Chapter Twenty

“I ’m gonna hang out with Nate and some of the first responders for a little bit. That okay?” He walked with her, holding Audrey as Susan pushed the stroller.

“Please, go spend time with your guys.” Since they had the game at the recreational fields near the high school, all of them walked. Something she could rarely do back in Florida.

“You’re the best.” With the greatest care, he handed Audrey over before kissing Susan on the cheek. “Hope that formula is out of her system.”

“Is that why you’re not coming back right now?” She laughed.

“Busted.”

“Coward.” Since her massive meltdown and soulful confession yesterday, their frustrated tension had become nonexistent.

Now, Susan’s body unmercifully ached for him. She didn’t know how much longer she could keep her hands to herself. Hopefully, soon, she wouldn’t have to.

Before he left with Nate, Reynolds jogged back and kissed her on the cheek, whispering, “Maybe we can find some alone time when I get home .”

The way he stressed home . Was that code for I’m gonna sex you up?

She said a silent thank-you to the bikini waxer she visited after she got her toes done a couple of days ago.

“We’ll be home .” Her eyes betrayed her as she watched him walk away. The mixture of sweat and his signature scent hit her straight on, and she willed herself not to turn feral.

The broadness of his shoulders.

The movement of his walk.

The tightness of his ass.

“Still waiting for October, huh?” Peyton wandered up, holding a large drink and bag of popcorn from the ballpark. She wore a cute set of patriotic denim shorts, a V-neck Monsters University T-shirt, matching socks, and her well-worn running shoes.

There were times when Susan regretted telling her boss the details of the adoption arrangement. “Probably not.”

“Good for you, because that’s one good-looking man.”

“Agreed.” Susan kissed the top of Audrey’s The Wiggles , and Dorothy the Dinosaur bonnet as the baby’s wide eyes seemed to soak in everything around her.

The summer weather proved to be mild by Florida standards, but hot enough to feel drained when out in it too long.

Peyton tossed her trash in the bin. “After the magic you do at the clinic, good to know you’re human.”

“More than human, my friend.”

A huge football-player-sized kid waved to Reynolds from across the parking lot. He sat in a pickup driven by a woman who looked like she considered cigarettes an essential food group. “Dr. Rey! How’s it going?”

He waved back. “Good, Ford. And you?”

“Saw you pitch. That was awesome.” He motioned in Susan’s direction. “You got game.”

A sheepish grin spread across his face. “Thanks, kid.”

Ford held up his beefy hand as the driver shifted gears, a not-so-subtle sign she planned to drive away from this conversation soon.

“Cast is off. Feels good.” He opened and closed his fists. “Be ready for football season.”

“Strong work. Have a good July Fourth. Good luck with your classes. Hope I don’t see you anytime soon!”

The kid laughed as they drove out of the lot. “But you probably will.”

“You know where to find me.”

If she weren’t already ovaries-deep interested in the man, that casual interaction would have caught her attention. Reynolds possessed a charm that put people at ease when he spoke to them. Essential for an ER doctor and sexy as hell. “I swear, I’m gonna lose my mind soon.”

“Some would say you already have.” Lucy held up the diaper bag. “You left this in the stands.”

Susan rolled her eyes. “Thank you.”

“I, for sure, would have. Come here, cutie.” Peyton held Audrey as Susan massaged the kinks in her neck.

“That was an amazing game. Good call to ask Reynolds to pitch.” Susan always appreciated how well her sister brought a team together. Whether in the ER or any sporting event, she had the innate ability to understand each person’s strengths and highlight them to the fullest.

“He was outstanding.” Peyton rocked side to side with a yawning Audrey.

He was incredible. “Now you get bragging rights until next year.” Susan laughed as Jade and Edmund yelled “We’re number one!” from across the parking lot.

They waved before loading up their softball equipment in the back of her classic pickup. She dropped the tailgate and Susan noticed a couple of sleeping bags, an air pump, what looked like an air mattress, and a picnic basket. “Where are they going?”

Lucy smirked. “They’re going out to his property to get naked weird.”

“Completely throw-down naked outside weird?”

“The very same.” Peyton patted Audrey’s back. “He bought some land and he and Jade go out there all the time, make a pallet in the back of her truck, and go after it.”

“That kind of sounds like fun,” Susan admitted even though she would happily take a normal closed bedroom situation with Reynolds right now.

“Oh, it is.” Lucy waggled her eyebrows.

Susan threw her head back and laughed. “Now I see why all of you like it here so much.”

Out of the corner of her eye, Susan noticed Peter and his group of Shelly, her kids, and his kids. He gave her a respectful nod, and Susan accepted the silent olive branch.

Even though their fight drove her to confess something that ate at her gut for far too long, Peter overstepped.

He needed to learn to stay in his lane and to listen. Accept how much he didn’t understand about what happened after their father died. With the new job, Audrey, and Reynolds, Susan didn’t have the energy to explain it all.

“Dr. Rey did a great job.” After handing Audrey over to Lucy, Peyton adjusted her ball cap as she wiped the sweat from her forehead. “Good grief, it’s hot out here. Aren’t you hot?”

“It’s warm, but nothing like a Florida July Fourth.” Susan played with Audrey’s feet and the baby giggled.

“You okay?” Lucy cocked her head. “You look flushed.”

Waving them off, Peyton patted her stomach. “I’ve not felt great this last week. Think I’m overdoing it. Not eating well. I had flu and COVID tests this morning. Both were negative, so that’s not what’s going on.”

“It would be weird to have either of those in the summer.” Lucy narrowed her gaze. “I haven’t seen any cases come through the ER in the past few months.”

“I’ve been so tired. I’m passing out as soon as I get home. I’m either starving or nauseous. Maybe I have a sinus infection? I’ve had those before.”

A perfect summer breeze blew by, momentarily lowering the temperature around them.

Susan and Lucy shared a look like, I think I might know what’s going on.

“You’ve been working a lot of hours, Peyton. Can you go home and get some sleep right now?” Susan watched Audrey talk to the tree that shaded them.

“I will. First, I need to walk over to the clinic.” She pointed toward the hospital. “Make sure we’re staffed for the next few days.”

“I can drive you.” Lucy tilted her head toward her car. “I had to bring a lot of the softball equipment.”

“Nah, it’s only about six, ten blocks. I’d rather walk. Get my steps in.” She tapped her watch and yawned, but when Officer Rob Shaw pulled into the parking lot, Peyton’s entire demeanor changed.

“Hey, ladies.” Even with his sunglasses on, it was obvious his attention was meant for only one of them. “Who won?”

“ER, baby!” Lucy high-fived Susan.

“Congratulations.”

“What’s on your agenda tonight, Rob?” Peyton twirled a lock of her hair between her fingers.

The only time a very put-together Peyton Grey twirled her hair like a middle schooler with a crush coincided when Officer Shaw appeared in the immediate vicinity. Interesting.

He gave a casual shrug. “Probably too many calls about kids and fireworks. You ladies have any big plans?”

“Going home. Kicking my feet up.” Peyton pulled her keys out of her pocket.

Lucy started to answer, but Rob didn’t wait. “Well, if you run into any trouble, Peyton, you know where to find me.”

“I sure do.”

“Need a ride to your car?”

Lucy and Susan realized they’d suddenly become invisible.

Peyton pointed behind him. “I’ve got to go check something at work so I’m walking. But you can keep me company if you’re not busy.”

“Glad to do it.” He nodded to Susan and Lucy. “Ladies.”

They waved as Peyton got her police escort up the street and around the corner.

“That’s an interesting series of events.” Lucy’s comment triggered Susan to laugh.

“Well, her favorite month is August.”

“Nothing says hottest month of the year like a shirtless police officer holding a pair of handcuffs, who stares at you with bedroom eyes ready to—” Lucy put her hands over Audrey’s ears. “Sorry, little one. That’s adult speak.”

Audrey excitedly told them something about the tree.

Or it could be about the sky.

Or the piece of trash that the wind intermittently blew around the parking lot.

“What a total coincidence that she loves the month he posed in. How crazy is that?” Lucy nudged Susan with her elbow. “Speaking of crazy, what would you say if we offered to take care of Audrey tonight?”

“What?” The idea of a small break certainly held appeal.

“I doubt you and Reynolds have each had a break of any kind. Juggling jobs, making sure things are in line for the adoption. Him getting ready for this game.”

“It’s been more difficult than I thought it would be, but we’re surviving.”

“Three months down. That’s good,” Lucy agreed.

“It is, but I stress when Lori calls or comes by. She said it’s looking more probable, but she can’t guarantee anything until the judge says we’re good.”

“No word from the bio dad yet?”

“Not a peep. Lori explained that if we get to six months and no dad can be found, then they cite abandonment. Sever his rights.”

Lucy wiped a line of sweat off her forehead, her hair matted to her scalp from wearing her ballcap all afternoon. “What about Bernie?”

Although Lucy’s fair questions made sense, they twisted Susan’s stomach tight. “Lori said Bernie is doing well. Going back to school in the fall.”

“That’s wonderful. Good for her.”

Rolling her head from side to side, Susan stiffly smiled. “I can’t make it all happen any faster than it will. I’ll focus on what I can do. A good shower and a stiff drink after this little one goes to bed.”

Audrey yawned, which led into a long, babbling dialogue.

“Then let us take her and you can do all those things now.” Lucy snuggled with her niece before planting a series of quick kisses on the baby’s face. “Go home. Get some sleep, Susan.”

“Are you sure? I mean, she exploded last night.” Susan relished the idea of taking a long shower after being outside all day. She could deep condition her hair, blow it dry, get a face mask in.

She even wore leggings because she didn’t have time to properly shave her legs this morning. The possibility of smooth legs matching the smooth skin of her bikini wax kicked her heartbeat up a few notches. The simple pleasures were endless.

“Exploding or not. We would love to keep her.” Lucy waved Thomas over after he shook Peter’s hand.

“Do you have a crib?”

Thomas jogged up. “I ordered a pack-and-play for this very occasion.”

“Geez, you two think of everything.”

“Go on. You’re wasting time.” Lucy shooed her away.

“Are you sure you have everything?” For the first time, Susan felt unsure about leaving Audrey. She was in completely capable hands with Lucy and Thomas, but the idea of being without her stirred her fears.

“Susan. You’re what, ten houses away? If we need anything, one of us will come get it. Now go!” Lucy turned Susan around and shoved her in the direction of her street.

With one more quick kiss for Audrey, Susan quick-timed it back home.

Pushing worry aside, she entered the house, only to find Reynolds’s gym bag and shoes just inside the door. But he wasn’t home. “Probably next door.”

When was the last time she was alone with nothing to do and no one to take care of?

Instead of wasting time thinking of all the possibilities, she headed straight for her room and stripped down, relishing the freedom of simply being naked without concern of anyone needing her. She spent the next hour pampering herself, starting with an empowering song playlist then gave herself a facial and hair mask, followed by a long shower, a full leg shaving, and a good washdown with her favorite raspberry and vanilla body wash.

She ended her pampering hour by completely blow-drying out her hair. Since the baby, she’d done none of those things with no sense of urgency. How glorious!

She threw on her shower wrap, still singing one of her favorite songs, and headed for the kitchen. The moment she turned the corner, she came face-to-face with Reynolds.

Freshly showered and smelling like oranges and cinnamon. And he wore only his dark blue sweats.

Oh no. Her mouth watered as her lizard brain immediately took over. It took everything she had not to walk over, rip down those pants, and make his knees buckle. “Reynolds?”

“That’s a great song.”

“Thank you.” Chagrin pinked her cheeks, but she wasn’t sure if it was due to him hearing her singing voice or the fact she wore only a towel wrap. “I thought you were at Nate’s.”

“I was, but then he got a phone call from the hospital and headed out. I came home. Cleaned up. I knocked on your door but heard the shower running. Thought you were cleaning her up.”

“That was very considerate of you, but it was only me. Next time, feel free and join me.” When his face flushed, Susan wondered what would happen if she let this towel wrap fall to the floor.

“Did… did you want to get dinner or order a pizza? Can I make you anything?”

“What are you offering?”

He opened the refrigerator but didn’t look inside, his eyes solidly on her. “Thinking of something fancy. Grilled three-cheese sandwich? Then watching a non-family-friendly movie.”

Disappointment settled in when he turned toward the stove and quickly pulled out a pan. She hoped they’d at least get handsy, but the evening wasn’t lost just yet. “That sounds perfect. Do we have anything to drink to celebrate the victory today?”

“Far right, top shelf.”

“Got it.”

“You need any help?” With his back to her, he pulled out a griddle, cheeses, bread, and butter.

“Nope.” The ornate bottle sat right where he instructed. “Found it.”

“It’s my grandfather’s whiskey.”

“Sounds promising.” And potent.

“Problems?”

“Nope.” She handed him the bottle.

He grabbed two cartoon-themed mugs and placed them on the table. “How much?”

“A splash. Not much for whiskey, but I’ll try it.”

With a flick of his wrist, he gave her a quick pour and then gave himself a slightly longer one. “This was my grandfather’s favorite.”

The aromas of vanilla and sweet something drifted around her nose as she brought the mug to her mouth. “What are we drinking to?”

“To being halfway there.”

“Celebrating the halfway mark it is.” And for me keeping my hands to myself. For the most part.

With the exception of that one slip up, they’d found a rhythm that helped them keep them both in check.

Not that she wanted to, but she had to. Even after her massive confession yesterday, she couldn’t be sure if that put them on equal emotional investment regarding the adoption.

Still, she didn’t regret it.

Why risk anything now?

“Happy July Fourth, Susan.” As the sun still brightened the evening sky, they tapped their mugs.

Susan took a sip as Reynolds tossed back his drink as if he’d swallowed liquid fire plenty of times. “Feel the burn.”

His eyes closed and a serene smile spread across his face as his body tensed. She’d seen that smile once before.

When she touched him.

And she so wanted to see him make that face again.

Tonight. Like right now.

So much so, Susan almost dropped her mug, but quickly recovered and tossed hers back. The vanilla, cherry, and heated flavors layered on her tongue and burned her throat. “That’ll clear your sinuses.”

“It can. More?”

“Sure.” Although she wasn’t sure if she’d drink it. She placed her cup on the table.

“Lori called just a bit ago.” He gave himself a pour but didn’t drink it.

“Does she ever stop working?”

“Guess not. Said she’s already contacted both sets of bio grandparents. None of them are eligible, even if they wanted to adopt.” He corked the bottle but left it on the counter.

“That’s good. Sad.” Susan wondered what kind of questions Audrey would have for them when she got older. Why her bio family didn’t want her, or why they couldn’t have her?

“The only hurdle now is the father signing off.”

“And he walked away in the first place, so he’s probably itching to sign the papers.” She leaned against the table.

“Probably.” Despite his confident wording, a hint of concern threaded through his voice.

Susan appreciated that Reynolds worried as she did.

He placed four pieces of buttered bread on the griddle. It sizzled on contact. “Audrey passed out after being outside all day?”

“She’s at Lucy’s.”

With a flick of his wrist, he turned off the burner and moved the pan away from the heat. “We’re alone?”

The jovial mood Reynolds held since she walked in here suddenly shifted. He swallowed hard, his eyes firmly set on her mouth.

“We are.” Her heart thudded in her throat at the lust in his eyes. What is happening right now?

“Until when?”

“Until tomorrow morning.” With her feet firmly planted, she wouldn’t make a move. Not this time.

Under his hungry stare, she wavered between dropping her wrap and going to her room, locking the door, and imagining he was one of her battery-operated friends. “Reynolds?”

“Yeah?” The dishtowel in his hands lowered to cover the front of his pants.

Oh? The sweatpants of truth. Her heart ticked up a notch. “You okay?”

“About to be.”