There’s something happening between us. The energy surrounding us has gone from tolerant to neighborly to me wondering what those lips would feel like on mine. I don’t have to wonder if he’s thinking the same thing. His lips connect with mine, and I don’t recoil. I allow the warmth of his tongue and the pressure of his lips to take me over. My hand wraps around the side of his neck as I pull him closer to me.
A paw presses on my arm and a furry face hits mine as Kale interrupts us. I start laughing, and Jimmy does, too.
“Are you feeling left out, Kale?” I pick him up and set him back on my lap. “Shall we watch the movie together, the three of us?”
Jimmy presses play and for the next ninety minutes we enjoy the movie, but all I can think about is that kiss.
11
When I wakethe next morning, I turn my neck from side to side. Ugh, I’m so sore. Jimmy and I fell asleep on the couch in the middle of the movie. Now the television is off, Jimmy is gone, and I’m suddenly very much aware of our kiss the night before.
I’d ask myself how I allowed that kiss to happen but I know the answer. Somewhere between dinner and sitting down to watch the movie, some of the things about him that annoyed me are now a little charming. His sarcasm, for one. Maybe his commentsarea bit funny, and who doesn’t want some fun in their life?
My hair is a ratty mess and I need a shower. I take a little too long under the water reimagining what happened on the couch, not sure how I feel about it. What doesJimmythink about it?
None of this matters. I need to spend my morning working on my presentation for next week. The morning flies by way too fast. Kayleigh texted me earlier to meet her in the park for lunch. It’s a gorgeous seventy-three degrees outside with a nice breeze. After the heat we’ve had, it’s a very welcome cool down. I jump at the opportunity to eat outside.
Almost half of my lunch hour is over by the time Kayleigh arrives. Leave it to her to be late. I give her grace when it comes to days like today when she’s coming from her job. As a nurse, she doesn’t always eat lunch at the same time every day. All the other times she’s late are entirely on her, though.
We meet at a brand new picnic table that sits among a line of magnolia trees. The area is so breathtaking and picturesque.
Kayleigh rushes up to the table in her scrubs, an insulated lunch bag at her side. “I’m so sorry I’m late. I couldn’t leave when I planned.”
“You’re fine,” I say as I take a sandwich out of my bag. “I hung out and people-watched while I waited. That never gets old.” If I were still painting, I’d have so many ideas for a new canvas.
“A peanut butter and jelly sandwich and an apple? Is that really your lunch? Are you eight years old?”
“Hey, I’m not staying at my own house so I’m working with whatever Jimmy has at his house. Besides, this isn’tterrible. Protein, fat, and carbs. I have it all.”
“I suppose. I’m not working with much more than that.” She picks up her sandwich. “Ham.”
We tap our sandwiches together like we’re toasting. Jelly squirts out onto my shirt. “Crap.” My napkin doesn’t do too much but at least it’s a little better. “How are things with Donovan’s mom? Did she bake the cookies?”
Kayleigh pulls something out of her bag and hands it to me. “Chocolate chip.”
I put my sandwich down and start in on the cookie. I’d much rather have dessert.
“She’s been on our case about the kid thing ever since she arrived. I told her if she wants a grand baby so much, maybe she should have another kid andthatkid can grow up, get married, and have a baby for her.”
“How did she takethat?”
Kayleigh smirks. “How do you think? Anyway, I’m so tired of hearing it. Donovan and I got to talking last night, though, and maybe having a baby isn’t such a terrible idea.”
My mouth drops open. “Except for the fact you don’t want one.”
“I don’t know. I mean if I ended up pregnant, I’d be happy. So that means something right?”
“Kayleigh, don’t give in because of his mother. It’s not like you’re getting a fish. This is achild. Why are you allowing her to get to you like this?”
She tosses her sandwich into the insulated bag and sighs. “Why can’t she get it? Honestly, if I were to get pregnant and have a child, I’d love that child so much. It’s not in our plan, though. We’re happy, the two of us.”
I rest my hand on her forearm. “Then tell her that. You arenotone to mince words. I know she’s your mother-in-law, but if Donovan won’t say anything thenyouneed to. Tell her to stop. It’syourlife, not hers. Don’t give in.”
Kayleigh nods her head, her eyes glazing over as she contemplates what I’ve said. “You’re right. I’m going to take your advice, but then there’s somethingIneed to tellyou.”
“So this is conditional?”
“No. Not at all. I want you to hear what I’m saying, though.”
