“Why wait until then?” His gaze scans the area, pretending to look for a place we can sneak off to.
“Stop. I know you’re teasing.”
“Am I?”
Well, now that he says it, I can’t really tell. He winks at me, and my stomach flips.
He leans forward. “No, but seriously, if you manage to get her down for a nap, shoot me a text. I’ve missed you.” He takes my hand and places his lips over my wrist. His dark eyes dance in amusement as he detects my racing pulse.
“It’s only been a few hours,” I say, pretending he can’t feel the excitement running through my veins.
His teeth nibble at my skin. “Don’t pretend you haven’t missed me too.”
“I have,” I agree, leaning in to give him a kiss.
“Daddy, I went so high!” Mila squeals, running up to him and holding her hands out.
He gives me another quick peck before turning and lifting her onto his lap. “Have you been a good girl today?”
Her wild curls bounce around her face as she nods her head.
“What did you see at the museum?” he asks.
“I saw a dinosaur.” She holds her hands in front of her, making little claws as she snarls at him.
He laughs, setting her on her feet so he can pretend to be one too.
The twins exchange a look. I’m sure there have been some big changes in their friend since Mila came to live with him.
She manages to keep us entertained all the way through lunch by not breaking character. Her little roars are the cutest things I’ve ever heard.
I walk Rage over to his bike as the twins give Mila one last round on the playground equipment.
“Look, she’s rubbing her eyes. Today has really pooped her out,” I hint, hoping I don’t sound desperate.
He wraps his hands around my waist and pulls me close when he hears the hesitation in my voice. “Never doubt I want to be with you. Just give me a heads up once she’s asleep, and I’ll come home.”
He gives me a swat on the butt and then a kiss before getting on his bike. I’m not sure which of those things I like more. It’s a good thing I don’t have to choose.
When the twins pull into the driveway and park, they both turn in their seats.
“Rage is coming home for a booty call, isn’t he?” Cole teases.
My mouth falls open.
They chuckle quietly because Mila is asleep in her seat beside me.
“If you move her, you might wake her up,” Carson jokes. “Then it will be no booty for youty.”
I sigh. He’s right.
“Maybe you guys could circle the block with her?” I twirl my finger in the air shyly.
They look at each other pretending to think about it.
I put my hands up in prayer. “Please. I’ll owe you.”
“A pan of brownies?” Carson asks.