Page 34 of Take a Chance (Blue Creek Ranch #1)

“Please. Your adorable child already likes me. He said he would ride doubles with me and he doesn’t like to ride.

I knew I was golden right there.” I winked.

The water shut off and we stepped apart but still stayed close.

“But dates are supposed to be fun, and a date with a kid means pizza and movies. I even have popcorn.”

“Do you have chips?” Payton had appeared out of nowhere, moving silently which I didn’t know he was capable of. But he was right there at our knees, leaning a little on Mal’s leg. “I like chips better than popcorn.”

“I might.” I narrowed my gaze at him then crossed my eyes. Payton giggled. “We’ll see what happens after pizza. Now, I know you must like cheese. So what else do you want?”

Payton ran back to the counter, and I slid a step stool over to him so that he could be tall enough to reach. The only reason I had it at all was to change the ceiling lights if the bulbs burned out. But I was glad because it came in handy when a little man needed to make his own pizza.

Mal grabbed my hand and squeezed. When I glanced at him, he mouthed, “Thank you.”

We watched Mulan while eating our pizza.

And chips and popcorn. Mal cut his kid off after one pop and switched him to water.

I expected Payton to fight, or at least whine, about it but he didn’t.

He also got two cookies for dessert. After Mulan, he expertly navigated the streaming app until he found Big Hero 6 and then fell asleep halfway through.

Mal took the opportunity to slide closer to me. With his kid right there, for all that he was dead to the world, we didn’t do anything but snuggle. Mal was a very cuddly person and I was here for it. I loved just having him right there with me.

Maybe my hair color wasn’t the only thing I got from my mom.

Eventually that movie ended too, and just as I was about to suggest another, just to keep this cuddling going longer, Mal turned his head and kissed my neck. He bit down very lightly then pulled away.

“I better get him to bed,” Mal murmured, sitting up.

“I should get one of those monitors,” I muttered, willing my body to calm down. “Then he could be asleep over there and you could stay here with me.”

Mal chuckled but shook his head. “I know it’s only a dozen yards, but that’s too far for my comfort. You’ll just have to get creative in other ways.”

I let out a very soft moan, mostly so he could hear it. I liked the way his breath caught. “Trust me, I will. But for now, let me walk you home.”

It only took a minute to gather up Payton. I made sure to grab Mr. Raven and we walked as a unit to Mal’s cabin. I stepped out of the room while he changed Payton into his jammies and got him settled under the covers. But I was definitely ready and waiting for Mal to walk directly into my arms.

For a long few minutes we just stood there, holding each other and exchanging soft, gentle kisses. The kind that were comforting and affirming more than arousing. Not that we couldn’t turn it into that if the circumstances were different. But that would have to wait.

“Tonight was great,” Mal whispered. “Payton loved it and so did I. Next date is my turn.”

“If you insist.” I cupped his face and kissed him with more purpose, knowing it was our goodnight kiss and that I’d have to leave father and son to get their own rest. I found myself wishfully thinking about when that would change.

When Mal and I could go to bed together after a long day, Payton sleeping in the next room.

There wasn’t enough space here. Maybe I would have to add on to my cabin.

An extension at least, but maybe a second floor would be even better.

Mal kissed under my jaw. “What just crossed your mind? You went still.”

“Just wishing we could sleep in the same bed. I love holding you while you sleep. Another night, yeah?” I knew better than to mention the future to Mal when he was still skittish. He’d figure out I was in it for the long haul, but until he did, I would keep those plans to myself.

“Yeah,” he agreed. His kiss was harder then, full of want, but he had the good sense to pull back before it got too heated. At least one of us did. I was ready to throw him down on his bed.

There were more kisses. Light groping and a few more gentle touches.

And then I had to pull away, step back out of reach, and get ready to leave.

Otherwise I would have done my best to get him into a position he wasn’t ready for.

Mal seemed to understand that, because though his touch lingered, he let me go.

“See you tomorrow.” I kissed his palm and let go.

“Tomorrow.”

I left then and practically floated home.

Tonight had been everything I wanted in that we’d all had a good time.

Payton’s chatter was soothing, filling the cabin with life.

Having Mal right there was a balm to my soul.

I just knew he was where my future lay and I would do whatever he needed, wait as long as it took, until Mal was sure about that.

I wouldn’t call it love yet, but it was definitely on the right track.

My mind was so preoccupied with thoughts of Mal that it took me a second to realize someone was sitting on my couch.

And then a second more to realize it was Bodhi.

I raced across the floor, the two of us meeting in a hug so fierce and tight that he damn near squeezed the breath out of me.

I held on until he was ready to let go, and it took him longer than I expected.

“Damn, it’s good to see you, Bode. What are you doing here? How long are you here for?”

“For good.” Bodhi’s voice sounded rough and unused, which was strange considering talking was at least half of his job.

“What?”

He shrugged. “I’m out. Dropped my packet six months ago. The brass fast tracked it. Separation complete.”

All I could do was stare. I was sure he would have stayed in the Corps until they made him retire. He was a lifer if I ever saw one. But as I stared at my brother, I saw the hollowness in his eyes. Where there was once zeal and passion, was blank.

“What happened?” I asked carefully.

“Not important,” he lied. “I’m done and I’m home for good. And crashing on your couch because I didn’t want to deal with Mom tonight. I love that woman but damn. I need a good night’s sleep before I deal with the fussing.”

I laughed because he wanted me to. It wasn’t like him to be so secretive, but I also knew he’d share when he was ready. Until then, it was pointless to push. He was as steadfast as a rock.

So I changed the subject. “Want to meet your new cat?”