“Busy working.”
Riley shook his head. “I don’t understand why grownups work all the time. You finally don’t have to go to school and instead of enjoying it…well, Mommy likes her job so that’s why she does it. Is that how it is for you?”
“I guess it is. Do you think you’d enjoy working?”
“I know I’m going to,” Riley said. “I’m going to be a fishing boat captain and spend all my time fishing.”
“Sounds like a good plan,” Nate said. When he’d been Riley’s age he’d declared he was going to play baseball for a living so he knew that kids could make their dreams happen.
“Did you always want to be in business?” Riley asked.
“Nah, I used to play baseball.”
“Really? I didn’t know that. How come you don’t play anymore?”
Nate wondered at kids and how they had no filter or fear. Riley wanted to know something so the kid just asked. “Let’s head back downstairs and I’ll tell you.”
“Okay. Do you still play sometimes?”
“I don’t play anymore, Riley. I got injured and had to change jobs.”
Riley stopped on the stairs and looked back at him. “I’m sorry. I know I’d hate it if I couldn’t fish.”
Nate reached out and ruffled the kid’s hair. “I can play now for fun, I just don’t have the time because I’m always working.”
“My best friend Edward’s dad is like that. That’s why he started coaching our soccer team. So he could play and relax…at least that’s what Lori says.”
“Who’s Lori?”
“Edward’s mom and my babysitter. Mommy and Auntie Jen can’t be here all the time.”
“Work?” Nate asked, getting the picture that the adults in Riley’s life spent too much time working as far as the kid was concerned. He didn’t want to care. This kid didn’t matter to him if he was going to part ways with Jen. And he was going to leave her alone after this. Their lives were different and he wasn’t willing to give up his lifestyle for her.
“Yes. But I know that they have to so I can have nice things and we can live in this house…don’t say I was complaining about it, okay?”
Nate nodded just as Jen entered the foyer to call them to lunch. Riley was an interesting little kid and Nate liked what he learned about Jen from watching her with her nephew.
Nate had insisted they go to the local sports store and get a baseball bat, ball and gloves and go to the park and throw the ball with Riley. Riley was ecstatic and kept saying that Nate was obviously a man who knew life was about more than work.
Jen felt bad for her nephew because she and Marcia were gone more than they were home. But today made up for that.
Nate was patient as he talked Riley through how to throw a ball. “You are doing good.”
“Your turn, Auntie Jen.”
“I’m not as good at this as you are,” Jen said. And then proved it by tossing the ball and completely missing Nate who stood with his glove ready to catch it.
Riley shook his head. “That was pitiful. Show her like you did me.”
Nate walked over to her. “Get ready, Riley.”
Nate walked over to her and stood behind her so close that she felt his body through the fabric of her clothing. He leaned in low.
“Bend your knees a little,” he said.
She did what he instructed.
“Now, hold the ball like this,” he said, showing her the proper way to hold the baseball.
He spoke directly into her ear sending chills down her spine and making this into so much more than just a kid’s game in the park. He made her want to turn in his arms and kiss him. But Riley was waiting and hoping for some spectacular results.
“Next, bring your arm up like this. No, relax. Let me move your arm for you.”
She did and the ball fell out of her hand on the ground. “Sorry.”
“Its okay,” he said, bending down to pick up the fallen ball and letting his hand stray to her hip where he caressed her as he stood back up. “Okay, ready?”
“I hope so. I’m a dancer not a baseball player,” she said.
“I think today you will be both,” Riley said.
“I will be,” she said.
“Remember how I showed you to move your arm. Get ready, Riley.”
“I’m ready, Nate. Come on, Auntie Jen, throw it to me.”
Jen wound up and threw the ball. This time it went all the way to Riley who caught it and then whooped with joy. Nate put his arm around her waist and pulled her back against him for a quick kiss. “Great throw. You have the makings of a real player.”
“I doubt that,” she said.