Page 47 of DadBod

He was planning on surprising the kids by going with us, but at the last minute, he had a meeting with a distributer that’s giving him fits. It was the only day that worked with the company. Jeriann got his ticket instead. She had to leave at the top of the sixth to get ready for work, but we had fun while she was there.

“You didn’t answer. How was it?”

I shrug. “On a scale of one to ten, ten being Ryann was a pain in my––” I smirk. “An eight.”

“Calvin too?”

“No. He was great until he ate too much at the game.” I side-eye Rome. “Tummy troubles in the seventh inning.”

“Sorry. I should have warned you to limit his intake of junk food.”

“Live and learn.” Standing up from the sofa, I raise my arms and stretch. My Sox tee slides up, revealing the skin on my not-flat stomach. I notice Rome’s eyes moving there, but he quickly looks up as I lower my arms just as fast.

“And Ryann?”

“She did okay. She sat with her arms crossed and a scowl on her face.” I hold up a finger. “That only lasted about half an inning, though.”

He arches his perfect brow. “Why’s that?”

“A cute kid about her age sat in front of her. He kept glancing back at her, smiling.”

“Jesus.” Rome runs his hands over his face. “Just what I need. Boys in the picture.”

“Well, it knocked her out of her pout…” I realize. “She may even want to go to more games.” I smile, thinking of that. I love baseball, especially day games.

“Maybe.”

“How was the restaurant?”

“Busy for a weeknight.”

“That’s good.”

“We needed you. The new waitress isn’t getting it.”

“Aw.” I pat his arm as I step around him. “Sorry. But you wanted me here.”

In a voice lower, and huskier than normal, he says, “I still do.”

I glance back at him because I must have imagined it. The change in his voice. Picking up my purse, I walk toward the door. “Oh, and your son is not impressed with my cooking.”

Rome follows behind me. “Why’s that?”

“Well, because I can’t cook. He thinks you should give me lessons.” I giggle, rubbing my eyes. I’m wiped from the game today. Reaching for the doorknob, I turn it and start to pull it open.

“I can do that.” Rome takes hold of the door, preventing me from opening it the rest of the way. “If you’re tired, you could crash in the spare bedroom.”

“Oh.” I glance at the steps. “Thanks. Not tonight, but I may do that if you ever work super late.”

“I don’t like you going home alone at this time of night.”

I glance at the clock on the wall. “Ten thirty isn’t bad.” It makes me pause. “You left early?”

“I had Jeriann lock up.”

“Jeriann?”

“I’m training her.”