Page 64 of The Rules of Dating

“Sounds good. I’m easy.”

I pulled on my hair. “My dear, you’re far from easy.”

***

Unfortunately, our plans to visit the carousel were shot. It wasn’t very smart of me to promise my daughter something without having checked the forecast. By the time Billie was supposed to arrive, it was pouring rain.

When I opened the door after she knocked, her hair was drenched. My eyes were glued to her, but hers went straight to my daughter.

Billie opened her arms. “Hey, pretty girl!”

Saylor ran to her. “Billie!”

“Long time no see!” Billie bent to hug her. “How are you?”

“I’m good!” She pointed. “You’re wet.”

“I am.”

“I like you wet,” I whispered.

“Get your mind out of the gutter, Lennon. I thought today was supposed to be rated G.”

“If G stands for gutter, then yeah.”

She slapped my arm.

“I deserved that.” I touched her hair. “I’m sorry you got caught in the rain.”

“Are we still going to the carousel? As you can see by my new style—drowned-rat chic—that may not be the best idea.”

“Nah. We’d better not.” I broke the news to my daughter. “Daddy’s an idiot, Saylor. We’re gonna have to pick another time to go to the carousel because it won’t be any fun in the rain.”

“It’s okay, Daddy.”

Billie smiled. “You’re such a sweetheart, Saylor.”

“I guess maybe we can hang out here? Are you okay with that, Billie?”

“I love cozy days inside when it’s raining.” Billie snapped her fingers. “You know what? I have an idea. Would you be opposed to an arts-and-crafts day?”

“Unlike you, I’m easy.” I wriggled my brows. “And I mean that.”

She smacked my arm again and turned to my daughter. “Saylor, have you ever had your face painted?”

She nodded. “Yes!”

“I have some paints that are made for skin downstairs. I’m gonna bring them up so we can have a painting party. Does that sound fun?”

My daughter squealed. Not only did she love art, but any opportunity to make a mess with paint as well.

Billie turned to me. “Is that okay with you? I should’ve asked first. The paints I have are non-toxic, though.”

“That’s perfectly cool with me.” I pulled lightly on Saylor’s ponytail. “Whatever makes this little girl happy, right? That’s my life’s purpose.”

“I’ll be right back,” Billie said.

“Hey, what do you want for takeout? I’ll order something while you’re down there.”