“I was just stopping by to check we’re still on for tonight. It looks like you’re having fun,” I say, a smile pulling on my lips.
“I’m trying to get this one into the bath,” he says. “He thinks it’s funny to have me chase him.” My eyes go past him to Jacob, who’s now stopped running and is playing with one of his toys.
“Need some help?”
“Oh, you don’t have to. I know you’ve had a busy day with Taylor being sick.”
“I don’t mind.” He walks over and slips his arms around my waist, pulling me against his chest.
“Thank you,” he whispers. I smile as he stares at me. Dropping his head, he kisses me softly. “And we are definitely on for tonight.”
We finally manage to coax Jacob into the tub, and I sit on the vanity as he splashes Jack, who’s sitting on the floor. Once he’s washed and there’s more water on the floor than in the tub, Jack lifts him out and wraps him in a towel. He lets out a yawn and his thumb goes into his mouth.
“He’s worn out. It must be all the country air,” he says, kissing him on the head. I follow them out of the bathroom and begin to pick up Jacob’s toys as Jack dries and dresses him in his pajamas. When I’m done, I make for the door.
“I’m just going to shower, and I’ll be right back.”
“Make yourself at home if I’m not here when you come back. I’ll be putting Jacob down.”
I nod and smile. “Sleep tight, Jacob.”
“Bye, Ria,” he mutters sleepily. I give him a wave and make my way along the hallway to my room.
I shower in record time and quickly dry my hair. I debate what to wear, but settle on jeans and a tank. I want to look nice, but be comfortable too. I put on some mascara and lip gloss, and take one last look in the mirror before heading back to Jack’s room. Taking a deep breath, I knock lightly on the wood, nervous excitement swirling in my stomach. I’m met with silence, and I glance up the hallway, knowing Jack must still be getting Jacob to sleep. I open the door and walk in, before crossing the room and sitting on the bed.
I have no idea what to do while I wait for him, so I reach for the TV remote and search through what movies we can watch. I lie on the bed as I flick through the channels, stopping whenDirty Dancingflashes onto the screen. I love this movie. I know Jack won’t, but I can watch a little while I wait for him. My eyes feel heavy, and I fight to keep them open, vowing to myself that I’ll only close them just for a second.
When I open my eyes, the room is dark, the only glow of light coming from the TV. I sit up and groan inwardly when I realize I must have fallen asleep.
“Hey, you,” Jack says from the side of me.
“How long have I been asleep? I’m so sorry I ruined our date.”
“You didn’t ruin our date. You’ve only been asleep for about an hour.”
“An hour!”
“It’s fine, Aria. You’ve had a busy couple of days.” He leans down and presses a kiss to my lips.
“You should have woken me. Have you eaten?”
“No. I was waiting for you. We can order now.” He reaches back to the nightstand and holds up a bottle of wine. “Do you want a glass?”
“Yes, please. I really am sorry. I’m so embarrassed.” I push myself backward against the headboard and draw my knees up to my chest.
“Stop apologizing. You looked so peaceful when I came in. I couldn’t bring myself to wake you.” He pours me a glass of wine and holds it out. Taking it from him, I take a sip.
“Did Jacob fall asleep okay?”
He nods. “He fell asleep drinking his milk. He was exhausted.” He hands me a Chinese takeout menu. “What do you want?”
I take the menu from him and flick through it. “Chow mein, please.”
“Great choice.” He dials the number on the front and places my order and his, giving over the ranch’s address. “It’ll be here in twenty minutes,” he says, putting his phone back on the nightstand. I nod and we fall into a comfortable silence as we watch the end ofDirty Dancing.
“Hey,” I say after a few minutes. “Have you been watchingDirty Dancingwhile I’ve been asleep?” It might be dark in the room, but I can see the pink flush cross his cheeks.
“Erm…”