I let him draw me in for a light kiss. We were a bit away from the action, on a path that meandered around the school grounds. Benches with name plates were stationed between each large oak tree.
Would the trees have plaques too?
Planted by The Carters in 1942.
“It’s a beautiful campus.”
“Yeah. The grounds are super manicured right now, as they always are this time of year. Have to tidy up before the families come to see what they pay for. Next week, we have our meet the teacher nights.”
I skipped out of his sphere, the light summer breeze lifting my skirt around my knees. “I bet all the moms love you.” I walked backwards. “‘Mr. Beck, I think my daughter needs extra tutoring.’”
His lips slid into a half smile. “I don’t mess around with parents.”
“No? Just the teachers? Scandalizing the nuns with your wicked smile and those delicious shoulders.”
“Are you objectifying me?”
I shrugged. “Maybe.”
“I can’t say a few moms haven’t flirted, but I definitely don’t go there.”
“Even the single moms?”
“Especially the single moms. They’re on the hunt hardcore here. They’ve heard about the mystical properties of Crescent Cove and want to expand their families. As well as get a ring on that finger.” He flashed his left ring finger.
“You really think they’re that…” I trailed off, unsure what to call it. “Deceptive doesn’t feel like a nice word.”
He shoved his hands in his pockets. “Some women have one thing in mind.”
“Not all women.” I tugged him closer by the pocket of his shorts.
“No. And that’s why I love spending time with you. You enjoy the no strings thing too.”
My chest twinged. “As long as my bed is the only one you’re in.”
“Forever?” His eyebrow went up as he caught me closer.
“For right now.” Though the idea of forever didn’t seem quite as scary when we were alone.
I curled my arms around his neck and swayed against him. Sunshine and the scent of fresh cut grass surrounded us.
A few bees bounced from bloom to bloom on the hearty mums planted along the path. The light laughter of kids in the field doing some sort of relay race drifted down to us.
A quick buzzing went off between us. Caleb jumped and I laughed.
I stuck my hand in his pocket. “Think we could bring that home with us?”
“I think we can find something a little more interesting.”
“Guess we might have to check out that bonus drawer I have,” I said over my shoulder as I took off toward the tents.
“Wait. What bonus drawer?” he called after me.
I turned with a smile. “Maybe you’ll find out tonight.”
He caught up with me and lifted me up. “You better believe it.”
“Mr. Beck! Over here, please! Please put Miss Hastings down.” Sister Tobias waved him over.