Mind Games

“We can’t drink it or we get sick. But the frog can. You can watch.”

She watched, had a second glass of wine.

“You know, I’m not sure who’s happier with that bubbling frog, Bray or Bunk. I might just have to get him one.”

They had pie while the sun set, then lingered while the boy chased fireflies.

When he sprawled on the grass with his head on the dog, Ty rose. “He’s done.”

“I think he wore Bunk out. Thanks for dinner, and the entertainment.” Before she could rise, Ty laid a hand on her shoulder.

“Stay. It won’t take long for me to put him to bed.”

“I should—”

“Stay,” he said again.

He walked over to pick up his son.

“More bubbles.”

“Mmm-hmm.”

As he carried Bray in, he sang softly.

How could she resist him, this, all of it? Why should she?

Why not embrace this perfect summer evening that had fallen so beautifully into a perfect summer night? Moonlight beamed, stars sparkled, and the lightest breeze carried the first hints of the fall to come.

She heard Ty’s voice, soft as a wish, flowing out of the window as he put his son to bed.

When the fates handed you a gift, who but a fool would refuse it?

Rising, she carried in the dessert dishes, busied herself with the simple task to calm her nerves. While she did, Bunk circled, then sprawled on the kitchen floor, snoozing, and very much at home.

When she heard Ty coming back, she turned. “He went down easy.”

“When I call bedtime, it takes longer than if I just let him drop. Tonight was a let-him-drop deal. He won’t get many of those once school starts.”

“On a night like this, it seems fair to go until you can’t.”

“That was my thinking.”

He slid his arms around her. “And if you’re not four, it’s still early.”

She rose up to meet his mouth and thought, no. For her, it was way too late.

Old needs, new needs waked inside her. All roused by a kiss in the kitchen with the summer night fluttering through the windows. And the heat of his body pressed to hers.

“Come upstairs with me, Thea. Come to bed with me.”

“I want to.” Why deny it? “I just—”

“He’s out. And we’ll be quiet.”

Undone, she pressed her face to his shoulder. “I can be quiet.”

“Come upstairs, and we’ll test that.”