“It’s true.” He nodded, his lips turned down like he was impressed. “Little kids have lots of options, and the park is an eyesore.”
“Exactly. Maybe put in a skate ramp, or just a walking trail. It could be awesome. Bigger kids need safe community spaces too.”
The confidence in her tone filled me with pride.
And my chest tightened as I realized every person at the table was listening to her. They were showing her respect. No one was minimizing her or brushing her off.
A warm hand squeezed my shoulder, Josh’s steady presence only settling me further.
Nate rubbed his hands together, his lips kicked up on one side. “You’re pretty smart, kid. And my brother the mayor is outsourcing to a child.”
“I’m thirteen,” she said, her voice dripping with teen condescension.
“My apologies,” Nate muttered into his chicken, his eyes widening.
Gabe laughed. “You’ve got good ideas. I’m hiring you.”
“Absolutely not,” I said. “She’s in seventh grade.”
“I can work remote,” Ellie quipped.
The entire table burst into laughter.
Dessert consisted of three types of pie for the crowd anda popsicle for Julian, who had eaten all his dinner and had even tried a few bites of green beans. As I shoveled a chunk of apple pie into my mouth, Josh tapped my shoulder subtly and lifted a brow, silently checking in.
I responded with a smile. For the first time in years, being involved in a family gathering didn’t make me tense. It made me feel alive. I was stuffed and warm and more relaxed than I’d ever felt in a crowd of people.
The adults cleaned up while the kids sprawled out on the couches watching a movie and Julian played go fish with Ed.
“Hey.” Josh cupped my elbow and pulled me toward the back hall before Suzie and Mel, who were debating about who was going to brine the turkey for Thanksgiving, noticed.
He guided me into the laundry room and shut the door.
“You okay?” he asked. “Was that too much?”
I shook my head, my cheeks warming. “It was really nice. Thank you.”
He tipped my chin up and gave me a light kiss.
“Sorry.” He gave me a sheepish smile. “Been waiting all day to do that.”
With my hands on his cheeks, I pulled his face down to meet mine and really kissed him. When he groaned, I snaked my arms around his neck and tugged at his hair.
Kissing Josh was a gateway drug. And soon I was lightheaded and achy. Desperate to feel his skin against mine.
“We should probably get out there,” he said gently, grasping my hips and putting a little space between us.
I closed my eyes, my face flaming. “Sorry. I gotcarried away.”
He kissed the top of my head. “Matchstick, I don’t mind.”
“Later,” I said firmly, my brain still short circuiting.
He raised his eyebrows. “Are you sure?”
With a grin, I palmed his hard cock, giving it a squeeze. “I’m sure.”
Chapter 32
