“You need it. Sometimes, we come home late, and you can’t be outside for too long. It’s for your own safety as well.” I wanted to reach out and touch her, but not in front of Vince. Not yet at least.
She nodded, agreeing. “Thank you.”
Vince was reading the book out loud, the kid getting down harder words than I had at his age for sure. I laughed as I watched him, distracted by his loud voice.
Kylie laughed as well, finding it funny that Vince seemed to notice the awkwardness between the two of us as we tried to figure out what to do. You didn’t sleep with someone twice and then treat them like a friend a few days later. It was on me to make a move, but I needed to figure a few things out first, and I would.
“By the way.” I stopped laughing, returning to my sober self. “I’m planning to go hog hunting soon. You should come along. Watch how I shoot the hogs. That way you can learn how to shoot at a moving target.”
She stood up straight. She nodded, her eyes determined and eager to witness the scene. “I would like that. I think.”
I’d like it too. Any excuse for more time with her was a good enough reason for me to suggest just about anything. “Just in case you see something again, you won’t be afraid to pull the trigger anymore.” I smiled and reached out, tucking a strand of her hair behind her ears. God, she was beautiful. Insanely so.
Chapter Twenty
Kylie
The rest of the evening was spent doing much of nothing, and I must have been more tired than I thought. I passed out on the couch and woke up in Hunter’s bed alone just after two in the afternoon. I must have been exhausted. I never sleep that long.
After scrambling some eggs for the little guy, I dropped down on the couch next to him with a smile on my face. He was growing on me, and I wasn’t sure if I was falling in love with him or Hunter faster. We watched TV for a couple of hours before Vince went to find some of his toys and his coloring book.
I hadn’t relaxed so much in forever. It was bliss.
Vince was busy coloring the rest of his books while I watched his favorite cartoons on the television. I was getting used to all the kid shows he watched, and honestly, I was starting to like them.
“What color do you want, Kylie? Red or pink?” He pointed to the rose that was on the first page of his book. I picked the red one, telling him it’s the prettier of the two. He continued his activity as I kept my eyes on him, amused by how productive he was during his Sunday morning.
Sunday was my day off at the convenience store. It was a blessing in disguise, though. Days off during the weekends enabled me to spend more time with Vince, which was quickly becoming my favorite thing to do.
“How about this girl’s hair, Kylie?” He pointed to the next page where a pretty girl held a rose.
I smiled at him and picked the color yellow. “That girl looks like me. Curls on the end of the long hair. Golden blonde will do.” He took the crayon happily from my hand, smiling at me as he nodded.
“Yeah, she looks like you. Except that you’re prettier.” He returned his attention to the book, coloring in the girl’s hair with the yellow.
I stroked Vince’s hair as I watched him enjoy his hobby. Living with the Yonnies was one of the best things in life. It felt like I was a part of a family. Vince was like a son to me.
“Are you hungry, Vince?” I asked him, his eyes still focused on the girl he was coloring.
“Not yet.”
I looked at the clock and stood up from my seat. “Nonetheless, I better get us something to eat before you get hungry. A superhero must not go starving.” I walked to the kitchen to start cooking the meat Hunter left in the fridge from before he left that morning.
“Hey. I’m home. Anyone here?” The sound of Hunter’s voice caused my stomach to tighten as I worked in the kitchen.
“In here. Just getting dinner together,” I called out, trying not to think about how nice it was to play family with Hunter and Vince. Could it turn into something else? Something more? I prayed it would.
“My Aunt Brenda is stopping by to pick up some papers on her way through town.” Hunter moved closer to me and smiled. “You’ll like her.”
“Is she coming in time for dinner?”
“I don’t think so. Speaking of dinner. I’m starving. Let me wash up and I’ll be right there.”
I watched him go before going into the kitchen and finishing things up. I called Hunter and Vince into the kitchen and prepared our plates. Pork barbecue with stewed veggies on the side. The aroma of the food was truly delicious, making my stomach grumble in hunger.
“I told you, you are the better cook between the two of us. Right, Vince?” Hunter smiled as we sat across the table from each other, stealing glances at one another through the whole meal.
“Yep,” Vince mumbled through his mouthful, causing us to chuckle.