He doesn’t talk about his dad a lot, but from what he has mentioned, it’s clear they had a rough time.
“How about we try both? Sam can test each option, and he’ll be the tiebreaker.”
“I’m not sure I trust his judgment because you’ve been poisoning his mind for the last twelve years, but”—he sticks his hand out—“you’re on.”
I slide my palm against his and he yanks me into him.
We’re so close I can feel his lips ghost against my ear as he whispers, “But just so you know, if he cheats, you’ll be the one getting punished for it later.”
His words are full of sexual promises, and I’m pretty sure I’ll be getting “punished” no matter what.
He steps away from me like he didn’t just cause my panties to soak in the middle of the grocery store.
It’s not the first time he’s done it this trip either. It’s like he enjoys seeing me squirm in public.
Or in general.
Like the other night when we were finishing up some documentary with Sam. The moment my son got up to go to the bathroom, Nolan hauled me into him and kissed me until I couldn’t breathe.
Sam asked why I was out of breath when he came back.
“Well, well, well. What do we have here? Don’t you two look domestic as fuck.”
I whirl around to see Dean standing at the end of the aisle, eyes flitting back and forth between me and his best friend, who is halfway down the aisle with Sam.
Oh shit. Did he see us? Did he hear us?
“Dean!” His name comes out a squeak, and we all hear how off it sounds. “What are you doing here?”
He holds up a box of tampons. “Your best friend sent me for Satan’s cotton fingers.”
“And I’m sure she loves you putting it on blast for everyone to see.” I smack the box down. “You’re supposed to be discreet with those.”
“Why? She’s not discreet about it. She screamed to the entire diner this morning about her cramps when they ran out of cherry pie.”
“Did they run out of pie or did you race her down the sidewalk again and get the last piece?”
A pink blush steals up his cheeks and he shrugs. “She should really work on her pace.”
I can’t help but laugh. “You’re a terrible boyfriend.”
He holds the tampons up again. “This says otherwise.”
“Dude, you finally shaved off the womb broom!” Nolan’s brows crease as he approaches us. “Why are you holding lady corks?”
“Oh my god. Does every single member of the male population have a slang word for tampons?”
They look at me like I’m dumb, nodding.
“Of course we do,” Dean says. “If we have to hear about this shit, we’re going to at least make it fun for us.”
“Yes, because a woman on her menstrual cycle is all about what makes you comfortable.”
“Ew,” Sam says, walking up to us. “We had to learn about that in class. Hi, Dean.”
“’Sup, Sammy?” They bump their fists together.
“Don’t say ew,” Nolan tells him. “It’s a natural thing. Totally normal and not disgusting. Got it?” Sam nods. “Good. Did you get the chips?”
I stare up at Nolan, impressed by him yet again for the way he is with Sam.
Sam holds up a bag of plain chips. “These okay?”
“Can you grab a bag of flavored ones too?”
“On it!”
“And some Fritos!” I call after him. Then I twist back around to Dean. “You better get some for River too. She loves Fritos on her period.”
“You just saved my life, likely literally.”
“Even though I’m sure you don’t deserve it, you’re welcome.”
He doesn’t take offense, probably because I’m right.
“So, what are you two up to tomorrow night? I’m sure River would love for you guys to come down and hang again.”
Memories of the last time we went to River and Dean’s flood me.
“Can’t.”
“We can’t?” I ask, surprised by Nolan’s answer.
“We’re going furniture shopping tomorrow after you drop Sam off, remember?”
We didn’t make plans to go shopping, but I can read loud and clear what his eyes are saying.
I have plans to make you scream.
“Oh, yeah. I remember,” I lie. “Nolan wants to get a kitchen table and a couch for when I finally get my life together and move out.”
Nolan’s eyes darken for only a moment before he pastes on a smile that doesn’t reach his eyes. “Figured I’d get started shopping now in case I have to order something and wait on it.”
“It’s about time you officially move into your place,” Dean says, clapping