“I’d love to join and dazzle you with my legendary ball-shooting skills, but unfortunately, I have a couple of customorders to finish. Next time, though, I’ll be happy to show you what real competition looks like.”
Zac bursts into laughter. “You wish jellyfish! I’m totally gonna kick your butt!”
I stifle a laugh behind my hand, and Kaden just raises an eyebrow at me, amused.
“Alright, enough big talk, you two—time to say goodbye to Kaden.”
“Bye, Kaden. See you tomorrow!”
Kaden holds up a fist again and Zac bumps it with his own.
“See you tomorrow, bud.”
I unlock the car for Zac and he opens the door, sliding in to the passenger seat with as much grace as a baby hippo.
“I had fun today. It was good catching up with you again.” I murmur, letting my eyes slowly drift down his body, stopping at his black Converse that looks brand new. When our eyes meet again, he’s staring at me with a sly grin, like he can somehow tell I’m enjoying the view.
“It was fun. And thanks for letting me join you guys. It sure beats eating lunch all by myself.”
I nod, slowly, and offer him a friendly smile. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Kaden.”
“Yes, you will. Enjoy the arcade, and drive safe.”
“Thanks, you too.”
I settle into the driver’s seat and start the engine, but not before clicking my seatbelt on, and checking that Zac’s is fastened. Once we’re ready, I ease out of the parking spot,and we both wave to Kaden, still watching from where he stands as we pull away.
As I merge onto the main road, heading towards the arcade, I start mentally listing the ingredients I’ll need to pick up from the supermarket afterwards.
If Kaden is willing to spare his free time to help my son with his school project, the very least I can do is make sure he’s welcomed with a warm, home-cooked meal.
Chapter 27
Kaden
The large blue IKEA bag weighs heavy in my hand as I wait for the front door to open. Two minutes after ringing the bell, it swings wide, and Hope appears in the doorway, dressed in an olive-green long-sleeve top and light blue jeans that cling perfectly to her curvy hips and thighs.
She looks breathtaking, my gaze slow and unashamed as I take her in. And her hair, an intoxicating blend of copper and light auburn—I haven’t stopped dreaming about it since the farmer’s market. It’s already claimed the title of my favourite shade in the world.
Her glacier-blue eyes take me in too, and for a heartbeat, I wonder if I should’ve made more of an effort. I decided to wear my comfiest clothes today, a black hooded sports jacket and matching track pants, figuring I’d be getting my hands dirty helping Zac with his project.
I hope I’ve brought everything we need. The bag holds all I could gather in the short time leading up to today. If not,we’ll have to improvise and make do with whatever’s in their house and garden, which looked more like a jungle the last time I was here.
I admit, I was quite taken aback by the state of her backyard, especially knowing how much Hope loves to garden. I had imagined something resembling the National Botanic Gardens, not a space that looks like an abandoned house in the middle of a forest. But she’s been through a lot this past year, so I understand why some things were left neglected.
“Good morning.” Hope greets me with her usual radiant smile.
“Good morning. I come bearing gifts,” I say, lifting the bag of materials up to show her.
“Oh my god, Kaden. That’s a lot of things.”
“I know, right? I went a little overboard, but I just wanted to make sure I had everything ready for him.”
“You’re amazing, you know that.” From the warm tone of her voice, she says it like it’s a fact, not a compliment. Little does she know, I’m far from it.
“Come in,” she says, stepping aside to let me through. “Zac is waiting for you in the living room.”
The door clicks shut behind us, and I follow Hope towards her son. As we move through the hallway, my eyes roam over the space, taking in the large uneven patches on the walls, filled holes that look like she tried to fix them herself, but didn’t quite get it right.
