“So, we’re doing this?”
“Oh, we’re doing this, Mr. Bennett.”
I wrap my arms around her, hoisting her up. Adley’s legs wrap around my waist, her lips nibbling a path from my neck to my ear.
“No more running in the mornings, got it? Ouch!” I flinch when she bites the sensitive spot at the curve of my shoulder.
“I had a study group.”
“Whatever you say, babe. And I’m going to need a key to your place. I have a feeling we’re going to be doing a lot of driving back and forth now that you’re no longer in Houston three to four nights a week.”
“Okay.”
I kick her bedroom door open and then nudge it shut with my foot and flick the lock. Adley squeals when I toss her on the bed and peel my shirt off.
“Do you have plans tomorrow?”
She licks her lips, her hungry eyes roaming over my chest.
“Adley.”
“Huh?” S
he blinks up at me.
“Do you have plans tomorrow?”
“I’d really like to spend the day with you.”
Damn, this girl is amazing. “Good, because there’s somewhere I want to take you—someone I want you to meet.”
“What about today?”
“Oh, sweetheart,” I say, crawling on to the bed. “I think you know what we’re doing today.”
7
Lincoln
A curly haired, ten-year-old boy named Lucas throws his arms in the air and does a victorious lap around the ping-pong table. This kid just whooped my butt three games in a row.
“Who else wants to take on the champion?” His triumphant smile alone is enough to make the trip to Kid Connection worth it, and I toss my paddle on the table for the next victim.
Adley wraps her arms around me from behind. “This place is wonderful. Thank you for bringing me.”
I told Adley where we were going this morning when we woke up together at her house, and she was more than excited. I told her about all the kids I’ve connected with, including Lucas, and the various activities available, and she hounded me about when we were going until we walked out the door.
“You’re welcome.” I kiss her head, and she grins.
“Now, let me show you how it’s done.” She reaches around me and grabs the paddle.
“Careful. He’s ruthless.”
“He’s right. And I don’t mind beatin’ a girl.” Tossing the ball in the air, Lucas bounces it off his paddle and catches it, but Adley isn’t deterred.
Legs apart, body angled to the right, she takes her position at the opposite end of the table. “Good, because I don’t mind beatin’ a kid.”
Right arm raised, Lucas drops the ball and whacks it across the table. The ball is quick, but Adley is quicker, and when she returns the ball, Lucas whiffs.