no doubt you will.”
“Thanks, that’s nice to hear. I’ve always dreamed of being a doctor.”
“Is this your first time taking the test?” Ross was far too interested in her life, but he couldn’t stop himself from asking.
“Yes.”
“Why haven’t you done it before now?”
“My husband didn’t want me to go to school. He wanted me to be there when he came home.”
Something close to anger boiled within Ross. The dirtbag hadn’t even supported his wife’s dreams. Kody had said he was a jerk, but Ross had had no idea how big of one.
Ross heard the laughter of the kids. “I’m sorry. I’m sure you didn’t get much study time here.”
“I did some this morning while the kids were playing. When I get home, I’ll go at it hard. Only thing is that they’re replacing the siding on my apartment complex, so I’ll have to work around that. Speaking of going, Lucy and I need to be doing that.”
Ross was reluctant to see her leave. He found he really didn’t like that idea.
“You’re welcome here anytime. I mean, it’s quiet here. You can come out anytime, whether or not I’m here.”
“I don’t know…” She looked uncertain.
He raised a hand. “Hey, just know the offer’s there if you need it.”
“Thanks. That’s kind of you.” She gathered her books and left them at the front door before she stepped outside and called, “Lucy. We have to go now.”
“Do we have to?” Lucy whined.
“Yes. Your daddy’s expecting you, and I have studying to do.”
Ross joined her with her bags in hand.
She grinned at him. “So much for my talents.”
He laughed. She reached for their belongings. “I’ll carry them to the car.”
The kids came up on the porch.
Olivia pointed her small finger toward the rustic star nailed over the door on the beam above his and Sally’s heads. “Look, Uncle Ross, you and Sally are standing under the Texas star. You have to kiss her!”
Ross had forgotten about the star. It was a game he’d been playing with Olivia since she was a baby. Before she left from a visit, he gave her a kiss under the star.
“When you’re standing under the star, you have to kiss the one you’re with. Isn’t that so, Uncle Ross?” Olivia gave him an expectant face.
Sally’s eyes had grown wide. “What?”
Ross spoke to Olivia. “Yeah, but that’s between you and me. It’s not for everyone.”
“But you kiss Mom and Grandma under it,” Olivia insisted.
“I, uh, don’t think that’s necessary.” Sally took a step away.
“That’s not what you said, Uncle Ross,” Jared said. “You said you must always tell the truth.”
“I did say that.” He was caught in a trap and he was afraid Sally was as well. He looked at her. “You wouldn’t want me not to be a man of my word?”
“It seems I have no choice.” She didn’t sound convinced. In fact, she acted as if she’d like to run. Yet she put the bags down and placed her books on top of them.
He took her hand and led her back to where they had been standing under the star. She must have been in shock because she offered no resistance. He placed his hands on her waist. Their looks met. He said softly, “You do know it won’t be a fate worse than death, don’t you?”
“I’d like to think so.”
He kissed her, stopping any further words with his mouth. Her lips were soft and warm. Everything he had imagined and more.
Sally’s hands came to his waist and clutched his shirt as if she needed him as a stabilizer. After the first seconds of indecision, she returned the kiss. His body hummed as his hands tightened with the intention of pulling her closer. This kiss was too sweet, too revealing, too little. It had quickly gone from an intentioned friendly kiss under the star to one of passion.
“Ooh.”
“Ick.”
“Ugh…”
The sounds coming from the kids made him draw back. Ross looked into Sally’s eyes. She appeared as shaken as he. He registered the shiver that ran through her. Sally broke from his hold and he didn’t stop her.
“Lucy, we need to go.” There was a quiver in Sally’s voice as she grabbed her books.
He reached for the bags before she had time to pick them up and followed her to the car. She opened the door and without looking at him said, “You can just throw those in the back seat.”
“Will do. Thanks again for helping me out.”
“You’re welcome. Lucy, buckle up.” Seconds later she and Lucy were ready to go.
Ross stood out of the way as Sally turned the car around and headed down the drive. He watched her go with his body still not recovered from their kiss. By the way Sally had acted, she’d been as affected as he had been. One thing was for sure, he wanted to kiss her again. If he had anything to say about it, it would happen again—soon.
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