Caleb released her and stood quickly. “Hey, little man.” He held up his arms. “Your mama doctored me all up. No more blood. I’m ready to play.”
“Okay.” Krew was eyeing them strangely. “Why were you two hugging?”
Emily wasn’t sure how to answer, but Caleb answered for her: “Because I like your mama, a lot. Is it okay if I hug her?”
Krew nodded, his full lips pursed. “Sure. ’Cause we like you too.” He turned and walked back to the stairs.
Caleb followed, but as he brushed by her, he gave her a significant look. “We need to talk.”
She knew they did, but honestly, when she was around him, she didn’t know which way was up. “Okay. I’ll just be … up here cooking.”
He gave her a warm smile and followed her son down the stairs.
Emily leaned against the counter to catch her breath. A lot of people kissed but weren’t dating, right? Hot shame licked at her. She wasn’t one of those people, and she was still concerned that if Jeff found out how much she liked Caleb, he would do something to hurt her, or more importantly to her, Krew.
She opened the fridge and started pulling out groceries and the breadstick dough she’d made earlier. At some point, she’d have to call Jeff and figure this all out. Dating Caleb needed to happen, and soon.
* * *
Caleb focused on working with Krew, but his mind kept straying back to that kitchen and Emily. He wanted her in his life. He wanted her in his arms. Being patient stank. And if she pressed against him and kissed him again, he was going to forget every ounce of self-control he’d ever claimed to possess.
“Nice shot,” he told Krew. “You’re going to be the best lacrosse player ever.”
Krew looked up at him. “Do you mean that?”
“Yeah, I do. You’re naturally talented, you’re a hard worker, you love the game, and you’ve got the best coach ever.” He winked.
“Thanks, Coach.”
They started into a defensive drill, and Caleb showed Krew how to use his body to move the offensive player where he wanted him to go.
Footsteps descended the stairs, and Caleb whirled to face Emily. She looked incredible in a white sweater and dark gray pants. He had to constantly remind himself why he couldn’t be kissing her nonstop, besides their six-year-old audience. “How’s it going down here?” she asked.
“Coach Caleb says I’m going to be the best lacrosse player ever!” Krew yelled, running and jumping into his mom’s arms.
Emily laughed and hugged her boy. “I’m sure he’s right, because he’s the best lacrosse player now.”
“Yep. And I’m going to pass him up.”
Caleb wanted to go wrap his arms around the two of them. They were meant to be his family. He felt it.
Eve had called him this afternoon and quizzed him down about the beautiful woman he’d chased after, then brought back to meet her and Paisley. Eve had been stunned when she found out Emily had a six-year-old son. Caleb understood why; he’d never been one to be responsible, patient, or let himself take anything in life too seriously. But he’d been patient, he was ready to be responsible, and he was serious about these two … very serious.
“Dinner’s ready when you are,” Emily said.
“Yes! My mama is the best cook,” Krew bragged.
“I can hardly wait to eat, then.” Caleb headed over as Emily set Krew down, and they all ascended the stairs together. It smelled like something warm and tantalizing. “It smells like something the best cook would make.”
“It’s just chicken marinara and veggies.”
Caleb looked around. “With salad and homemade breadsticks.”
She ducked her head. “I hope you like it.”
“Oh, I will.” How could he not like something she made?
They all sat, and Caleb offered a prayer; then it was quiet for a few minutes as they passed dishes and started eating. Caleb may have moaned when he tried the chicken, and he may have moaned again when he ate a bite of the crusty, cheesy, garlicky, buttery breadstick.