She’s figured out the power she has over me. Took her a whole 5 minutes. I’m not proud.I pulled out a chair at the table and took a seat, grinning as I typed my response.Have you bought her a pony yet?
I will if she asks for one. Jesus Christ I hope she doesn’t.
She’s heard the word NO before.
Not today. I want her to like me.I frowned at the screen. God, did he really not know?She’ll love you even if you tell her NO. I promise.
She’ll love you no matter what.Can I call you?
Of course.I sat forward and braced for panic, answering on the first ring. “Hey, is everything okay?”
Nathan’s chuckle was low and deep in my ear. “Yeah. Why would something be wrong?”
“Oh, uh…I don’t know. I just assumed, since you asked to call me…”
“There’s nothing wrong. I just wanted to talk to you.”
“Oh.” A fluttering sensation warmed my stomach.
He just wanted to talk to me. And I just wanted to talk to him. I didn’t need a reason either.
“I’m sorry.” I pressed my back against the seat again. “I didn’t mean I was expecting something to be wrong or anything.”
“That’s good to know.”
“I’ve been wanting to talk to you all day, actually.”
He was silent for a breath. “Really?”
“Yeah, I’ve been dying to know how your day was going with Marley. How is it?”
He cleared his throat before answering, “Fine. Good. I think…It’s not like she’s said or anything. I’d actually kill for some reassurance right now.”
I smiled. “I’m sure she’s having the best time with you.”
“Well, I’m basically letting her get away with murder today. You should see some of the shit I’ve allowed.”
Laughing, I tucked my hair behind my ear and stretched out my legs until my bare feet were propped up on the seat beside me.
“What are you doing?” he asked.
I bit my lip. God, I liked how he asked about me. I liked it way too much.
“Nothing right now,” I answered. “I’m trying to come up with something for the kids to do. They’re pretty bored.”
“You could bring them over here if you want.”
Yes, I almost answered, not needing even a moment to think of a response. I wanted to spend time together so badly. And I knew the kids would jump at the chance to go. But I couldn’t do that. It was Nathan’s day to be with Marley.
“No, that’s okay. Thank you though,” I said. “I’m sure they’ll occupy themselves somehow. Maybe I’ll take them out for ice cream or something.”
“Oh yeah? Where?”
I smiled against the phone.
Nathan laughed when I remained silent. “Is it obvious I’m fishing?”
“A little.”
“Well, it’s not like you own taking your kids to get ice cream, Jenna. I was planning on doing that anyway.”
“Oh really?” I giggled. “What a coincidence, then. Were you planning on going to the Arctic Circle? Because that’s where we like to go.”
“I wouldn’t think of going anywhere else. That’s our favorite spot.”
“Huh. Ours too.”
“It’s just been a while for us. Where is that one again?”
I was full-on grinning now. My cheeks were beginning to ache. “You know, by the Putt-Putt course and the old drive-in…”
“Right. Yeah, that’s the one we go to. When are you planning on being there?”
I glanced at the clock on the oven. “Probably an hour. You?”
“I’m just waiting for Marley to wake up.”
“Which should be in about thirty, forty minutes, if she went to bed at twelve thirty…”
“She did.” I could hear the smile in his voice. I wished I could see it. “Marley’s really looking forward to getting ice cream today.”
“Oliver and Olivia too. They…can’t wait. It’s basically all they’ve talked about.”
Holy crap, I was flirting hard with this guy. I was certain my face was bloodred.
“We can’t wait for what?” Oliver asked, sneaking up beside me. He stood at my shoulder and stared curiously at the phone.
I jerked upright, dropping my feet to the floor. “To get ice cream,” I blurted out. “You know, ’cause we’re going in, like, an hour. I told you.”
“We’re getting ice cream? Cool! I didn’t know that!”
“I want to get ice cream too!” Olivia hollered from the couch. “Great idea, Mama!”
Nathan laughed in my ear.
“I should go,” I said quickly. I needed to disconnect this call before Oliver happened to mention how flushed my face had gotten at just the mention of dessert.
Nathan did not need to hear that.
* * *“Nate! Hey, Mom, it’s Nate and Marley!” Olivia waved out the back window as I pulled into the gravel lot surrounding Arctic Circle. She’d spotted them right away.
“Hey, guys!” Oliver yelled, leaning over as far as his seat belt allowed so he could wave at them too.
I parked in a space on the side of the building, not finding any open ones out front. The kids fled the car as soon as I slowed to a stop, leaving their doors wide open, they were so excited. I’d typically call them back for that, but I understood their eagerness. I hadn’t mentioned anything about meeting up with Nathan today. I thought a surprise would be fun. After cutting the engine, I flipped the visor down and checked my appearance in the mirror.