“I adore the look of old, weathered wood. See, like this.” I pointed to the image of a hallway table that was made of wood but had a used look to it.
“Okay.” He nodded as if he was solidifying something. I had no idea what was going through his mind because I certainly hadn’t agreed to decorating his place. And to my surprise, he didn’t push the issue any further. He simply listened me go on and on about farmhouse decor but I suspected he had something up his sleeve.
~ Chapter Fifteen ~
Carter
“Thank you, Mr. Carter. I had fun today,” Diego’s sleepy voice flowed from over his mother’s shoulder. It’d been a long day for the little guy. After his nap, we decided on an impromptu visit to a local arcade where we all had even more fun.
“So did I, little guy. We’ll have to do it again sometime. Your mom tells me you like football.”
“Yeah, I do,” he answered.
“Well, I know someone who likes football a lot, too. Maybe you can meet him one day.”
“I’d like that,” he exclaimed.
“Let me take him down to his bedroom,” Michelle stated.
I nodded and went to settle on the couch to wait for her. Five minutes later, she returned, a smile on her lips and her eyelids drooping slightly.
I stood. “You look just as tired as the little guy.”
Her smile grew and she laid her head on my chest. “I am. It’s been a long time since we spent an entire day out like that. I forgot how fun it was. Thank you for showing my son and I such a great time.”
“Don’t thank me for doing what comes naturally.”My family.Those two words came to me like a lightning bolt. Michelle and Diego were my instantaneous family.
“Tyler’s season starts in early September but he has practice over the next two months in preparation. My family sometimes goes to his practice for family day. I want you and Diego to come.”
Her head rose from my chest and I missed her warmth immediately. “You want us to come with you to your brother’s practice?”
“I sure do. And his games.”
Her eyelids fluttered. “Maybe,” she sighed.
“I’ll let you know what–” My question was cut off by the ringing of her cell phone.
“Hang on,” she stated, moving to the door where her purse hung to pull out her cell. Her lips turned downward as soon as she saw the name of whoever was calling. She tossed the phone on the couch, not bothering to answer.
Just as I was about to ask who that was, she stated. “I had a great time today.” She came over to me and I took her hands in mine. Her lips found mine this time and I got swept up in the kiss, forgetting all about the caller.
“I need to go before I forget we’re not alone.” I hated to pull back but it was for the best. “Make sure you lock the door behind me.”
She giggled. “I’ll remember to do that.”
I pressed a kiss to her forehead. “Good.” We said our good-byes followed by another lingering kiss before I had the strength to break free and step over the threshold to the hallway. I paused, waiting to hear the click of her lock and the chain slide across before leaving. When I didn’t hear the second sound, I knocked on the door. “Chain, too!” I said loud enough through the door. I heard her giggle before the chain slid across the door.
“Happy now?” She opened the door as much as the chain would allow to question.
“Yes, now go back inside.”
She grinned and shut the door again, locking it. I continued down the hall, making a mental note to call my brother, Joshua, the next morning to ask about interior decorators he had on staff.
****
“The hell are you calling me so early for?” my second to youngest brother growled into his phone.
“Good morning, Joshua.”
