I watch as she scoops a little bit of everything onto her spoon, then wraps her lips around it. The spoon slowly slides back out of her mouth. Her low moan that follows is nearly my undoing.
“This really hits the spot, Ashton. Thanks.”
“You’re welcome,” I automatically reply. It’s not until she glances over at me that I snap out of it. Clearing my throat, I repeat my earlier question. “How old are you, Lexie?”
“Old enough,” she mumbles. When I nudge my knee against hers, she blurts out, “I’m thirty, okay?”
“You do know that I’m only three years younger than you, right? And thirty is not old. Eighty is old.”
“You’re still younger.”
“You’re still beautiful and young.”
Lexie rolls her eyes. I decide to leave whatever issues she has with her age alone.
“Do you want there to be a second date?” I know what I said earlier, but I also said that if she was still opposed to me that I would leave her alone.
She glances over at me with surprise. “You’re going to keep asking until I say yes anyway.”
I shake my head. “Not if you don’t want it. I only asked for one date. A second one is entirely up to you. I’ll ask again. Do you want there to be a second date?”
To buy herself some time, Lexie scoops up the last of her ice cream and brownie. “Yes, I guess so,” she finally answers. When she glances over at me, my grin is from ear to ear. She laughs, “Don’t even look at me like that.”
“Like what?”
“Like you just won the Cup. It’s a second date, nothing major.”
“Both are a major accomplishment and worth a little celebration at least.” She seems lost until I lean towards her. Her eyes widen a little, and I swear her breathing slows. I gently press my lips to hers for only a few moments, long enough to want more. Lexie looks slightly stunned when I pull away and resume eating my dessert.
Chapter Nine
Lexie
I’m standing at the counter in a daze from the night before. I had a date. Ashton kissed me. We’re going on another one.
What?
I feel like I’ve been buried in an avalanche and can finally see the sun again. Could I have feelings for Ashton?
I shake my head.
Nope. No way. No freaking way.
He’s Ashton Campbell. He’s a Utah Bear. He’s a pain in the ass. But he’s sort of funny, kind of caring, and a great dad.
“Mommy?”
I turn see my daughter in her school uniform, large parka coat, and her pink Hello Kitty backpack. “Yes?”
“It’s time to go to school.”
I look at the clock. Crap. My Ashton-daze has made me forget it’s a school day. “Right. Let’s go.”
“Don’t you need shoes?”
I look down at my bare feet. Crap. “Yep, I’m getting them now. Thank you.” I pat her head I as run down the hall to my room, grabbing my boots.
I hustle Sadie out to the car and drive her over to the school. As we’re walking up the sidewalk, Reed yells out for her. We turn and see him and Brooke coming towards us. Brooke’s smile tells me that she’s already aware of the outcome of my date.
“Wow, Lexie, you look refreshed.” She wags her eyebrows at me, and I blush, turning away from her.
“Thanks. Come on, kids.” I rush them both into the door and tell Sadie I’ll see her after school.
“So,” Brooke leans in. “Ashton seemed to be in a good mood as well this morning.”
I groan, making Brooke laugh hard.
“This is so much fun. Usually, I don’t know Ashton’s girlfriends.”
“I’m not his girlfriend. And don’t you find this, I don’t know, strange?” Their relationship still seems so odd to me.
“Hell no. I think it’s great. Ashton’s a great guy, and you’re awesome. This will be a good relationship for you both.”
“Relationship? Oh no, that isn’t what’s happening here. It was one date.”
“Two,” she corrects me. “Ashton told me that when he comes back from the road games, you’re going out again.”
“Still not relationship.”
“You’re taking all the fun out of this.” Brooke pouts.
“What fun? I mean, I went out on a date with a man you’ve had sex with, and is the father of your child. Shouldn’t you be yelling at me or something?” I’ve heard and seen the horror stories of divorced parents and failed partnerships. I’ve even had clients request that people remain on the other side of the room or they’ll have two separate parties for kids.
“Look,” Brooke says, stepping closer to me. “I know you find Ashton’s and my relationship strange, but if you want to know the truth, we’re just friends. In fact, neither one of us even remembers having sex with each other, and we’ve never done anything since that night. When girls look at him, they see this hot hockey millionaire. When I look at him, I see a lanky, tall, clumsy freshman in college who almost ran into a door the first time I met him. The Ashton that I love is my friend and the greatest person I could ask to be a father for Reed. Yes, I’m thankful every day for him, but I want him to be happy too. I think you can do that for him.”
“I…I…” I don’t know what to say. I can’t make anyone happy. The only time I’m that way is if I’m with Sadie.
“I have to go to work, but let’s get together soon for another playdate.” She hugs me and jogs over to her car.
I rub my temples as I get back into my car and drive to the office. Not only do I have a long day ahead, but Tiffany is going to bombard me with questions.
“Tell me everything.” She’s standing right at my door when I walk in.
“Good morning to you too.”
“Skip all that shit, and tell me.” She tugs on my arm and pushes me into my chair.
“Fine.” I take a deep breath. “It was a nice dinner and dessert.”
She screams. “You had sex!”
“No!” I yell at her. “I was talking about brownies. Did you really think I had sex?”
“I was hoping.”
I shake my head. “I’m not having sex.”
“But,” she urges me on.
“We’re going on a second date,” I cave and tell her.
Tiff squeals and leaps into my arms. “I’m so happy for you.”
“You’re choking me.” I try to breathe.
“I never thought I’d see the day you would be dating a Bear.”
I roll my eyes. “You and me both. Now, I have work to do, so go away.”
She skips out of the room, singing, “You’re going to get laid.”
I swear I wonder sometimes what her maturity level is. I open my emails, but my phone begins to buzz with a text message
Ashton: Thanks for saying yes. Twice.
Me: Aren’t you supposed to be on a plane?
Ashton: Don’t change the subject. P.S. I could be available for a playdate too, you know.
I smile before I realize it.
Me: Let’s take one date at a time. I don’t want you to think I’m easy.
Crap. Am I flirting?
Ashton: Would never think such a thing. Besides, I meant for Reed and Sadie.
I slap my hand to my forehead. Oh, I’m such an idiot. Here I think he’s talking about sex, and he’s talking about an actual playdate for the kids.
Me: Of course. I was joking.
That’s such a lie.
Ashton: I’m sure. ;) I never would have thought you had such a dirty mind
Me: I think that’s your job, right?
Ashton: To be the object of your dirty thoughts? Yes. It’s only fair.
I shake my head. I need to get away from the conversation and fast.
Me: Have a safe trip. Go Gamblers!
Ashton: Thanks, but before I go, do you still want those tickets??
Like I’m ever going to go to Vegas.
Me: Always!
I tease him.
Ashton: :) Have a go
od day then, Lexie
Me: Have a safe trip
I put my phone down and realize that I do like him.
Crap.
~
“Pops, you’re so funny.” Sadie is holding her side, laughing at Dad.
“What are you saying? I’m being serious. Worms are the secret ingredient in these cookies.” Dad tries to hold back his smile, but it’s hard for him.
“Grammy, did Pops put worms in our food?”
“I’m not exactly sure, but they are yummy.” Mom tweaks her nose.
“Okay. I’ll eat worms for you, Pops.” She take a large bite of the cookie.
“Sadie, why don’t you go watch SpongeBob? I need to talk to Grammy and Pops.” I need parental advice, and they don’t pull any punches with me. Sadie jumps down from the chair and heads into the other room.
“Everything okay?” Dad looks at me with concern.
“I went out on a date last night,” I whisper.
“That’s wonderful!” Mom exclaims.
“Sshh,” I hush her. “I don’t want Sadie to hear.”
“How come?”
“It’s Reed’s dad, Ashton Campbell.”
“Wait,” Dad’s eyes grow wide. “The Ashton Campbell.”
“Isn’t he the captain of the Bears?” Mom looks between us.
“Yes,” I confirm.
“Oh my.” Mom falls back in her chair a little. “Well, did you have a good time?”
“Yes, I did, and I feel guilty about it.” I drop my head into my hands.
“Why?” they ask at the same time.
“Because I think I like him,” I mumble.
“Honey, that’s not a bad thing. I mean he is a Bear, that sucks a little,” Dad groans. He’s been a Portland fan for as long as I can remember. “But, liking someone is good for you. You haven’t dated in years.”
I look up at him. “We’re going out again. Why do I feel like shit about it?”
“Lexie.” Mom takes my hand. “I loved Tony as a son. We’ve been telling you forever that you need to get back out there. Tony wouldn’t want you to stop living your life. I know he wouldn’t.”
“What about Sadie? I don’t want to confuse her about who her dad is.”
“Sadie is well aware that Tony is her dad. That’s something we’ve all told her.” Dad looks at me with a stern expression. “Is this Ashton pressing that issue?”
“No, we’ve been on one date, Dad. I just feel like…” I don’t know if I can say it out loud, but I do. “It’s like I’m cheating.”
“That’s absurd.” Mom’s face matches Dad’s. “I don’t mean to make this sound insensitive, but it’s been almost seven years.”
“I know.”
“I think this is a good thing.” Dad smiles. “Enjoy your youth. Go out and have fun.”
“Youth? Dad, I’m thirty.”
“Good grief.” Mom shakes her head. “You’re not five hundred years old, Lexie. You have so much life to live. You need to do it. Now, as your mother, I order you to date this hockey player.”
I laugh. “You order me?”
“That’s kind of sexy.” Dad leans over and kisses her.
Chapter Ten
Ashton
“I’m not so sure about this, Ashton,” Lexie says for the third time.
“It’s a playdate for the kids where I happen to be there instead of Brooke. There’s nothing to worry about. I’m about to pick Reed up and then I’ll be there, so be ready.” I pause and add, “My son will be there too. We’re in the same boat, remember? I’m not going to make out with you in front of the children, Lexie. I’ll be there in twenty minutes.”
“You’re right. Sorry. We’ll be ready.”
“Good.” I hang up as I park the truck. Reed comes running out of the house with Brooke close behind him, both smiling. He jumps into my arms when I step out of the truck. “Hey, little man. Ready to go?”
“Yep! Sadie is coming too, right?” He looks worried for a second before I nod.
“Have fun,” Brooke tells him. He leans over to kiss her cheek, exchanging an ‘I love you’, and Brooke faces me. “No fast food.”
I roll my eyes. “Yeah, yeah, we know.”
“Both of you behave.” Brooke gives me a look. What is it with these women?
“We will, Momma,” Reed promises. “Can we go now?”
“Of course.”
We get all buckled in, Reed going on and on about Sadie and all the fish we’ll see at the aquarium. When we arrive at Lexie’s, he breaks away from me once we get close to their door. He knocks repeatedly.
“Reed, stop. Three knocks is enough.”
The door opens and Sadie is standing on the other side. “Reed, we’re going to see fish today!” she squeals with excitement, even jumping up and down.
“I know. Let’s go.” He reaches for her hand and turns, but I stop him.
“Wait just a second, you two. Lexie is coming too. Where’s your mom, Sadie?”
Sadie sighs. “She keeps changing clothes.”
“Sadie,” Lexie hisses, coming up behind her. “I’m ready. Get your coat on.”
I grin. “Are you sure? Do you want to change again before we go?”
“Hush,” she waves me away. “Let’s go.”
Things are quiet between us as the kids ramble in the back seat. I keep hold of Reed’s hand and Lexie does the same for Sadie until we reach the admissions counter. Lexie gives me a look after I pay for all of our tickets, but I ignore it. Sadie and Reed start oohing and aahing immediately. They press their hands against the glass as the peer at all the fish, Lexie and I following close behind them.
We walk up to a tank that has a bunch of seahorses and smaller fish inside. A group of kids surround it, all excited and mesmerized.
Sadie stops her foot and whines, “I can’t see anything.” She crosses her arms in a pout.
“Here, I’ll help.” I bend down to pick her up, but as soon as I do, Reed pipes up too.
“I can’t see either.”
“Maybe if you eat something other than chicken nuggets, you’ll start growing. Might want to try those veggies next time. C’mon.” I crouch down a little to lift him up as well, a kid on each hip. They are heavy too. Reed and Sadie lean forward a little to see even better and I look at Lexie. “Can you see?”
She giggles. “I’m fine, thank you.”
I smile at her. Once the kids are done looking, I put them back down and ask, “Who is ready to see the sharks?”
Sadie looks up at me, then glances at Lexie and Reed. “Like…like real sharks? I thought we were just going to see the fish.”
“Duh, they’re real sharks. Sharks are fish too, Sadie.” Reed rolls his eyes at her, and I poke his shoulder in warning.
“But what if the glass breaks, and they try to eat us, like on Finding Nemo?”
“Those were good sharks. Remember?” Reed answers.
“Oh yeah.” She nods before tugging on my shirt a little. “Mr. Ashton, are these good sharks?”
“Yep, sure are,” I reassure her. “We are going to walk through a little tunnel, and they’ll swim around above us.”
That might not have been the best thing to say based on how scared she looks now, but I wanted to let her know what was going to happen. The little girl takes a deep breath, getting very serious. “Can I hold your hand in case the glass breaks?”
“Yes, you can.” She grabs my hand and I add, “You might need to hold Reed’s hand too.”
“Okay,” she nods in agreement as she takes his, “but hold Mommy’s, so we don’t lose her either.”
I hold back my laugh. “All right.” With a hand outstretched to Lexie, I ask, “Are you ready now too?”
With ease, she intertwines her fingers with mine and nods. As we walk towards the shark exhibit, she leans in and whispers, “If I didn’t know better, I would think you planned this.”
“I’m not that good,” I laugh.
“And here I thought you were,�
� she winks.
Reed becomes fascinated as we stroll through the little tunnel. He points things out to us and gets excited when the sharks get close to us. Sadie, on the the other hand, keeps squeezing my hand and looking around nervously.
We’re about halfway through when Sadie tilts her head back as a shark swims overhead. “I don’t like it in here. Where’s the end?”
“We’re almost there,” Lexie tells her.
She takes a step closer to me. “Can’t we go now?”
Hearing Sadie, Reed turns to me. “I don’t want to leave the tunnel early, Dad. This is too cool.”
I crouch to be at eye level with her. “You look like a brave little girl. Are you sure you want to hurry out?” She quickly nods. “I think there are some jellyfish at the other end. If it’s okay with your mom, I could go show you and she could stay here with Reed?” I glance over my shoulder at Lexie.
“That’s fine. Reed, you want to look at the sharks with me?”
Reed does, of course, so Sadie and I hurry out to find the jellyfish. About a minute or so of her not talking, she looks at me curiously. “Is this what other daddies do with their kids?”
Oh. I try my best to answer in a way she would understand, and that won’t get me in trouble with Lexie. “If they can, yes, they do. Sometimes, they can’t.”
“I bet if my daddy was here, he would take me places,” she tells me with such surety. “Reed’s lucky.”
“I bet he would too, Sadie. But I’m sure you have lots of fun with your mom.”
She smiles, the love pouring from her. “I do. She’s funny, especially when we play dress up. She always plays with me, even when she’s tired. So, you could do stuff with us now too, right? Because you’re a daddy.”
Oh, where is Lexie when I need her? I’m unsure of what to say, so I go with my gut. “Well, sure, but I’m Reed’s dad and Tony is still your dad. We can still go do stuff, though.”
She nods, her focus on the jellyfish. “Mommy says having a daddy like mine in heaven makes me special because he was soldier. So, I guess I’m lucky like Reed. Those jellyfish move slow.”
“Yeah, they do, but they are pretty, aren’t they?” I definitely take the out that she offers. I have no clue what to do in a situation like this, and I don’t want to overstep or confuse Sadie.
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