think of it like that. But just so you understand, me and your aunt Lex are not related at all.”
“Why didn’t you just say something, then? I’m smart enough to get it, Dad. Besides, you guys already argue like Grampa and Mimi. So it actually makes more sense now anyway.”
He twisted and popped the last piece of his California roll into his mouth, and I couldn’t help but love both of them even more.
The table was quiet for a while and we all finished our dinner. It wasn’t until they were dropping me off in my driveway when Jack spoke up again about what he’d been told.
“I’ve got it!” he announced. “Dad, you better catch Mom’s leg thing at her wedding so you can marry Aunt Lex. Neither of you have been married yet, so it works.”
I coughed, nearly swallowing my tongue.
Beside me, Hudson’s laugh filled the cab of his truck. “You know what, that’s not a bad idea. Do you think she’d say yes if I asked her?” He’d spoken to the miniature version of himself in the back, but his eyes were boring holes into mine.
“Probably. It’s not like she hangs out with anyone else.”
Not that it wasn’t fun to toy with the idea of it happening somewhere off in the future, but it was a little too weird having the two of them arrange our marriage.
“Okay, that’s enough about that. I’m full and wiped out. I’m going in. I’ll talk to you guys tomorrow,” I said and opened the door, hopping out before Hud could stop me.
I heard him say, “Bud, I’ll be right back.” Then he followed me to my door.
I punched in the code as fast as I could, but he was faster.
“Hey, don’t you run away from me, Alexis Lawson.”
I spun and put my back against the wooden frame. “I’m not.”
“Good. Are you all right?”
My voice betrayed me, coming out about two octaves too high. “Yeah. Sure. I’m great.” And I was, but I also needed to wrap my head around everything that had happened that day. It was a lot. “It’s just been a long one. I need a hot bath and my bed.”
He hummed. “You, a bath, and your bed sounds too good. Rain check?”
I was about to shove him away, but he caught my hand. I relented. “Deal. Now, go home before we do something on this porch that will emotionally scar your kid.”
He smiled, licked his lips, and then tapped his finger on them, silently requesting a kiss. So I went up onto my toes, pressing a palm to his firm chest for more balance. And because I liked touching him, I paired my mouth with his.
Before it went past G-rated, I fell back onto my heels. “Now, get out of here, Buster.” I spun to open my door and felt a swat across my ass.
“Don’t tell me what to do. I was just leaving anyway.”
Over my shoulder, I glared at him as I stepped inside, and he winked and then jogged back to his truck.
He shouted, “Call you later, babe!” as he climbed into the cab.
And call me later he did. By midweek, our nightly calls had turned into a bedtime ritual. Truthfully, if I couldn’t have him there with me, talking to him before I fell asleep was the next best thing.
“So the decals worked?” he asked across the line.
“The first few I put on were a disaster, but thanks to YouTube and reading the instructions, the ones after that were a piece of cake.” I’d had the idea of using adhesive vinyl to spruce up the aesthetics of Beep and Boop’s new pad—which they were loving the shit out of. After ordering some on a whim, I had been pleasantly surprised when they’d arrived early. “I might consider buying my own printer now that I know the decals work and look good. Could be a cost-effective way to upsell and offer a way to get a custom unit that I can do myself in-house.”
“God, it turns me on when you talk business.”
I giggled. “You get turned on by a stiff breeze, big guy. It’s not much of a challenge.”
“Watch it,” he warned. “I saw your eyes light up when I spanked your ass the other day. I might have to start tanning your hide when you get lippy.”
“You like when I get lippy, and don’t threaten me with a good time.” I turned off the lamp beside my bed and rolled to my side. “I wish you