today. What are you up to?”
“Got a workout with the guys later.”
“You hang out with them a lot, don’t you? Even out of work?”
“Yep. They’re my brothers from other mothers.” He grinned. “You’ll have to meet them sometime.” As soon as he said it, he wanted to take the words back. Meeting the guys meant involvement, attachment, that she was much more than a friend. Instead, he kept his grin in place and his tone light. “But we don’t meet as much as we used to now, with a couple of them finding women who can tolerate them.”
“Must be tough.” She agreed. “Hunky firemen are a hard sell.”
“I know.” He gave a sad sigh.
She punched him in the arm. “Ow. I think I just broke my good wrist,” she complained, shaking her hand. Since she’d barely tapped him, he knew she hadn’t done any damage. “I’ll text you about dinner.”
“Make it a call.” When she moved to pass him, heading toward the back door, he stopped her with a hand on her shoulder. He leaned closer and whispered, “I like talking to you.” He kissed the shell of her ear, felt her shiver, and let her go, conscious of his growing erection.
“I-I’ll call.” She let out a loud breath. “You’re evil. And don’t you dare look down at my shirt or you’ll see just how perky I am.” She hurried to the back. “Emily. Time to go.”
After waiting forever for Emily to say goodbye to Frank, Reggie, his body now completely calm, walked them out to their car. Frank walked with him. The puppy, to his surprise, had turned out to be a shy little guy, no worry about him darting away. Hopefully, he’d learned his lesson from nearly being hit in the street.
Before Emily got in the car, the cute little girl walked up and gave Reggie a hug. And damn if her affection didn’t create a huge surge of happy warmth. He wanted to kiss the top of her tiny head but refrained, telling himself he didn’t have the right.
She pulled away, smiling. “I’ll miss you, Reggie.”
“You mean you’ll miss Frank,” he said drily, to which Maggie chuckled.
“Yeah. But maybe when I see you again, you can tell me BLS stories. You didn’t say any today at brunch.”
“Hmm. I think I can do that.”
“And Mag-Mom can make homemade pizza, and you can eat dinner with us again.” She gave him a wide, calculating smile. “Just us. No Sherry this time. But bring Frank.”
“Sure.”
She looked back at her mom then leaned closer to him and whispered, “And the baby seeds. Bring them too.” Before he could respond, though he had no clue what to say to that, she darted into the car.
Maggie frowned. “What did she say?”
“Ah, I think I was just ordered to a family dinner.”
“I see.” She moved closer to him and, in a low voice, said, “Well, you’re more than invited. But remember,myinvitation comes first.” She winked, turned, and left.
