Total pages in book: 34
Estimated words: 30747 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 154(@200wpm)___ 123(@250wpm)___ 102(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 30747 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 154(@200wpm)___ 123(@250wpm)___ 102(@300wpm)
Joey and I giggled our way through dinner as he slurped noodles and we had milk races with our straws. We even blew through them instead, making white bubbles climb up the insides of our cups. I kept peeking over at Tage, and every time I found him smiling back at me. It was the best dinner of my whole life.
“So, Daddy,” Joey said once all of our plates were empty, “What’s for dessert?”
Ian chuckled and reached over with a paper towel to clean off his boy’s messy face. “We have some orange sherbet in the freezer. You boys could have some of that while you watch TV if you’d like.”
“Yes!” Joey cheered, punching his fist in the air. Ian raised his eyebrows and Joey turned to me to add, “I mean…if that’s okay with you, too.”
I nodded excitedly, and rose from my chair when Joey did the same. I offered, “I can help clean up dinner,” earning a proud smile from Tage, but Ian shook his head.
“Thank you, but I’ll take care of it. You boys, go have fun and we’ll bring you some sherbet in just a few minutes.”
“Thanks, Daddy!” Joey rushed to Ian’s side and threw his arms around his neck.
My own hands tingled with longing. I wanted to hug Tage so badly; to feel his arms around me, to rest my head on his strong chest, and to show my appreciation for him. But I was too afraid of taking advantage of our friendship or crossing a boundary, so I stood still until Joey returned to me and grabbed my hand to take me into the living room.
Just as was promised, Ian and Tage brought us each a large bowl of orange sherbet a few minutes later. The two men sat on the sofa and talked while Joey and I happily ate, sitting on the floor and watching cartoons.
Joey found a show that he thought I’d like; it was about a girl named Polly who had a magical locket which could shrink her and her friends to the size of dolls. He was right; I couldn’t take my eyes off of the bright colors, and I was completely sucked into the storyline.
I imagined what it would be like to shrink down to four inches tall. I could play with Barbie inside her house, and ride around on Joey’s remote control cars. And I would always win at hide-and-seek.
When the credits rolled on the fourth episode, Ian used the remote to turn off the television.
“Aw, can’t we watch one more?” Joey asked, giving his Daddy a pouty lip.
“It’s getting late, sweet thing,” Ian replied. “And you two have had a big day of playing. Aren’t you getting tired?”
“Not at all,” he shrugged.
I, on the other hand, was getting very tired. It had been a long (but great) day of learning and exploration. My jaw dropped into a wide yawn while I stretched my arms over my head.
"Oh my, that was a big yawn," Tage pointed out with a smile. "I think my little duckling is getting sleepy." I knew it was just a turn of phrase, but I so desperately longed to be his. "I'd be happy to take you home."
"I'll go too," Joey piped up, but Ian put his hands on his boy's shoulders.
"I think we should let Tage and Andy have some time alone," he suggested instead, and butterflies took flight in my stomach. As much as I enjoyed spending time with Joey, I had a burning need to get closer to Tage.
"Ohhh," Joey replied while bouncing his eyebrows like he was keyed into a secret. "Good idea."
"Besides, you need a shower before bed anyway," Ian added, and Joey's eyebrows furrowed. Ian gave him a stern (but loving) look, and Joey sighed.
"Yes, Daddy." He crawled over to me and wrapped me in a big hug. "Thanks for playing with me today. I had a great time."
"Me too. Can we play again soon?"
"Definitely." Joey let me loose and went back to his Daddy, who waved goodbye to me before taking Joey towards the bathroom.
Tage stood up and offered me his hand once more. "Are you ready?" he asked with a smile.
I was ready for so much more than he could give me. But for now, even if it hurt later, I'd enjoy every moment with him. "Ready."
Chapter Four
Tage
"I'll get that for you," I told Andy as we reached my red Porsche, which was parked in the garage beside the apartment complex. I opened the passenger door and he thanked me before sliding inside.
Needing to know he was safe, I leaned in over him and stretched his seatbelt across his chest, buckling it at his side. Andy's cheeks were pink, but his eyes were grateful when he looked up at me.
It meant so much that he was comfortable in my presence and care; he didn't even pause to accept my offer to take him home. I shut his door and jogged around to the driver's side, wanting to be near him again as quickly as possible.