He nodded. “California is my home, and I miss it,” he explained. “I miss the sound of the waves and all the seafood. I miss my office, to be honest. I'm having a hard time working out here without it.”
“Oh.” Laura was surprised at the pang of hurt in her chest. He was allowed to miss things. He was allowed to miss his office. It didn't mean he wanted to leave her behind again.
He leaned over and kissed her cheek. She smiled with surprise.
“What's that for?”
He shrugged. “I just wanted to kiss you.”
“I like that,” she replied, feeling warm and fuzzy. She snuggled a little bit closer to him. He was safe and warm beside her. It felt good to be like this. It was a simple, ordinary thing that couples did and she liked it. She liked that it was easy and comfortable.
They watched the whole movie while snuggling, not saying a word. As the movie ended, and Dallas yawned.
“Okay, mister,” Laura told him, standing up from the couch. “Time to get ready for bed.”
“Aw, do I have to?” Dallas asked and then promptly yawned again.
“Yes, go put on your pajamas,” she told him. “You too, Ivy.”
“But I want to say goodbye to Ethan,” Ivy said with a pout.
“I'll wait until you have your pajamas on,” Ethan promised. “So go change.”
Ivy grinned, and she and Dallas raced off to their rooms.
“What are your plans for the weekend?” he asked, slipping on his shoes by the door.
“Um, just being with the kids,” she replied. “Why?”
“I have an idea,” he replied. “Don't plan anything too crazy. I want to spend some time with you.”
“Okay,” she promised. “Do I get a hint?”
“Nope. No hints, no clues, no nothing,” he replied. “You'll just have to wait.”
“You're a big tease,” she whispered. “Now I'm super curious.”
“Too bad for you,” he replied with a shrug. “But, I will tell you it's a good thing.”
“Can I bribe you for a hint?” She grinned, biting her lower lip.
“Possibly,” he replied.
She stepped forward, wrapped her arm around his neck and kissed him. Just touching him sent electric thrills through her entire body that made her want to gasp and ask for more. She wanted to tease him with her tongue and taste his kiss completely, but they had an audience.
“Ew, gross,” Dallas announced, crinkling up his face in disgust. Ivy wore a matching expression.
“My clue is...” He paused for dramatic effect. “That you will like it. You will love it. It's something none of you have ever seen before.”
“That's my clue?” Laura asked, crossing her arms. “I thought I gave a pretty good bribe.”
He laughed. “If I could give you a hint based off that kiss, you'd have a detailed outline with picture descriptions,” he told her. “But, I don't want to ruin the surprise.”
“Fine.” She dropped her arms and smiled at him.
“Good night, kids,” he said, dropping down to his knees. The two children each gave him a big hug that he happily returned.
“See you tomorrow, Ethan,” Ivy told him.