I nod, my head leaning back against the headrest. “Fuck yeah, I did.”
She giggles as she lifts and reaches into the back seat behind us over the console. Bending over like that puts her ass inches from my face, and I give it a light smack just because I can. “Don’t laugh, it’s your fault.”
She comes back to my lap with the towel. “You’ll need this, Wells.”
I take it and she kisses my cheek before climbing back into her seat.
We walk up to Knox and Brynn’s door and hear something that sounds suspiciously like Moana echoing from inside. Kate’s still flushed from earlier, hair a little mussed, and I have to take a steadying breath before opening my door.
Thank God my trunks are dry.
One knock and the door swings open. “Mommy! Coach Wells! I had ice cream! And pizza! And ice cream again!”
There’s a smear of chocolate along her cheekbone and what looks like glitter in her hair. Then I see Priscilla follow behind her with lopsided bows by her ears, tail wagging when I reach down to pet her.
Kate blinks. “Ice cream twice?”
Brynn appears behind Evie with the world’s guiltiest smile. “In my defense, she asked very politely.”
Knox comes out of the kitchen holding a paper towel, absolutely no remorse on his face. “Kid’s persuasive. Couldn’t let her down. She said it was ‘for her bones.’”
Evie nods vigorously. “Chocolate makes bones strong!”
“That’s…not science,” Kate mutters.
Knox shrugs, completely unbothered. “Eh, sounded legit at the time.”
Brynn elbows him. “You’re supposed to keep her calm, not hyped up like a feral squirrel. She’s been narrating the movie out loud for the last thirty minutes.”
Evie gasps dramatically. “Because Uncle Knox doesn’t know the GOOD parts.”
Knox lifts a brow. “You told me every part was the good part.”
“Exactly!” Evie declares, nodding like she just won a debate on national television.
I bite back a laugh. Kate loses the battle and smothers a smile in Evie’s hair as she lifts her up.
“Did you at least have fun?” she asks.
Evie’s eyes go wide. “This is the BEST house. Mommy, when I grow up, can I live here?”
Knox leans in. “We don’t doroommates.”
Brynn snorts. “You barely tolerate me.”
“Exactly.”
Evie pats his cheek sweetly. “It’s okay, Uncle Knox. I’ll bring snacks.”
He nods, solemn. “Alright. That changes things.”
Kate shakes her head as she melts at the sight of Evie happy, smudged with chocolate and buzzing from attention.
“Thank you,” she says to Brynn.
Brynn waves her off. “Anytime. Seriously. If you ever need a break, drop her off with us. We had so much fun.” She lowers her voice. “Knox loves animated movies.”
Knox holds up a hand. “Who told you that?”
