“Got it.”
Finding a table, I decide to leave Bo in his stroller and hand him a soft book with different activities, it should keep him occupied. My eyes drift to Nash ordering with his suave smile that he gives everyone. I hate that it’s the little things that bring back memories that makes me twist inside.
“So, you watched the game?” Nash wipes a hand through his sweaty hair while he holds his helmet to the side, with the background noise of the arena. His face is red, and he still causes my middle to swirl. I was up in Michigan to visit a friend from college and Nash left tickets for us.
“Well, I’m here, aren’t I?” I tease.
He’s nearly bashful and glances away while he licks his lips. When his sight returns to me, I think we might be melting. It’s been a few years since we both acted on a spark,because who knew a simple kiss could cause years of attraction to grow. The seldom times that we saw one another since, we left it as a magnetism between us that we never acted on. But tonight feels different.
“What are you doing after?”
“My friend and I were going to probably get a drink.”
A devilish grin hits his mouth. “I need to change, but I’ll text you a place where we can all meet.”
I snicker a laugh. “Something feels like this isn’t an innocent ‘let’s go for ice cream’ suggestion.”
That grin is my undoing. “It’s really not. But I think you knew that when you came here.”
“Earth to Summer.” Nash waves a hand in front of my face, and it snaps me back to reality, brushing thoughts of how our secret months began.
I forcefully form a smile. “Yeah, sorry, just… remembering something for work.”
Nash slides into the booth, not entirely convinced, and thanks the waitress for following with the ice cream and shake. “You have work tomorrow?” he asks me.
“Yeah. You’re going to meet with your parents’ realtor?” He nods in answer. “Sounds like we’re busy then. Bo will be with the babysitter, so everything is on schedule.”
“Cool.”
I try not to look at him in a different way. It’s just odd to be sitting here as if life is normal… and the three of us are together.
“I forgot to ask you how your brother is,” Nash says. Yep, general everyday conversation.
“Keats is doing well. Checks up on me far too much, but hey, who doesn’t?”
My brother is older than me by a few years and just moved a few towns over after living in the city. He’s on thelegal counsel for the Lake Spark Spinners. We’re close, as our parents kind of live in their own world, divorced and now living with new spouses who don’t get our approval.
Nash watches me intently with understanding. “That’s good to hear.”
“Your mom mentioned in the group chat that she enjoyed seeing a photo of you and Bo together.”
He beams an honest smile. “Yeah, took it when you were getting ready. Figured, it would make them happy.” His attention turns to Bo who is busy chewing on the corner of his book. Nash leans over to take the book away. “Come on, buddy, let’s trade that for some ice cream.”
Nash slides the small cup of ice cream his way and grabs the small spoon. I must be motionless as I watch everything unfold in front of me. The way he flawlessly offers Bo a small bite and then waits before scooping up another. No experience with babies my ass, he must have lied.
I have to wonder. “Did you ever want kids? I mean, with whomever you might have dated… in the past.” My face flushes with uncomfortable warmth. I shouldn’t be asking this.
It causes Nash to plop the spoon back into the bowl. “No bullshit, Summer. You asked that, and you’re not sure why, except it’s more than curiosity.” His face is serious. “To answer your question. No. Why? Because there hasn’t been anyone remotely close to y—” He stops short of what I’m well aware he is about to say.
My chest wants to burst, and my throat closes. He’s right. I wanted to hear him say that there wasn’t anyone else. Maybe I wanted him to suffer for pushing me away all those years ago or maybe I wanted him to confirm that I’m not crazy in my theories. Either way, the truth is now out in the open.
We both sit here, trying to understand what to say or do. Ease hits us when Bo squeaks a noise and steals our attention, immediately causing both of us to laugh. He managed to get his fingers into the ice cream.
“Uh-oh, we have a misfit in training.” Nash slides the bowl away while I grab a napkin.
“Must run in the family.” Our eyes connect in recognition.
Because Nash has always done things in his own way.
