Tinker leaned over her, bracing his hands on either side of her body. “Goodnight, Abigail.”
It was the first time he’d called her by her full name. She took in his steady gaze. “Goodnight, Christian.”
He bent his elbows, lowered himself slowly, and kissed her.
It was sweet. Gentle. Quick.
He stood and turned to leave.
Abby grabbed his hand. “Tinker?”
He raised an eyebrow.
“Thank you for coming back.”
He smiled softly. “You’re welcome. Get some sleep. I’ll check on you tomorrow.”
Abby nodded and let go of his hand. Her eyes fell closed as he slipped through the doorway.
Date night
Abby took a deep breath and smoothed a hand down the skirt of her red dress. Releasing the breath quickly, she grabbed her clutch from the dresser and left her room before she could second-guess her choice.
“Mommy, you look beautiful,” Will said from his spot on the couch.
Abby smiled. “Thank you, sweetie.” She leaned down and kissed the top of his head. “You’re going to be good for Maw Maw tonight, right?”
“Yes, Mama.”
“And you’re going to listen and go to bed without a fight?”
“Yes, Mama.”
“I love you.”
He rose on his knees to plant a wet kiss on her cheek and hug her. “Love you too.” He flopped back down and pulled his fuzzy blanket over him, already focused back on the Disney Channel.
Abby found her mom in the kitchen. “Hey. Olivia’s in her room. She’s video chatting with Sierra on my tablet.”
“Okay.” Her mom turned from the sink, and she looked Abby up and down, eyebrows raised. “Wow. Are you going to be home tonight?”
“Yes. Just maybe…don’t wait up.”
Her mom turned back to the sink. “Mm-hmm. Text me if you plan on spending the night.”
“That’s not the plan,” Abby said firmly.
Her mom shut off the water and turned while drying her hands on a dish towel. “Are you wearing matching underwear?”
Abby opened and closed her mouth. “Yes.”
A sly grin spread across her mother’s face. “I’ll just assume you’re spending the night.”
“Mother.”
Her phone dinged and she pulled it from the clutch.
Tink: Hey. I’m running late from the job I was working. Can you meet me at my place?
