More in control now, Joey smiled at Hendrix. “I can’t be held responsible for any damage to the futon.”
In answer, Hendrix smoothed back her hair, then hauled her upright. “What do you say, Ryder. Should we give your mother time to shower?”
Cagey, he said, “We could just use the hot tub again.”
Brows up, Hendrix turned to her. “What do you say?”
It sounded like a wonderful plan to her. “We could do that, but the hot tub isn’t a bathtub, so I think Ryder and I both need to clean up first.”
“But –”
“No buts, honey. You need to clean your hands and face, and brush your teeth.”
Her son did the most amazing thing. He pivoted to Hendrix as if for assistance.
“Ha!” Hendrix said. “Don’t look at me like that. What your mom says goes, and besides, she’s right. How about you get cleaned up while I help her with the dishes?”
“Oh, all right.” He started to huff off.
Joey didn’t let him get away with that. “Ryder.”
Cautiously, he turned back.
“Going to the hot tub is for fun, but if you’re in a bad mood, we’ll just stay here.”
“I’mnot.” Immediately, he straightened up and hurried into the bathroom.
“Well done.” Hendrix drew her in for a warm kiss, but he kept it brief before lifting her to her feet. “You continually amaze me.”
Joey couldn’t say which thrilled her more, the positive comment on her parenting skills, or his amazing strength. What she’d heard most often from Ted and her in-laws was criticism over her every decision concerning Ryder. It meant a lot that Hendrix was quick to dole out compliments instead.
Then there was the fact that he so easily held her. His biceps bulged, but not with strain. Even in a flannel shirt, or sweatshirt, his muscles were pronounced. All the physical work he did around the park showed in his physique. It was more than that though. The warmth in his eyes as he looked down at her sent an equal warmth spiraling through her.
She caught the front of his shirt and stole her own kiss, lingering until they both got a little breathless.
When she finally freed his mouth, his arms loosened and he let her slide back to her feet. “I like this relationship of ours,” she admitted.
“I more than like it.” He took her hand. “Come on. I have something to tell you while Ryder’s busy.”
“What is it?” His tone immediately put her on edge, and she remembered again how he’d been near the gate. “What’s wrong?”
Gently, he pressed her into a chair. “Do me a favor and sit while I clean up the breakfast.”
Of all the... She started to rise, but he put a hand on her shoulder. “I need to talk, and it’ll be easier if we’re not bumping into each other.”
Worried, she sank back into the seat. “Okay, but hurry. Ryder won’t take long.”
Nodding, he said, “I saw a car idling at the entrance to the park today. White four-door. Older model.”
Her heart dropped and her stomach clenched with dread.
With measured calm, Hendrix took in her reaction. “Looked like a Sebring, but before I got close enough to tell for sure, the driver gunned it and took off.”
And that, more than anything, felt like proof. “Ted.” His whispered name sounded like a curse, because that’s what he was.
“He drives a Sebring?”
Drawing necessary oxygen into her lungs, she nodded. “Used to, last I saw him.” Which hadn’t been long enough. Her thoughts sped ahead, trying to figure out how to dodge him, how to avoid a clash. Dear God, she’d brought this trouble to Hendrix.
