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Kirsten’s smile took on a knowing twist. “In a lot of ways, he’s more than that. Rosie adores him.” Her expression turned stern. “And so dowe.”

Theso don’t fuck this upwas implied. I smiled, appreciating that Ty’s sister-in-law was looking out for him. I’d been blunter with Melena back in the day, and I had to admire Kirsten’s finesse.

I followed Kirsten into the kitchen where Julie was putting the finishing touches on dinner.

“What smells so good?” I asked with a smile.

Julie looked up from a pan. “Meatloaf.”

“And mashed potatoes,” Rosie singsonged. “My favorite!”

I returned her gamine grin. “Mine too,” I whispered conspiratorially. “How can I help?”

“Why don’t you and Rosie finish setting the table, then we’ll eat.”

The homey chore reminded me of meals in my grandmother’s kitchen. I glanced up from placing forks next to the plates Rosie laid out and caught Ty watching me. His soft smile melted some of the hard casing I’d put in place for tonight, softening my armor. I’d worried over nothing.

Dinner passed in a blur of good-natured teasing and general updates. Rosie shared every last thing she’d learned about seed germination in science class, clearly enthralled. I watched as Ty listened attentively, my heart clenching. If he wanted children, he’d be a knockout as a father. It stoked my previous fears, that ultimately, we’d want different futures.

Julie seemed content to let the conversation flow naturally, but Kirsten kept up a subtle grilling. I hid my smile behind my water glass when she asked how I felt about children. Intrusive? Sure. But I could tell it came from a place of love and concern for her brother-in-law, and she didn’t turn up her nose or extoll the many virtues of parenthood when I murmured noncommittally.

Ty squeezed my hand as we wished them a good night after dinner, tugging me gently toward his truck.

“What’s the rush?” I laughed, as he opened the door for me, placing his hands on my waist to help boost me up.

He leaned in, capturing a quick kiss, before pulling back with a twinkle in his eyes. My heart dropped to my toes at the expression of open tenderness there.

“I’m glad you came with me tonight,” he admitted huskily. “My family really likes you.”

The last bit of tension I’d been holding through the evening relaxed, and I let a smile twitch my lips. His earlier strain appeared to have evaporated. Did that mean that I’d passed the test? He’d claimed his reasons for being stressed had nothing to do with me, was now the time to ask?

“And?” I queried, wondering if he’d give up what had concerned him.

“Andnow, I want to get you somewhere I can have you all to myself.”

I buried any disappointment that he dodged my question. I could push harder, but something about his good mood made me want to enjoy the moment. He rushed around the hood and climbed into the driver’s seat, and I laughed at his eagerness. There’d be time to question him later.

He fired up the engine, checking behind him before pulling out onto the street. I slid my hand to his thigh, enjoying the rough texture of denim beneath my fingertips.

“We’re by ourselvesnow,” I teased, letting the light of challenge seep into my expression as I squeezed the firm muscle beneath my hand.

“Andi Torres, safety first.” He groaned as my hand crept higher.

He widened his thighs, and I smirked.

“We’re not sixteen anymore,” he wheezed as I stroked him more firmly at a red light. His hands gripped the steering wheel until his knuckles whitened.

“Where would you have taken me when we were teens?”

“Five Mile Drive.”

I leaned across the seat, inhaling the skin at his neck, the faint aroma of a woodsy aftershave lighting my libido. I placed a kiss along his collarbone.

“Take me there,” I whispered.

“Only if you behave … until we get there.”

“Deal.”