“Very pretty,” she agrees.
“Dad, the sharks were so cool!” We turn at the sound of Reed’s voice. He and Lexie look happy. “I even touched the glass.”
“Really? That’s awesome.” I high-five him.
“Can we have chicken nuggets now?”
Sadie eagerly adds, “Yes, can we?”
“Don’t you two ever want something other than chicken nuggets?” Chicken nuggets are going to be the death of me. “Maybe we should try something new? What do you think?”
Reed looks disgusted. “Not veggies, right? Mom makes me eat all that yucky stuff.”
“My mommy does too.”
“Hey,” Lexie starts, gaining their attention, “forgive us for wanting healthy children to grow up strong. Don’t you two want to be big and strong?” They both nod. “Then let’s see if there’s something else that’s yummy and healthy.”
“Right,” I agree. “Do y’all want a t-shirt or some souvenir before we go?”
“Yes!” they answer with excitement.
“Let’s go find something, then. Reed, you can pick out one thing, okay? So choose wisely.”
He nods and we walk over to the gift shop. Lexie and I follow a few steps behind them while they search for the perfect souvenir. I bump Lexie’s shoulder with mine. “Having fun?”
“I’m having a lot of fun. Thank you,” she smiles. “I’m sorry I acted crazy before. I don’t want the kids to get the wrong impression.”
“No need to be sorry. I get it.” With my eyes on her little girl, I mention my conversation with her. “Sadie brought up her dad while we were looking at jellyfish.”
Lexie looks sad, but not surprised. “She’s been asking a lot of questions here lately. It didn’t help that the school has a family dance coming up. I know that the dads will be dancing with their daughters. Sadie pretends that she’s okay with it, but it bothers the hell out of me. I hope she didn’t make you uncomfortable or anything. She’s curious still.”
“Maybe talk to her some more? I don’t know.” I can’t give much advice when I’ve never been in such a situation. “She asked if I would be able to do stuff with y’all since I’m a daddy. I told her I could, but that I’m still Reed’s dad and that Tony is still hers. Didn’t really know what to tell her.”
Her eyes widen with horror. “I’m sorry. I really am. I’ll talk to her about boundaries.”
“No, she was fine. I just meant…I don’t know.” All I wanted was to tell her what happened. “She’s sweet, and what I’m about to say has absolutely nothing to do with you or us, okay?”
Lexie hesitates. “Okay.”
“If she wants to go to the dance, I could be her dance partner during those songs. She shouldn’t have to miss out on dressing up. She said she likes doing that with you.” I smile, hoping that will help my case.
Sure enough, Lexie giggles, probably at memories of doing just that with her daughter. “Ashton,” she begins seriously, “that is a favor I could never repay, and I can’t ask something like that of you. I mean, we just started dating…or whatever this is, but that’s very thoughtful of you.”
“You aren’t asking, because I offered. And ignore the dating thing. This is me wanting to do something for her, for Reed’s new best friend. That’s it. Think about it?” The thought of that little girl missing a dance she seems to want to go to because her dad can’t be here to take her kills me. If I could take her without confusing her, then why not?
It takes a moment, but Lexie nods as the kids walk to us.
Sadie holds up a stuffed animal. “Mommy, this looks like Nemo, doesn’t it? Can I have it?”
“Of course.” She smiles. “Reed, what did you find?”
He holds up a little bag. “Shark teeth!”
I laugh and take it from him, looking it over. “Hey, you know what you should do with those, little man?” I give them back, knowing he’s going to like what I’m about to say. “When you get home, wait a little bit, and take one out. Then say ‘ow’ really loud and go carry it to your mom and pretend that it’s one of your teeth that fell out.”
Lexie giggles, but manages to speak. “Ashton, that’s horrible.”
Between my idea and Lexie’s laughing, Reed smiles. “Mom gets so grossed out when I lose a tooth. She’s going to freak!”
I chuckle. That’s the idea. “We’ll work out a plan, then. Let’s go check out and go eat.”
We walk over and the kids put their things on the counter. While a teenager rings me up, I pull out my wallet.
“Ashton, I’ve got hers,” Lexie objects.
I pretend to misunderstand her. “You’ll carry it for her? That’s so sweet of you.” I hand my card to him and pay. As we walk out of the aquarium to my truck, I ask Lexie, “Where are we going to feed the munchkins?”
“There’s a small diner around the corner. We could go there?”
“Sounds good to me.”
We’re sitting at a table in the diner with Reed and me on one side and Lexie and Sadie on the other when Sadie frowns.
“Mommy, why can’t I sit with Reed?” she whines. “He’s my best friend.”
“Do you want to switch seats with me, Sadie?” I offer.
“Yes.” She quickly climbs over Lexie’s lap and takes my vacated seat.
“I would have moved, Sadie,” Lexie mumbles. “I’m not a jungle gym.”
She laughs and I motion for Lexie to move. “Scoot, Lexie. I’m not as little as Sadie, so I can’t climb over you.”
The kids laugh, she rolls her eyes, and as soon as I sit down, Reed goes, “Do they have chicken nuggets here?”
“They have chicken fingers. It’s similar,” Lexie answers.
Sadie’s brows pull together. “Do chickens have fingers?”
“Well, I hope they are as good as their nuggets,” Reed says seriously.
Lexie tries to hide her giggling as I ask them, “I thought we were trying something new? I will, if you do, Reed.”
He seems to think about it first. “Okay. You want to try too, Sadie?”
She doesn’t hesitate. “Yes. What about you, Mommy?”
“Sure, why not?” Lexie nudges her elbow against mine. “Let’s be crazy, right?”
I smile. “Let’s be crazy.” After scanning the menu, I glance at everyone. “Can I pick? Do you guys trust me to choose?”
They nod, but I notice that Reed hesitates. He should know that I eat more like him than his mom. When the waiter comes to take our order, I tell him that we’ll have salmon patties. Reed immediately makes a disgusted sound.
“Dad, that sounds gross.”
“We’ll have to try it to find out. It might be better than you think. Right, Lexie?” I angle myself towards her a little and slide my hand from my thigh to hers, squeezing it gently.
Her voice cracks as she replies, “Yep, you’re right.”
“I’m always right. Aren’t I, Reed?”
He nods. “Yes, sir.” With a smile, he repeats words I’m sure he’s heard Brooke mutter before. “No one likes a know-it-all, though.”
Chapter Eleven
Lexie
Ashton’s hand is on my thigh, and my daughter is sitting across from me. His thumb rubs circles on my outer thigh. I can feel the heat rising through my blood.
“Mommy, do you have my crayons?”
I nod, feeling Ashton move his hand as I reach into my purse. “Here you go, and you both need to share.”
The kids agree and begin to color the backs of the menus, which have kids’ puzzles on them.
“You carry crayons?” Ashton’s voice is low and tickles my skin.
“Yes, I have a child. I even have toys, a change of clothes, and a first-aid kit.”
“So, that’s why women carry big purses.” His knee nudges mine, and I react by pushing back.
We watch the kids color. Ashton plays tic-tac toe with both kids, and loses. It’s interesting to see this side of him. To see him as a dad, and not a hockey player.
It’s almost like there are two of him. Our food arrives, I clean up all the crayons and situate the kids. Surprisingly, they eat most of the food.
“Mommy, you think Pops could make this?”
“I’m sure he could.” I smile.
“Who’s Pops?” Ashton asks.
“My dad.”
“Oh.” He nods, understanding.
“Excuse me.” We all turn to see a blonde in her mid-twenties staring at Ashton. “Oh my God, you’re Ashton Campbell. I’m your biggest fan.”
Ashton looks almost embarrassed, and I glance over at Reed. He leans back from the table and hangs his head.
“Thank you,” he says politely to her.
“Is there anyway I could grab a quick picture with you? Please.”
Ashton glances at me and looks like he’s a little upset. “Sure.” He stands, and the girl snaps a selfie with Ashton and hugs him. When she walks away, Ashton sits down. “Reed, you can sit back up,” and he does.
“Why does he do that?”
“Because Mom doesn’t like when they take pictures of me,” Reed explains.
“Oh, they take photos of your kid?” I’m shocked that a fan would do that.
“They do. Brooke and I try to keep him out of them as much as possible.”
“Why did she take your picture?” Sadie looks confused.
“Because Ashton has a lot of fans, and they want a photo of him,” I explain to her.
“But Dad isn’t as popular as Uncle Jax. People are always taking photos with him. Right, Dad?” Reed asks.
“Uncle Jax?” My mouth drops. “As in Jax Godwin?”
Ashton shrugs. “Tiffany is your best friend. He’s mine.”
“Wait, you’re best friends with Jax Godwin?” I remember that Reed mentioned Uncle Jax before, but I hadn’t pieced it together until now.
Reed smiles brightly at me. “He’s my uncle.”
“Yes, Lexie,” Ashton confirms. “Don’t go full-out fan on us. Although, I knew you didn’t know as much hockey as you thought, because if you did, then you’d know that Jax and I went to the same college.”
It hits me. “Oh, that’s right. I do remember reading that somewhere, but I didn’t know you were friends.”
“That’s one reason why our rivalry is so good, because we know each other so well.”
“I always see you two chirping each other, but I never put it together.” I bump his shoulder.
“Uncle Jax send me the coolest toys,” Reed pipes up.
“I think there’s another one waiting at home, too.” Reed claps happily. “Hey, Lexie likes his team more, Reed. What do you think about that?” He tries to coax Reed into teasing me.
“Mommy loves him.” Sadie jumps into the mix. “She’s always cheering for him.”
“That’s because he’s the best ever. He’s my favorite too,” Reed tells her.
“What?” Ashton looks shocked. “How could you pick Jax over me? I’m your dad!”
Reed’s face drops. “Well, I like you too, Dad, but Uncle Jax has more points. He told me when we talked the other day. He said you’re getting slow in your old age. That’s why I have to be his number-one fan.”
Ashton shakes his head. “Your uncle Jax is as old as I am, Reed. I can’t believe you would choose him over me just because of points. What are you going to do when I have more points than him?”
“Then you’ll be my favorite.” Reed smiles up to his dad.
I laugh at them both. “All right, boys and young lady, let’s head out.”
The kids gather up their items and take our respective hands. Ashton isn’t recognized anymore as we head out. I never really thought about fans seeking him out. Or how cruel it is that they take pictures of players’ children.
We make sure the kids are buckled in, and Ashton drives us back to our house. The kids continue to talk about their day, and Ashton and I listen to them. When he pulls into my driveway I figure that he’s only dropping us off. I’m taken aback when he and Reed get out of the truck and follow me in.
“Hey Sadie, why don’t you and Reed go play for a little bit.” A little alone time with Ashton wouldn’t be a bad thing, I guess. I watch them run off down the hall to her bedroom.
“Would you like some tea?”
Ashton smiles. “Sure.”
We go into the kitchen, and I turn on the kettle. “I didn’t think seeing a bunch of fish would be so tiring.”
“Me either. It was worth it, though.”
“Yes, it’s always nice to see the kids’ excitement.” I lean against the counter near him. “You’re leaving again, right? After tomorrow night’s game?”
“Yeah.” He steps in front of me, very close. “Are you going to miss me?” I can hear the teasing tone in his voice.
“You have to leave for me to miss you,” I flirt back. How is this coming so easily to me? Why can’t I stop the butterflies in my stomach when I look into his hazel eyes?
He leans in closer to my lips, and there is a moment of hesitation. I know the kids are down the hall, and I don’t want to be caught by them, but I can’t stop myself. Our lips touch gently, but a split second goes by, and I lose my self-control. I open my mouth, and his tongue slips into mine. I moan as I wrap my arm around his neck, and his come around my waist.
When I dig my nails into his hair, I know that I have to stop. I need to remember that I’m in a house with two small kids, and they could walk in at any time.
“Maybe I should leave now. I like the idea of you missing me.” He calls for Reed, and after Reed thanks me for the day, they leave.
~
“How did you two talk me into this?” I lay back as one masseuse works on my temples and the other on my feet.
“I think this is heaven at its best,” Tiffany sighs.
“Every girl needs a spa day,” Brooke adds in.
They roped me into this, and Tiffany arranged for the kids to stay at my parents’. Then they practically dragged me into the building. I hate to say it, but it feels pretty darn good. After we finish the massages, we’re off to the steam room. I’m thankful we’re the only ones in here as I pull my towel tighter. The second I sit down, the sweat begins to pour off of me.
“Now, Brooke, I know that Mr. Campbell has his claws in Miss Thing over here,” Tiffany thumbs over at me, “but does anyone have theirs in you?”
“Actually,” she smiles over at her, “I’ve been seeing someone for a couple of months. I didn’t think it was too serious, but I’m going to talk to Ashton, and maybe we’ll introduce him to Reed.”
“Is that how you do it?” I hadn’t asked them before about it.
“Yes. We always wait until it’s serious. I don’t want random people in and out of Reed’s life.”
I want to ask how many women Ashton has introduced to Reed, but I keep my mouth closed. That’s not my business. It’s not like Ashton is mine or anything. I close my eyes, letting the hot steam soothe me. My thoughts begin to wander, thinking of Ashton’s lips. Our last kiss made my knees weak and my head spin. I can’t wait for him to do it again. I can’t wait to feel his arms around me, and his hands…
“Lexie?”
I pop my eyes open, and the girls are staring at me. “What?”
“You looked asleep,” Brooke says. “We were worried you passed out.”
I smile. “No, just…thinking.”
After a couple more minutes, we head out to the showers. The cool water on my hot skin wakes me up. I feel refreshed, and like I can conquer the world. I’ll never tell Tiffany that she’s right about the spa day, though. When I finish, I slip on my yoga pants and sweatshirt. I sit on the bench across from the lockers, tying my shoes, and then my phone beeps.
Ashton: Hope you’re enjoying the spa day. FYI, I’m not thinking about you wrapped in a towel. I’m really not.
I can’t help the smile that spreads across my face as I text back to him.
Me: I’m very relaxed, and I’m not thinking about you all hot and
sweaty from a long day of practice either.
That’s the furthest thing from the truth, but I would never tell him that I’ve been Googling pictures of him. I may have drooled over a few.
Ashton: Glad to hear that…the relaxed part. I haven’t even thought about the next time I’ll see you, so I can kiss you again.
I lick my lips thinking about kissing him again.
Me: What a shame. I had thought about that. Maybe I shouldn’t be thinking so much, then?
Ashton: You had? Because I lied.
My insides jump, thinking that maybe he was daydreaming about me like I’ve done.
Me: I’m shocked. You lied? SMH. I’m hurt.
Ashton: I’m sorry. I was trying not to sound needy…even though when it comes to you, I kind of am.
What?
What do I say?
I quickly rack about my brain and text back the one thing that doesn’t sound like I’m needy too.
Me: Being needy isn’t always a bad thing. In some situations, I guess. I need to go get Sadie. Talk to you later
“Lexie, are you ready?”
I look up at Brooke. “Yep, let’s go get the kids.”
I hug Tiff bye, and tell her that I’ll call her later, and then Brooke follows me back over to my parents’ house. When we walk in, we hear the kids laughing in the kitchen.
“Mommy!”
“Mom!”
Both of our kids run into our arms and hugs us.
“Did you have a good day, Reed?”
“Mom,” he steps back, and I notice how much he looks like Ashton. “I had the greatest day ever.”
“You did?”
“Yes, we made cookies with worm parts. Then, a pie with bug guts.” He face is full of excitement.
“Don’t forget the fairy dust.” Sadie pushes on his shoulder.
“Oh yeah, and it was so yummy.”
“Bug guts?” Brooke’s face is a mix of horror and disgust.
I touch her arms to gain her attention and wink at her, letting her know that it’s not the real thing. She relaxes.
“Well, I’m so glad that you had a great day. You behaved the whole time, right?”
“Brooke, he was a dream,” Mom says from the table.
“Mom, they even said I can call them ‘Grammy’ and ‘Pops’ too.”
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