“Uncle Jax send me the coolest toys,” Reed pipes up.
“I think there’s another one waiting at home, too.” Reed claps happily. “Hey, Lexie likes his team more, Reed. What do you think about that?” He tries to coax Reed into teasing me.
“Mommy loves him.” Sadie jumps into the mix. “She’s always cheering for him.”
“That’s because he’s the best ever. He’s my favorite too,” Reed tells her.
“What?” Ashton looks shocked. “How could you pick Jax over me? I’m your dad!”
Reed’s face drops. “Well, I like you too, Dad, but Uncle Jax has more points. He told me when we talked the other day. He said you’re getting slow in your old age. That’s why I have to be his number-one fan.”
Ashton shakes his head. “Your uncle Jax is as old as I am, Reed. I can’t believe you would choose him over me just because of points. What are you going to do when I have more points than him?”
“Then you’ll be my favorite.” Reed smiles up to his dad.
I laugh at them both. “All right, boys and young lady, let’s head out.”
The kids gather up their items and take our respective hands. Ashton isn’t recognized anymore as we head out. I never really thought about fans seeking him out. Or how cruel it is that they take pictures of players’ children.
We make sure the kids are buckled in, and Ashton drives us back to our house. The kids continue to talk about their day, and Ashton and I listen to them. When he pulls into my driveway I figure that he’s only dropping us off. I’m taken aback when he and Reed get out of the truck and follow me in.
“Hey Sadie, why don’t you and Reed go play for a little bit.” A little alone time with Ashton wouldn’t be a bad thing, I guess. I watch them run off down the hall to her bedroom.
“Would you like some tea?”
Ashton smiles. “Sure.”
We go into the kitchen, and I turn on the kettle. “I didn’t think seeing a bunch of fish would be so tiring.”
“Me either. It was worth it, though.”
“Yes, it’s always nice to see the kids’ excitement.” I lean against the counter near him. “You’re leaving again, right? After tomorrow night’s game?”
“Yeah.” He steps in front of me, very close. “Are you going to miss me?” I can hear the teasing tone in his voice.
“You have to leave for me to miss you,” I flirt back. How is this coming so easily to me? Why can’t I stop the butterflies in my stomach when I look into his hazel eyes?
He leans in closer to my lips, and there is a moment of hesitation. I know the kids are down the hall, and I don’t want to be caught by them, but I can’t stop myself. Our lips touch gently, but a split second goes by, and I lose my self-control. I open my mouth, and his tongue slips into mine. I moan as I wrap my arm around his neck, and his come around my waist.
When I dig my nails into his hair, I know that I have to stop. I need to remember that I’m in a house with two small kids, and they could walk in at any time.
“Maybe I should leave now. I like the idea of you missing me.” He calls for Reed, and after Reed thanks me for the day, they leave.
~
“How did you two talk me into this?” I lay back as one masseuse works on my temples and the other on my feet.
“I think this is heaven at its best,” Tiffany sighs.
“Every girl needs a spa day,” Brooke adds in.
They roped me into this, and Tiffany arranged for the kids to stay at my parents’. Then they practically dragged me into the building. I hate to say it, but it feels pretty darn good. After we finish the massages, we’re off to the steam room. I’m thankful we’re the only ones in here as I pull my towel tighter. The second I sit down, the sweat begins to pour off of me.
“Now, Brooke, I know that Mr. Campbell has his claws in Miss Thing over here,” Tiffany thumbs over at me, “but does anyone have theirs in you?”
“Actually,” she smiles over at her, “I’ve been seeing someone for a couple of months. I didn’t think it was too serious, but I’m going to talk to Ashton, and maybe we’ll introduce him to Reed.”
“Is that how you do it?” I hadn’t asked them before about it.