Sparing the Heart (Pastime Pursuits #3)

by Tracy Krimmer

  My body presses against his and his wet hand traces the side of my stomach and travels to my backside. He squeezes as he pulls me closer and whispers in my ear, ”It took you long enough.”

  ••••••••••

  A memorable thirty-minute shower later, we both step out. We take turns drying each other's bodies off. I press the towel against every inch of his body, and I want him again. I want him a hundred times over to fill this void I’ve had for such a long time. The passion and love I have inside of me is ready to explode. I’m afraid of overwhelming Kellan.

  He takes the towel from my hand and tosses it aside. I’m up against the counter and he steps forward, hard against me. Our minds must be synced together. It’s nearing nine and I should head to the office. ”Later, okay?" I promise him before wrapping my towel around me. "I'm going to go get dressed."

  "Too bad. I wanted to lay naked with you all day." His fingers trace my shoulder blade before he kisses it. A shiver jolts through my body and I wonder if I’ll be able to keep my hands off him. I want this, I need this, but I also want and need to sell Janice’s house. My focus needs to shift off a day in bed with Kellan and to work instead.

  I’m startled when I exit the bathroom to hear my name from a female voice. "Kate?"

  My towel falls off when I jump, and I’m face-to-face with Gretchen. I snatch the towel up and cover myself. "Gretchen! Hi…" What do I say? How do I explain myself? I pull my knees together and curl my toes, well aware I’m exposed at a very uncomfortable level.

  “You've had quite an interesting night." Her arms are crossed and she’s smiling at me. "Is my brother in the bathroom, too?” She peeks behind me.

  I respond with a slow nod as that’s all I can handle right now. I can’t even look at her. Should I tiptoe past her? No, I don’t want to do that in case my bare butt bumps into her. I can’t simply stand here on display. Aren’t I making her uncomfortable? I’ve heard people say once you’ve given birth your modesty is thrown out the window, but does that apply to see other people naked?

  "Kellan! Get your butt out here!" She plants her hands on her hips.

  Kellan emerges from the bathroom with his towel wrapped around his waist. What is he trying to do to me? ”What are you doing here, Gretchen? I told you only to use the key in case of emergencies."

  "Well, I rang the buzzer and nobody answered.” She eyes me up and down. “Now I see why. You were a little preoccupied."

  He combs through his wet hair with his fingers and cinches his towel tighter, reminding me to do the same. ”Is this an emergency?"

  "No, but I wanted to drop off Mona's birthday invitation." She waves a bright pink envelope in front of him.

  "Ever hear of a mailbox?" He snatches the paper from her.

  "As a matter of fact I have, but I don't know how often you check that thing. You didn't even open Mona's birth announcement until she was almost two months old. How do you pay your bills on time?"

  "Online. Now can we get dressed, please?" He points his finger to the other room, urging her to leave.

  "Sure." The smirk she give us signals approval to me. Her acceptance of us together doesn’t mask the embarrassment I’m experiencing in this moment, though. "I'll wait in the living room."

  Kellan rushes me into the bedroom when she’s out of sight. "I'm sorry about her."

  Once I find my bra, I get it on as quickly as I can and slide into my skirt. “Don’t worry. Gretchen's cool." I’m not completely comfortable with how much of me she saw, but she’s still cool in my book.

  "I just didn't know if you wanted everyone to know about us right away."

  Red flag! Why wouldn't I want to shout this to the world? He’s not ashamed of me, I hope. Does he want to keep us a secret? "I'm pretty sure Gretchen was well aware of my feelings for you. I want everyone to know." I curl my fingers into the top of his towel, pulling it down slightly. “But, I want you all to myself."

  He runs his hand up my back and cradles the back of my head. "You have me." I barely catch my breath before his lips are on mine and our tongues are entangled. I want to keep going, rip the towel off him and have my way with him, but his sister is in the other room and I really should leave.

  “Can I take a rain check?” Twice in ten minutes I’ve turned him down. What’s wrong with me? Why can’t we live life in bed, loving each other?

  He pouts, but understands. ”Cash in as soon as you can."

  I wait for him to dress before we walk out of his room hand-in-hand. I feel like I’m back in high school, but I don't mind one bit. I'm giddy with happiness. And I deserve it. Every single moment.

  Gretchen is on the couch when we enter the room, resting her head on her hand against the arm of the couch. Her eyes are closed.

  "Wake up!" Kellen startles his sister.

  Gretchen grabs the pillow and flings it at her brother. "Stop it, you jerk. I wasn't sleeping. I was resting my eyes. I can't wait for Mona to appreciate getting up late." Neither of us answer because neither of us have any children so we have no idea. "So, when did this happen?" Gretchen points between the two of us.

  Kellen squeezes my hand. "Officially, last night. But I think it's been brewing for a while."

  "So you and Macy are done?"

  He nods. "For a couple of days now. And I think a long time before that, actually."

  Gretchen fist pumps into the air. "It's about time!" She puts her hand down. "Sorry."

  "It's fine. It doesn't bother me, if it doesn't bother him." I actually wonder how this is going to work considering they're all actually friends. Or are they? "So, is Macy still part of your group?"

  "Group? That sounds like a label from high school." Kellan lets go of my hand. "I'm not sure how this will pan out. We've all been friends for quite a long time. Though Macy has always been the one to be kind of on the outside."

  "Either way, I'm sure you'll take much needed time apart. She's not invited to Mona's party. You," she points to me, "are. In fact, it saves me an invitation now."

  I smile, warmed by the inclusion. "When's the party?"

  "Valentine's Day."

  "Really, Gretchen?" Kellan pulls his brows together in annoyance.

  "What?"

  "First, that's almost three weeks away."

  "I like to get my invites out early." I don’t think she’s crazy for sending them early. I can’t stand last minute invites, and I really despise those who don’t RSVP.

  "And you're really going to hold a kid’s party on Valentine's Day? Maybe I want to take Kate to an expensive dinner."

  "You can. The party is at noon and it’ll be done by two. Everyone has to be out by nap time."

  "You're lucky."

  The bickering between the two reminds me of my brother. He could always find some reason to either pick on me or make a joke of everything. I'll be sure to invite Kellan to come with next time I go see him.

  Gretchen excuses herself, letting us know Clark has to go to work so she needs to relieve him of Mona. We say our goodbyes and I'm left beaming that I'm now being included in this group, and as Kellan's girlfriend.

  Chapter

  Thirty-Two

  “Take that!” I slam the puck into Kellan’s goal. “I’m the air hockey champion!” Both my hands are waving in celebration. I sway my body back and forth as I high five Gretchen.

  “That’s two wins for our team and none for the boys,” she says. “Maybe we should play something a little easier for them. I think I saw a kiddie fishing game over in the corner.”

  “Kellan and I are just taking it easy on you.” Clark spins the mallet against his palm.

  “Totally.” Kellan comes up behind me and embraces me. “You don’t want to witness me and Clark playing our hardest.”

  I spin around and wrap my arms around his neck. “We sure do.” I plant a kiss on him. “Bring it.”

  “Oh, you want us to bring it?” Clark flips the mallet and catches it by the handle. “Game. On.”

  I’m s
o glad Clark’s parents are watching Mona and he and Gretchen got out for a double date. I love being alone with Kellan, but spending time with another couple has other benefits. The competition is more fierce, there are double the laughs, and we’re forced to keep our hands off each other. The thought of locking ourselves away in a bedroom all night is tempting, but we have to come up for air some time.

  We chose to go to an arcade for something different to do rather than sit and have coffee or tea or a fancy dinner. The Wii battle between me and Kellan proved such a great time, I couldn’t wait to challenge him at the arcade.

  We start the next game in the same positions we were before. I’m across from Gretchen, and the boys from each other. Four pucks fly across the table and it’s difficult to keep track of where they’re going. My head is bouncing from left to right as I attempt to focus. Everything moves too fast so I slide my mallet back and forth against the goal slot to avoid anyone getting past me. My strategy is working. Good thing because I honestly have no idea what I’m doing.

  “Ow!” Kellan slams his mallet down and shakes his hand. “Gretchen! You slammed right into my hand.”

  “Sorry.” She bats her eyes as though that’s apology enough.

  “Just be a little more careful, okay?”

  “Okay, bro. Let’s keep playing!” She tosses a puck down. Both she and Clark reach across to hit it and as they do, one of them makes contact, causing the thick black circle to fly off the table.

  “Heads up!” Kellan shouts at a group of teenagers passing by.

  I clutch my stomach as the puck soars through the air in what feels like slow motion. We all lift our heads, including the kids, and there’s no way to avoid a boy in the group getting hit in the face.

  “Oh no! Are you hurt?” Kellan rushes to the boy’s side and we all follow suit. The dinging of the games doesn’t stop and no one but us and them even realize what’s happened. Everyone continues on as we gather together.

  He must be about seventeen, his wild brown hair feathered across his forehead, a piercing in his nose. We wait for a response as he opens and closes his mouth, straightening his jaw. His hand is against his cheek, and, luckily, there isn’t any blood.

  “I asked if you’re okay.” Kellan shakes him, even though it’s obvious he hasn’t passed out or anything.

  He removes his hand from his face and widens his mouth one more time before shaking his head. “Yeah.” He shakes again as though that will rid of any pain. “I’m fine.” His fingers massage his jaw. “Wait? Are you Kellan Valentine?”’

  Kellan glances behind him and even in the dim lighting he can’t hide his reddened face. “Yes, I am. You’re sure you’re okay, though?”

  “Dude, I’m totally fine. Wait until I tell everyone at school Kellan Valentine hit me in the head with an air hockey puck.”

  “Well, I didn’t hit you.” He reaches his hand out and helps him up.“ My sister and her husband are the two doofuses who can’t keep the puck on the table.” Gretchen steps behind Clark and rests her chin on his shoulder.

  “Either way. I’m fine. Thanks, man.”

  The two shake hands and the teenagers go on their way. Kellan sighs and his relief is apparent. That situation could have turned out a lot worse.

  “I think it’s fair to say no more air hockey.” I don’t want the night ending with any more injuries and Kellan needs a distraction.

  "Kate, are you a skee ball fan?" Gretchen points to the line of machines on the far side of the arcade.

  "I haven't played in quite a long time, but it used to be my favorite.” I remember one time going to a friend’s birthday party in grade school. Her dad took us to an arcade. Each kid received a certain amount of tokens. I ran right for skee ball.

  "Why don't you boys go do your thing, and us girls will do ours?" Gretchen latches onto my arm.

  "Sounds like a plan.” Clark starts to head toward some of the gun games.

  Kellen comes up next to me and slides his hand around my waist until it's resting on my butt. "I don't like leaving you, but I will if only for a little while." Everything and everyone disappears for the few seconds he’s kissing me, and inside I melt.

  "I thought the guys would never leave," Gretchen says as soon as we reach the machines. She pushes her tokens in and nine balls slide out. She takes one out, tosses it, and earns 10,000 points right away.

  "I don't think I'll be as good as you are."

  And I'm not. Almost ten games later and I haven't gotten over 12,000 points. That's all right though, because I'm having a blast. Now that Kellan and I are together, I don’t have any reserves about hanging out with Gretchen. I love having a female friend and she’s so much fun. I grab a small bucket to hold all her tickets because she’s collecting so many I can no longer hold them for her. After she kicks my butt in skee ball, we try our luck at some of the games that remind me of Wheel of Fortune. I love spinning the wheel, but every time I think I'm about to hit a jackpot, I win a measly five or ten tickets.

  “I have to say, I’m surprised it took you and Kellan this long to hook up.” She leans against the basketball game next to us. “He’s an all-in kind of guy and the last thing I want is for him to get hurt.”

  “I understand.” I nod, unsure of where this conversation is going. I assumed she approved of our relationship. Is she about to give me a sister lecture about how I better not hurt her brother? If she is, she shouldn’t bother because that will never happen. I’m never letting him go. I clear my throat. “I plan on sticking around. Is that okay?”

  “Of course it’s okay. I’ve wanted him to end things with Macy for a long time now and from the first time I met you, I knew you would be perfect for him.”

  “You did?”

  “I sure did.”

  “Then why did you set me up with Ned?”

  “You asked. You wanted a date, remember? I knew you two wouldn’t work out.”

  I didn’t waste my time, though, as much as I would like to think I did. Ned’s a sweet guy, and now a friend. “I really like your brother.”

  “Good. He really likes you.”

  That’s good to hear. I’m well aware he does, but hearing it from his sister means a lot.

  “Just so you know, when he’s in, he’s in. Like all in. Every girl he’s ever dated he’s been super serious with.”

  Now I’m wondering how many girls he’s dated and if he’s been engaged more than once. I’ve only had a handful of boyfriends, my most recent being right out of college — and that was almost thirteen years ago. “I haven’t dated much. I’ve always been too busy. But Kellan, he makes me want to slow down and just enjoy life.”

  “And you should. You both deserve it.” She breaks eye contact for a moment. “Kellan told me about your dad. I’m sorry.”

  “Thank you. It’s been difficult, but I’m getting through.” I put my hands in my jeans pockets. “I’ll admit, having you and the group has helped me.”

  “I’m glad we could provide comfort for you.”

  I’m not sure if we should hug here or if I should say anything else, so instead we look at each other and nod in understanding. Finally, Gretchen looks at her phone. “Oh! We better go.” She searches for Clark and informs them they should be getting home.

  "But my parents are watching Mona."

  "And I need to either feed her or pump, so we have to leave.”

  "Wow, Kellan, what did you win all those tickets on?" He's holding so many he can barely keep them in his hands.

  He grabs a container and tosses them in. "I hit the jackpot on a game over there," he points to the corner of games by the air hockey machine.

  "So what are you guys gonna do with all of these? Trade them in for a piece of crap toy?"

  "Everyone, hand me your tickets." Kellen waits as we each hand them over and he places them in the container. “We must have thousands of tickets. They should claim a pretty good sized prize that won’t break the second the kid gets it home.” He scans the room and beel
ines for a little girl who can't be much over six years old. I watch as he hands them to her and she beams.

  "That was so sweet of you," I say to him when he returns. "It makes me want to do things to you."

  "Clark, Gretchen, take us back to my place, pronto."

  Chapter

  Thirty-Three

  Pinterest threw up. No, I’m not kidding. Pinterest literally threw up in Clark and Mona’s house. I think every single square inch of their home is pink, in one shade or another. A bubblegum chevron table runner covers the table with burlap wrapped mason jars, an “M” written in calligraphy in the center. Different shades of the colors stream across the ceiling, leading to a centerpiece of balloons. A chalkboard outlines big “firsts” for Mona. Her first smile, her first real laugh, her first word (mama), first time standing on her own. I like pink, but this is a little much.

  Mona, though, is a gorgeous ball of pink. She’s in a fuchsia tutu onesie that says “I’m the Birthday Girl” on it in gold. Her honey locks fall by her shoulders. I wonder how much time Gretchen put into that and how she got Mona to sit still.

  “Happy birthday, Mona!” I hand her a gift bag with a card signed from both me and Kellan. Our first joint gift.

  She takes off and I doubt I’ll be visiting with her again any time soon.

  “She’s practically running!” I say in awe to Gretchen. I barely witnessed her crawling and now she works her legs like a champ.

  “She was an early walker, so, yes, an early runner, too! Some days I wonder how I’ll keep up with her. Thanks for coming, guys.” She gives Kellan a hug.

  “Tiff!” I wave to her sitting in the living room with a glass of wine. No surprise.

  I plop down next to her. “Where’s Taylor?”

  “Out on a date.”

  “Oh?” On Valentine’s Day. She’s observing everyone around her, her mouth wide and her teeth the center of my attention. Even though Taylor isn’t her boyfriend, I can’t imagine she is happy about him spending such a day with another woman.