“Wow, you’re a busy guy.”
“I am.Mom says that’ll keep me off the streets and out of trouble.”
Carson laughed.“Another thing she’s right about.”
“Do you want to come to one of my hockey games sometime?”
“I’d love to.”
“I’ll ask Mom to give you the schedule.When can we surf?”
“It’s a little chilly this time of year, but if we got you a wet suit, we could probably make it work.”
“That’d besocool.”
“I’ll look into it.What size are you?Like a double extra-large?”
His belly laugh was delightful.“You know nothing about kids.”
“I know less than nothing about kids.”
“Clearly.I’d probably be a small in a kids’ wet suit.”
“Good to know.”
“Time for homework, Ty.”
He groaned.“We’re having fun.”
“I’m sure Mr.Carson has things to do.”
When Carson looked up at her, he experienced the oddest sensation.Goddamn, but she was beautiful.And then she smiled at him, and all bets were off.
“You need to listen to your mom, buddy,” he said to Ty.“She’s going to make sure you don’t grow up to be a dumbhead.”
Ty’s laughter would never get old to him.“That’s true.What do you know about second-grade math?”
“Less than you.”
“So you’re a dumbhead, then?”
“In many ways, yes, and in some ways, no.It’s a mixed bag.”
Ty got up and offered Carson a hand up, tugging mightily.“Thanks for hanging out.This was fun.”
“It was the most fun I’ve had in ages.”
“You should hang out with kids more often.”
Carson patted his blond head.“Probably so.”
“Go get started on your homework,” Cresley said.“I’ll be right there.”
After Ty ran off, Carson glanced at her.“He’s an incredible kid.”
“I know.I got really lucky.”
“It’s not all luck.He’s also polite and articulate and funny as hell.”
