Every single time.
She ushered them toward the door. That nervousness was back in her demeanor. She offered a small smile and stood in the doorway. “Sunday?”
“Sunday, “ he echoed. “Lunch. I’ll light up the grill.”
Kian stepped out the door and paused on the porch, dragging his bag behind him.
“Um, excuse me, sir. Where is my hug and kiss?” she asked.
She followed behind Kian and rested her hands on her hips. Vic chuckled and left the door slightly ajar as he joined them. Kian’s giggles filled the air, and he went into his mother’s waiting arms. She rained kisses on his face that sent their son into a fit of laughter.
“Mom!” Kian gasped, but she continued.
“I love you, baby,” She finally released him with one more kiss on his forehead.
“Love you, too, Mommy.”
“Now you two go and have fun this weekend.” She stepped back and tucked her hair behind her ear.
“Mommy? Why don’t you never hug and kiss Daddy?” Kian asked.
Silence fell around them.
Tachina froze and glanced over at him. He didn’t know what to say to answer their son’s question. Kian glanced between the both of them.
“Jeremy says his parents always kiss when they say goodbye. Why don’t you?”
Vic cleared his throat, but nothing came out. It had never dawned on him that his son would start realizing that his life was a little different than his friends. Their arrangement was a good one, and not many had what they had.
“I don’t know,” Tachina said, finally breaking the silence.
She slowly stepped toward Vic with a mortified, apologetic look. He didn’t move. Hell, he couldn’t. She wrapped her arms around his waist and gave him a brief, gentle hug.
It wasn’t long. It wasn’t dramatic. But it wasn’t nothing. His arms finally began to work. He wrapped one around her and hugged her back before he could stop himself. Her curvy frame felt so damn good against his.
And then, because their son was watching, she stood on her toes and kissed his cheek.
A lingering press of the lips onto his skin. Barely anything. Except his body reacted as if she’d dragged her lips down his throat.
Her perfume wrapped around him. It was sweet and warm like honey with a hint of flowers. It was soft, and he recognized it as one ofher favorites.
She pulled back shyly, their eyes meeting.
“Yay!” Kian clapped and jumped in place.
Vic forced himself to breathe. He snagged Kian’s hand and the overnight bag and tossed the strap over his shoulder.
“We’ll see you Sunday,” he rasped.
“Sunday,” she said. “Have a great weekend.”
He walked Kian to his vehicle, because if he didn’t leave right now, at this second, there was no telling what he would do.
And as he buckled Kian into his seat, his heart raced. One thought still played in his head.
What the hell did she want to talk about?
Tachina had been to Vic’s home countless times over the years. For birthdays, drop-offs, summer playdates, and nights where Kian wasn’t feeling well.