Page 55 of Play Along

“Maybe!”

We round another corner, and I do the same thing, sending us spinning out sideways.

Our laughs are filling the small space between us as the car comes to a stop at the end of the street. We’re both breathing heavily, laughs slowing. I love seeing her like this. Carefree. Fun.

I see her with the kids all day. I see how she has everything so in control and organized. But here, alone in this car, I catch a glimpse of a part of her I haven't met yet.

We both lean in over the center console. Catching our breaths. She’s holding onto her chest like she’s trying to calm her heart rate and I reach over and tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear. She quiets and I see her body go rigid.

“Does it bother you when I touch you?” I whisper.

She breathes out a gush of air. “No.”

I nod and tuck the other side, letting my hand linger on her cheek. She leans into it, closing her eyes.

I gulp. I won’t kiss my nanny. I can’t mess this up for the kids.

I quickly withdraw my hand. Realizing I’m in dangerous territory right now. The thickening in my pants is evidence of it.

“Come on,” I say, unbuckling my seat belt.

She sits up straight. “Where are you going?”

I get out of the car and walk over to her side, holding her door open. We’re at the far end of the neighborhood. Just beyond the tree line is a trail.

“Just come on… you want lessons on dating? Here’s your first one.”

She unbuckles her seatbelt and slides out, eyeing me suspiciously.

I take her hand and pull her along with me. “Joshua, the kids.”

“It’ll be quick,” I promise her.

We get to a clearing that opens up to a giant lake. The moon is high above us. And I walk her out to one of the docks.

We both stare out at the water, softly sloshing against the dock. And it feels so weird to see it this dark.

“This is beautiful. I had no idea this was back here,” she whispers as if trying to not wake the fish.

I have other plans.

I pull my phone out of my pocket and put on some music. I scroll through the playlist until I land on Dandelions by Ruth B. It’s just soft and quiet enough not to startle all the animals.

I set it on one of the posts, turn to her with a bow, and stretch out a hand for her to take.

She stares at it a moment, smiles, and then steps forward and takes it.

Chapter 9

Cassidy

He pulls me close to him, wrapping an arm around my waist and holding my other hand out. He moves us slowly. We just sway, and it feels so natural.

“Have you ever danced with anyone?” he asks, looking down at me.

I look up at him and shake my head.

“Well, now you have.” He smiles. And it’s unfair the way he makes my stomach swim with butterflies.