“I steal whatever time I can,” she says, as she snaps her bag shut.
I glance around. “The boys home?”
“Upstairs. Josh is getting ready to go out trick-or-treating with Trey. They’re going alone, but Tanner is taking Stella and plans to keep an eye on them. Just don’t tell Josh,” she jokes. “Lucas is off to a party at Levi’s house.”
I arch a brow and take a small step closer. “So that means I can steal a kiss.”
“It does.”
I pull her into my arms, my lips finding hers in a deep, hungry kiss that makes my shoulder flare in pain. I wince but don’t let go.
When I pull back, she’s studying me, concern written across her face. “Are you hurt?”
“Just a bruise,” I say, rolling my shoulder. “Nothing an ice pack and some gel won’t fix.”
“How about a massage?”
“If you’re offering, I’m accepting,” I say.
She chuckles as she lightly runs her hands over my chest. “Hard practice?”
“Well,” I tease, pressing her closer. “Something’s hard now.”
She grins, and I glance past her shoulder. “You don’t have to cook for me all the time, you know.”
“It’s my love language,” she says, then shakes her head quickly. “I mean…I love to cook. And you deserve a meal on the table after everything you’re doing for us.”
“What did you make?”
“Mom, when’s dinner ready?” Josh calls from upstairs. “I’m starving. Wait, is Tuck home?”
“I’m in here,” I call back, tilting my head, curious.
Maria points her spatula at me, a cheeky grin spreading across her face. “He has something he wants to ask you.”
“That sounds ominous.”
“Not ominous,” she teases. “Flattering.”
Josh skids into the kitchen on his socked feet, Marbles tucked under his arm. “Hey, Tuck. I…uh…I was wondering if I could wear one of your old jerseys tonight. I’m going as Tuck Delray.”
I laugh. “Sure. I’ve got a few. Let me grab one for you.”
He holds Marbles up and nuzzles him. “Sweet.” Marbles lets out a loud meow, and Josh tucks him back under his arm, turning to me. “Are you going out with us too?” Then, like he’s embarrassed by the question, he adds, “I don’t need anyone taking me.” He straightens, trying to look taller. “I just mean…Tanner’s taking Stella, and he’ll probably want us to help her get to the doors. You guys could just hang back on the sidewalk.”
I bite back a laugh, remembering those days—my parents helping out, but me insisting I didn’t want to be seen with them.
I scrub my face, and my shoulder twinges. “I haven’t really thought about it,” I admit.
He shrugs like it’s no big deal, but I catch the way his face drops. Damn it. He really wants me there. How the hell can I let the kid down?
“Tuck hurt his shoulder at practice,” Maria says, giving me an out, and I appreciate that she does.
“Oh, sorry, man. You okay?”
“I’m okay,” I say with a grin, liking his genuine concern. It pulls at something inside me, and I soften. “You’re right, Tanner will probably want someone to hang with. But if I go…will you share your candy with me?”
His face lights up instantly. “Sure! And if anyone gives me apples, they’re all yours.”
