I quirked a brow at the quick correction, wondering why he was being so insistent that I not use what he’d referred to as his road name.
Me
Noted. Canyon it is.
Canyon
Good girl.
My cheeks warmed at the praise, and I froze for a second. I wasn’t expecting the rush of heat that phrase sent through me. I’d never considered myself someone who would like being called that, especially by a man I barely knew. Yet coming from Canyon, it felt really good. The surprise of my own reaction made those pesky butterflies swarm even harder in my stomach.
I slid my phone into my pocket, just to be sure I wouldn’t be tempted to peek at it again while driving. My intense reaction to him was almost overwhelming. Instead of scaring me off, it excited me.
I had never felt this kind of spark before. Between school, nannying, and worrying about Tripp disappearing on assignments he couldn’t talk to me about, dating had taken a back seat. But Canyon had crashed right through that without even trying.
I spent the rest of the afternoon in a bit of a daze.
I got the kids settled in the living room with crayons and coloring books, then sat on the floor beside them. My phone stayed in my lap as I tried to focus on Mike’s drawing of a truck.
“Look, Aubrey! I made the wheels really big,” he announced proudly.
“They’re awesome, buddy,” I replied, ruffling his hair.
I bit my lip to hide my smile while Jenny climbed into my lap, demanding my attention.
“Can we color the princess purple?” she asked, holding up her picture.
“Of course we can.” I laughed softly when Jenny tried to color on my arm by accident. Guiding her hand back to her page, I teased, “Hey, silly girl, the paper is over here.”
Mike looked up at me. “Why are you smiling so much, Aubrey?”
“Am I?” I asked innocently, feeling my cheeks warm. “Probably because you two are so cute.”
My phone buzzed again, and my grin widened even more.
Canyon
I’ll pick you up at 7 tomorrow.
I shifted Jenny to my other leg and typed back.
Me
7 works. I’ll send you my address.
After giving him my details, I played a quick game of tickle monster with the kids, making them both squeal with laughter. For a few minutes, I managed to put the phone down and fully enjoy their giggles, but the second a text notification buzzed again, my attention went right back to it.
Canyon
Can’t wait, sunshine.
I smiled so wide my cheeks hurt. Jenny noticed and poked my face with a crayon.
“You’re being silly today, Aubrey,” she declared.
“Maybe I am,” I admitted with a laugh, gently taking the crayon from her.
I hugged both kids close for a moment, but my mind was racing. Canyon was so direct and confident. The way he went after what he wanted without hesitation was completely new to me. And so darn attractive.
