Tackling Tobias (Big Sky Universe)

“Thank goodness. So when are they coming for the boys?”

He looks nervously as he stares down into my eyes. He brushes my hair out of my face and behind my ears before he says, “That’s the thing. They want us to keep them for the night. I hope that’s not a problem.”

I shake my head, stealing a look behind us to where the boys are sleeping and reply just above a murmur, “Not at all, but what are we going to tell them?”

Tobias caresses my cheek slowly, rubbing his thumb over my jaw. “It’s okay. John and Louisa want to talk to them in a while when the boys wake up from their nap. I’m sorry about this, babe. I had plans of keeping you in bed and relaxing today.”

“No, this is fun, but you can take me to bed tonight.” I press my head on his chest while he rubs my back.

“Thank you, Ava.” I look up at him and his mouth comes down on mine. I let out a moan and slide my hands into his hair.

“Auntie Ava, are you okay?” a sleepy Greyson says. I blush, hiding between Tobias’s large frame, hoping he didn’t see us kissing.

“She’s fine. I’m stealing kisses from Auntie Ava.” I slap his chest and sigh. He’s just placating the kids, but it feels nice that he’s treating our relationship as more than temporary.

“Oh like Daddy and Mommy. They kiss a lot. Are they coming home soon?”

“They’re visiting your grandparents. Do you want to spend the night with Auntie and I?”

“Sure! Can we have pizza?” His eyes looking pleadingly up at us. It’s New Year’s Day, so I don’t know how delivery works, but it’s probably too crazy even if they are open.

“I don’t think they’re delivering,” he says, leaning down to Greyson as head drops in sadness.

“What kind of pizza do you like?” I ask Greyson.

“Cheese.”

“I can make that.”

Tobias straightens up as Greyson lights up and my heart feels better. They don’t know about their grandparents yet, but I’m sure they know something strange is going on. I’m going to do whatever I can to ease their hearts.

“Are you serious, babe?” Tobias asks, sliding his hand onto my waist, giving it a gentle squeeze. The worry that mars his face is pointless. I’m more than happy to do it.

Sliding my hand over the one he has on my waist, I return the squeeze. “Yes. We bought the ingredients.”

He kisses my cheek. “You’re amazing.”

“Don’t speak so soon. I haven’t made it in a long time,” I say.

His hand makes circles around my belly button. We stare into each other’s eyes and I swear he’s about to kiss me. I bend my head back against his chest as his mouth drops to my neck, lightly brushing my skin with his lips. “I’m sure it will taste as good as you. Do you need some help?” His words are laced with intent, nothing to do with actual food. A moan comes from me, giving him more room to continue his ministrations

“I want to help,” Greyson tosses out. We both turn to him, forgetting for a moment that we had little eyes on us. I straighten myself, pulling away from Tobias who lets a grumble out in response.

“Me too,” a drowsy Connor says, padding over to us in the hallway.

“Do you know what you signed up for, Connor?” Tobias asks with a smirk on his face.

“No.”

“Well, get your boots on, boy. We’re going to muck the stalls.” The saucer-wide-eyed expression nearly makes me laugh.

“What? Oh no. I don’t want to do that,” he contests, shaking his head vigorously. Now all of us are standing in the foyer and I wish I had a camera.

“Didn’t you just say you would?” Connor looks to his brother and to me for help.

I booty bump Tobias lightly and then lean down and say to the scared boy, “He’s teasing, but do you boys want to help me make pizza?”

“Yes, please.” Greyson tugs on Tobias’s pant leg. “I love Auntie Ava. You should marry her. I’d marry her when I got older.”

“Hey, you can’t have pizza if you’re going to try to steal my girl from me.” Tobias kisses my cheek while glaring at the little guy. It’s too freaking cute that a wave of panic floods my body. In three months I’m out of here and I don’t want to go. He promises me this is more than just a fling, but that doesn’t mean there’s more.

He huffs. “Never mind. I want pizza.”

I press my hand to my heart and give it my best melodramatic sigh, “Dang. I’ll never get over that heartbreak.”

“Sorry, babe. I’ll make it up to you later,” Tobias growls in my ear, nipping on my earlobe.

“I hope so,” I wink, tapping his chin before pulling away and sashaying my way into the kitchen. Little feet and a set of really large ones trail behind me.