“Well, this is a fun night.”
Max might be the cutest kid. And not just because he’s Joey’s son. Every time I’ve seen him, he’s always happy. I know Joey always stresses about being a good mom to him, but it’s clear he loves her.
Joey is always doing everything for everyone else, and it’s about damn time someone showered her with attention. Even if I can’t show it like I’d like to, I give more of myself to her than I have any other person I’ve been in a relationship with since Casie.
“This is my glove,” Max says.
“Where’d you get it?”
I look at the old worn mitt in his hand. Hell, it’s the size of his face.
“Uncle Chase gave it to me. Said we can play catch when I come over.”
“Oh, yeah? Do you want to play baseball?” I ask him.
Max shrugs. “Dunno.”
“Maybe some time I can teach you.” I ruffle his hair. “If Uncle Chase is okay with it.”
“Okay!” His entire face lights up. “Mommy, can I go play?”
“Sure. Stay where you can see me.”
Other kids are running around together, and Max takes off to play a rousing game of tag with them.
“Look at you, Sam.” Joey clucks her tongue at me.
“What?” I sip my beer, looking perfectly innocent.
“Eating hot dogs and offering to play catch with Max? You don’t have to do that, you know.”
“I know. But I want to.”
“You know, I really hate that we’re surrounded by people.”
Joey rests back on her hands, shifting her attention to the game.
“Why’s that?”
“Because I really want to kiss you right now.”
I sit up, my fingers brushing the inside of her knee as I put a bit of space between us. If I were any closer, I wouldn’t trust myself.
It’s the softest of touches, but I don’t miss the goose bumps that break out on her skin.
“If only, darlin’.”
“And calling me darlin’ here? You don’t play fair.”
Her voice is a deep growl. I really fucking hate this situation we’re in some days. The days we’re locked away together, I don’t really mind. But I want to be with her out in the open. Out in the world where everyone can see the two of us together.
Be with the woman I love.
Fuck. I don’t know when that happened, but I fell in love with Joey. I don’t think it happened all at once. All the moments I’ve spent with her added up to this.
Getting to shower her with love and respect. Taking careof her when she’s sick. Helping her with Max’s school. Remembering the small things.
Hell, she even made it so I could open up about Casie. That’sneverhappened with anyone before. Joey is the most incredible woman I’ve ever met, and I really fucking wish I weren’t best friends with her dad.
