created a monster, haven’t I?”
“Nah, it’s just been a long time since anyone has been willing to go up against me.”
Turning on my heel, I walk toward the main building and the restrooms. Handling my business quickly, I stand at the sink and wash my hands. Looking into the mirror, I’m shocked at what greets me. Happiness. Pure and unfiltered happiness. Today has been nothing short of perfect. I enjoy being with Connor. He makes me laugh and I feel lighter in his presence. Sure, there’s still a little pang of guilt for not being with my children, but I know it’s equally important for them to have this time with their grandparents.
Drying my hands, I pull my phone from my crossbody and exit while the line connects.
“Mom! Pop took me to the batting cages. It was so cool. The ball was so fast. It was like vroom right past my head. You missed it. Where are you? On a date? Grammy said you were going somewhere with a friend. Is it like Kyle’s mom? Did you put lots of makeup on?”
The rapid fire questions are a little overwhelming and I step to the side of anyone’s way and search the room for Connor. The club return is on the far side of the room, so I know he’s around here somewhere. I spot him at the same time he sees me and the look he gives me takes my breath away. I’m in so much trouble.
“Mom! Helllooooo??? Grammy, I think she hung up.”
“I’m here. Jacob, how much sugar did you have today? You’re very hyper.”
“No, I’m not. Are you coming home?”
A pang of guilt settles low in my belly. “I was actually calling to talk to Grammy about that. Can you put her on the phone?”
“Sure. Love you!”
As usual, my son is off and running, handing the phone off to my mom. Connor approaches and stands a few feet away, hands in his pockets.
“Hi, honey.”
“Mom, how much sugar did he have today? I could barely understand him, he was chattering so fast.”
“By the chocolate stains on his shirt, I’m going to guess a double scoop at the diner. Is everything okay? Why are you calling?”
Catching his eye, I smile at Connor as I say, “Everything is great. I was going to see if you were okay with me staying out a little longer but then Jacob asked if I was coming home.”
“Oh that. He was trying to negotiate a later bedtime. As if we aren’t privy to his schedule. Stay out as late as you like. Be safe and call if you need a ride.”
We say our goodbyes and I take the few steps to Connor. He’s scrolling through his phone but when he looks up there’s that look again. Trouble.
“Is everything okay?”
“Yeah. My dad took Jacob to the batting cages then loaded him up on sugar. I’m actually relieved I don’t have to be there for the crash.”
“I was going to order a pizza but didn’t know what toppings you like.”
Allowing him to take my hand, I follow him as he maneuvers us through the crowds of people. What toppings do I like on my pizza? Honestly, I went years without it and the last few years I’ve had whatever the kids want, which is usually plain cheese. I think back to high school and what my go-to order was.
“If I say a Hawaiian extra pineapple will you never want to see me again?”
Stopping just shy of the truck, he turns to me, a look of absolute horror on his face. With no effort to school his shock, he simply stares at me. So, that’s a yes.
“Well, okay then. I guess you’re anti-pineapple on pizza.”
“We can get two. That way you can destroy yours all by yourself.”
Laughing, I rest my hands on his biceps and lift to my toes. Just shy of his mouth, I ask, “But will you still kiss me if there’s pineapple on my lips?”
Groaning, he doesn’t accept the small brush of my lips on his. Instead, he pulls me flush against his body. His very hard body. This kiss is less appropriate for families but for some reason, here in the parking lot it doesn’t seem like a big deal. His tongue tangles with mine while his hands grip my hips, fingers digging into the denim of my jeans.
Breathless, I pull away and feel a little lightheaded. It isn’t from lack of oxygen or low blood sugar. No, this is purely because of Connor