Page 47 of The Hook Up
“It’snota relationship,” Ellie insisted, even as a funny little ripple of joy shuddered through her.
When Ty arrived wearing a Hillsboro Hops shirt and a sexy five-o’clock shadow, the ripple became a flood. He grinned at her as he climbed the steps to join her on the porch.
“Cute,” he said, tapping the bill of her ball cap before looking down at Henry. “Hey, little man! I like yours, too.”
“Thank you.” Henry adjusted his cap and smiled up at Ty. “My uncle Jason gave it to me. We’re camping tonight.”
“Is that so?” He looked at Ellie. His expression didn’t change, but she thought she caught a spark in his eye. It was enough to make her insides do a melty little quiver.
Lust,she told herself.It’s only lust. That’s all.
“They’re camping just down the street in their backyard,”
Ellie said, wanting to rein in her own expectations as well as his. “Only a block away.”
“Good to know,” Ty said. “You guys ready to head out?”
Ellie nodded and reached behind her to grab her purse off the entry table.
“I hope it’s okay, but I told Miriam and Jason we’d carpool with them.”
“I’m not sure we’ll all fit.” Ty nodded toward his pickup parked at the curb. “My truck’s pretty tight for five.”
“Jason offered to drive,” she said.“They just got that new SUV, and there’s already a booster seat in back for Henry.”
Ty frowned. “I didn’t even think about the booster seat.”
Something dark passed through his eyes, and Ellie laid a hand on his arm.
“It’s okay,” she assured him. “I know you’re not used to the whole kid thing.”
“Right,” he said, clearing his throat. “Yeah, that’s great. It’s way safer for Henry for us all to go with them.”
She heard a funny note in his voice, but he offered her a smile that looked real, albeit a little weak. Before she had a chance to ask about it, Jason stepped out onto the porch next door with a toolbox in one hand. He set it down, wiping his hands on a rag before offering one to Ty.
“Hey, man,” Jason said, clasping Ty’s hand. “Good to see you again.”
“You, too.”
“Thanks for fixing Ellie’s plumbing the other night,” he said. “Helluva patch job you did there.”
Ty grimaced and glanced at Ellie. “I—uh—did my best with the tools on hand.”
“No, it’s great!” Jason said. “You were spot-on about the water heater corroding the pipes. That thing must’ve been thirty years old. I’ve got a new one ordered, so hopefully she’ll be set for a while.”
“She’s lucky to have you.”
Was it Ellie’s imagination, or did Ty’s voice sound funny? She couldn’t place the emotion, but her heart did a soft little squeeze as she watched Henry reach up and tug the edge of Ty’s sleeve.
“I’ve been practicing my lion face,” he said. “Wanna see?”
“Definitely,” Ty said.
“Rawr!” Henry raised his hands like claws, pawing at the air with impressive exuberance. Ellie laughed and tapped the brim of her son’s cap, pleased when Ty high-fived him.
“Nice work.” Ty looked at Ellie, grinning. “You want to show me your lion face?”
“Maybe later,” she said, shooting him a conspiratorial grin. “Everyone ready to roll?”
