Page 95 of Take My Kiss
“And why’s that?” Colton asks.
“’Cause she’s a girl!” Sam declares in his bestduhexpression. “Girls can’t ride bulls.”
“Yuh-huh! I am too gonna ride bulls. Right, Colt?”
“You can do anythin’ you want.” He nods reassuringly. “Especially since you’re a cowgirl who’s smart and brave, just like your mama.”
Lily beams, and I swear, her pupils turn into little hearts.
“You’ll get hurt, Lily,” Sam says gently. “You’re too small.”
“Imma get bigger. Then I can ride ’em.”
“Okay, if you say so…” Sam says with as much attitude as an eight-year-old can give, then rolls his eyes for good measure and mutters, “But you can’t.”
Damn, he was so close to letting his sister have this one.
“That’s enough. Leave her alone,” I warn. “Time to put your game down and find somethin’ else to do.”
“Okay, hold on.” He continues playing, but I grow impatient waiting for him to shut it down. He only gets thirty minutes at night, so he knows the rules.
“You’re gonna lose your time tomorrow night,” I remind him, holding out my hand.
“Fine.” He slams it into my waiting palm with a huff.
I look at Colton out of the corner of my eye and can tell he’s conflicted on where he stands regarding discipline. For Sam’swhole life, it’s only been me, so I’m not sure how he’d respond to anyone else stepping in. Even Wilder treads lightly, but Sam’s usually good for him anyway.
“Mind your manners, Sam.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He walks toward the coloring books and markers.
I manage to finish my homework, but by the time I close my laptop, I realize how quiet it is.
“Here.” Colton approaches with two mugs, then sets one in front of me.
“Thank you.” Bringing the mug to my mouth, I blow on the tea before testing it. “This is perfect.”
“I think you’ve turned me into a tea addict now.”
I smile at that. It’s hard not to when he does unexpectedly sweet things for me.
“Where’re the kids?”
“They’re waitin’ in their room for you. I read them a few books already, so don’t let them con you into more than one.” He grins over the rim of his mug as he takes a sip.
“You got them ready for bed and did storytime already? I can’t believe how late it is.”
“I don’t mind. You were pretty locked in, so I didn’t wanna bother you.”
“You’re gettin’ good at this parentin’ stuff. Not sure how I’ll go back to doin’ it on my own in a couple weeks.”
He sets his mug down, then sits in the chair next to me. “What if…” He inhales a deep breath before meeting my gaze. “What if y’all stayed?”
“For how long?” I ask.
“Permanently.”
My heart lodges in my throat. It’s too soon. We’re not even in a relationship. Are we?
