“Crime.”
“Botanical gardens.”
“Overcrowding.”
“Breweries.”
“Expensive houses.”
“Malls.”
“Ugh. Malls.”
We both laughed. It seemed like the very things I considered exciting; he tried to escape. It made me stop and try visualizing Firefly through his eyes. Had I taken it for granted? Maybe, but I wouldn’t be thinking that as I drove an hour to pick up my favorite cereal.
“What about Lucas? Is he enjoying it?”
“He enjoys seeing his dad more.” Me too. “He’s not great at making friends. He’s not used to seeing the same kids all day at school. It’ll take him a while, I think.”
“Bring him by the shop. There are kids playing card games in the back. I can introduce him. They’re the geeks of Firefly. If he’s willing to play Monsters and Mayhem, they’ll love him.”
He rested a hand on my leg, giving it a squeeze. “Iappreciate it.” I hadn’t given it much thought, but paternal instinct quickly moved up my list of sexy traits.
Now, about that ex-wife? I wanted to ask, but I didn’t want to ruin the moment. What happened to their marriage that she didn’t come with him? Had she caught him cheating… with a man? The theories came in rapid succession as he gave my leg another pat.
“What do folks do for fun around here?”
“Kid or adult?”
“Both?”
“For kids? The quarry. Playing in the woods. Driving in circles wasting gas? That’s about it.”
“Careful, you’re really selling Firefly. What about adults?”
“Quarry. Woods. Wasting gas.”
He shook his head.
“Well, there is one other thing. Every few weeks, a bunch of us go to Spectrum.”
He raised an eyebrow. Could we skip talking? I wanted to grab the sides of his face and kiss him. Let the whole town see. I didn’t care what rumors spread. I wanted to feel that beard against my face again.
“Every Thursday Spectrum has…” I hadn’t been this nervous since I came out of the closet. “Gay Night. It’s cheap beer and dancing.”
He gave a slight nod. I couldn’t tell if he was interested or repulsed by the idea. I wouldn’t play a game of poker against Simon, not with his flat expression.
“No pressure. It’s a fun time. Get a few beers in Mrs.Hawthorne and she will break out some impressive dance moves.”
“Sounds like a good time.” It wasn’t a confirmation. “Let me get back to you.”
He reached down and snatched up his bags. I wanted to grab his hand and pull him back. Even if we weren’t naked and sweaty, I genuinely enjoyed his company. I hopped to my feet, shoving my hands in my pockets to prevent touching his chest.
“I’m off to manhandle my zucchini.”
This time, it was impossible to miss the wink.
SADDLE UP COWBOY
