My brows raise to my forehead. “You have masochistic tendencies I don’t know about?”
He chuckles and tucks my chin. “No luv, I appreciate anything that helps me understand you better.”
“Even if it’s dysfunctional?”
“Especially so.”
Chapter 31
Dash
A month later…
Summer at an end, I lean back in my personalized plastic-webbed lounge chair. Overhead, the clouds grow dark, a cool breeze blows off the harbor, and three yellow leaves float down to the sidewalk.
While my dad charms the lawn chair brigade, I grab my sexy woman by the hips and place her in my lap.
Under the extra weight, a strap of the woven plastic snaps and she giggles. “Better be careful or we’ll end up on the sidewalk.”
“You, of all people, should realize I’m a risk-taker.” My mouth claims her soft lips, my cock swells, and I whisper, “When winter comes, these sidewalk parties will end, and we’ll have more time for sex.”
Shaking her dark locks, she turns her head and nibbles my ear. “No such luck. The Chinese Social Club across the street opens their doors for mahjong.”
“Never played.” I snuggle her closer, enjoying the heat building between us.
“Me neither, but I’ll bet they insist we learn.” She glances over at a blushing Mrs. Feinstein who laughs at something clever my dad said.
Before I can steal another kiss, Suds and his family arrive. Despite the heavy diaper bag strapped over her shoulder, Sam uncovers a foil-covered chafing dish.
With Italian spices wafting on the breeze,my stomach growls. “That smells bloomin’ scrumptious.”
“I’ll make you a plate before it’s all gone.” Grinning, Landy jumps up and soonwe’reall settled down to eat.
The kid amuses the seniors, while we four in our thirties, move our chairs together. Sam, one eye on Mikey, brings a fork of pasta halfway to her mouth.
“I heard Interpol is gathering up all the Cyber Vonya members. Congrats, that’s huge.”
After swallowing a bite of her delicious meal, I nod. “There’s still plenty of hackers out there, but they were some of the worst men I’ve ever encountered. By the way, your share of the bounty is in the mail, trust me.”
The olive-skinned woman smiles brightly. “You better not be joking. Do you know what daycare around here costs?”
“No idea.” Picturing a little girl with Landy’s eyes, something deep in my chest warms. “But keep us informed. I’m confident we’ll need your baby-intelligence soon.”
Landy blushes. “Whoa, jumping way ahead, aren’t you bounty man? First, we need to get married.”
I pick up the challenge she lays at my feet. “Just say the date and time, sweetheart. I’ll be there, in white tie and tails.”
“Christmas?” Her wide smile almost knocks me to my knees.
Mesmerized, I beam at my lover and struggle for words. “Let’s do this.”
Sam reaches in her diaper bag and reveals her hidden stash of champagne.
“Surprise!” Everyone shouts, corks pop, and once plastic flutes are filled, I make a toast.
“To my favorite danger magnet.” I touch my cup to hers and she beams.
“To my amazing adrenaline junkie.”
