“I do,” I mumbled back, cutting the brownies. “That’s why I had Rochelle pick up some salted-caramel ice cream too.”
“Hey, Mick, I want to try the bike ... when I’m better.” Priscilla had moved from her perch and was walking around the bike, checking it out.
“Of course, anytime. With your mom’s brownies, I have a feeling I’m going to need an extra-long ride tomorrow.”
“She has a sweet tooth. Bad,” Priscilla said, the little narc.
Mick grinned. “I’m noticing.”
“Here.” I held a plate full of brownies out in front of Mick to quiet him down.
Priscilla sat back down, reminding me, “Don’t forget the ice cream.”
After a long duet of moans of ecstasy from Mick and Priscilla, and reminders of it being a school night from me, Mick said, “Let’s take Tito out before you leave. Want to come?” he asked Priscilla, mindful not to make her feel left out, although her nose was stuck in her phone.
“No, I’m chatting with Penny about when I get my cast off. She’s having a sleepover next Saturday. Can I go? Please, Mom? She said her mom will take great care of me.”
With Mick opening the crate door, I told her I would think about it. He took my hand and ushered me outside.
The sky sparkled above us as he set Tito down in the far corner of the grass. The puppy didn’t take long before squatting and relieving himself.
“One sec. Watch him for me,” Mick said before dashing inside. He returned in a minute, holding a chenille blanket from the couch. “Come here.”
I moved closer, and he wrapped the blanket around my shoulders, tugging me against him. He wrapped his arms around me and leaned in for a kiss, his lips gently touching mine, tasting like chocolate and caramel.
I hummed, and Mick took the kiss a little deeper. Another rumble escaped from me.
“Is that because I’m me or because I taste sweet and sticky?”
“Both.” I couldn’t look him in the eyes as I said it.
“I don’t really give a shit, because I liked it. I like this,” he said as he leaned in, his lips and words tickling my ear. “This whole night was good as hell.”
I looked down, making sure Tito was staying close.
“He’s fine. Don’t avoid me using him,” Mick said, running his face along my cheek, his nose brushing mine. “Point is, I like this. A whole hell of a lot.”
“It was really nice. Easy. I liked cooking with no complaints,” I said, then dropped my face in my hands for a second. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to add that.”
“You don’t ever have to be sorry for being real. You don’t have to hide your past from me as long as you’re looking forward.”
My heart sped up to a furious speed. Like a punch to the gut or a swat on the ass, how real this was getting hit me out of nowhere.
“Did you like the food?” I asked, wanting to change the subject and lighten the mood.
“Mar, I either eat out or enjoy whatever Rochelle picks up. It was fantastic, plus dessert. I’m happy.”
His lips pressed to mine again with small caresses, telling me what the rest of his body would like to do to me, and I didn’t disagree. Our hips met, seeking friction, and his tongue entered my mouth, sweeping against mine before he groaned.
“I want you, but now’s not the time,” he said, staring in my eyes. “But did I just hear you say you were going to think of a sleepover for Priscilla?”
This made me laugh. “I take it your mind went to dirty places over that?”
“Oh, it did. It absolutely did, Mar. Please say yes to Priss.”
“I’ll think about it,” I said, leaning my head on his warm, hard chest.
“You’re just toying with both of us now,” he teased, kissing the top of my head.
