“Tag.” I tapped Ashton’s arm and took off, running for the play structure, the ground spongy under my feet. I started scaling one of the nets.
He said something to Steven and then went after me. As I climbed to the top, I glanced back and saw that he was almost there. Pulling myself up, I started running over the rope bridge.
“We’re going to catch you,” Ashton called, chasing me.
I laughed, though he was very close. Then again, he was a professional athlete. I suppose I should expect him to be fast, considering being speedy and agile with knives for feet seem to be part of the job.
Which way did I go? He was almost there. I went down the covered slide to put distance between us. As soon as I hit the bottom, arms wrapped around my waist.
The scent of grass tickled my nose as Steven hauled me into his arms. “Gotcha!”
Like yesterday, he wore a baseball cap, but he didn’t wear a T-shirt. Today he had on a polo shirt, nice shorts and a different pair of expensive, pristine white sneakers with white socks. He even wore a belt.
Itwas a nice look.
“Oh no, you caught me,” I said dramatically, leaning into him, enjoying his touch.
“Ash, I got her.” He carried me around.
I liked this. I liked this a lot.
“Good job.” Ashton wrapped his arms around the both of us.
Like last night, the three of our scents combined. I sucked in a breath, wishing I could keep their scents forever. They were right there. It would be so easy to kiss either one of them.
What would it feel like to kiss Ashton? I’d never kissed anyone with a beard.
Would their kisses match their personalities? Steven’s were probably exuberant, bordering on frantic. Ashton’s would be intense and intentional.
Before I could lean in and kiss somebody, a bunch of kids invaded the play area, one of them nearly knocking us over.
I wiggled out of his arms and stood on my own two feet, the moment broken.
We got some hot pretzels and cheese, from the cart by the play area, and sat down at one of the shady tables.
“That is a really nice play area. I’m glad you went along with that. I require lots of exercise and enrichment,” I teased, dipping a piece of my pretzel in the hot cheese.
“Us too. That’s why we play a sport like hockey.” Steven took a bite of his pretzel, but not before dipping it in Ashton’s cheese.
Ashton let him, giving him a fond look.
The two of them had such an easy relationship. I loved it.
“This is so much fun. We have practice tomorrow, but we can meet you for dinner if you want,” Steven said “There’s a really nice, iconic restaurant that I think you’d really like. It’s one of my favorites. Then maybe we can go to a dive bar or two? Or we could go back to Raptor’s and eat pizza again and play more foosball?”
“Are you sure that would be okay? You have the finals coming. I don't want you to lose focus. I’m guessing that you have practice the next day too.” While I was having fun, they had a job to do.
“We can go to dinner, hit a bar, and still get to bed at a decent time,” Ashton assured.
“I want to make sure that you’re nice and rested. Dinner tomorrow sounds good, though. Let me text the aunties to double check.” I texted them to see what was going on.
Dinner seemed like a good idea, because it would give me a chance to spend some time with the aunties, so they didn’t feel neglected.
“Follow up and see if they’re coming with you to the game, too, so I can put in for tickets. It’s an afternoon game. So, if after the game you want to grab a drink, or get something to eat, before you have to leave on your flight, you’ll have time,” Steven offered.
Wow. They actually wanted to spend the whole week with me? I could tell that this was genuine.
I liked that. A lot.
