He shook his head. “Looks like something corny she’d buy,” he concluded, handing it back over to Anthony.
I never laughed as much as I did when he was around, even now, despite the fact that it was nearly three in the morning. The little guy was finally starting to show signs of being sleepy. A small yawn was the first clue, rubbing his hands to his eyes was the next.
“Ready to go lie down?” I asked. He gave a nod and held on to my neck when I stood from the floor.
“Yeah, let your daddy get some sleep, boy,” Terrell interjected. “I don’t want him having any excuses out there on the court later.”
“Actually, Uncle Terrell’s the one who better make sure he’s well-rested. I’m expecting to see this miraculous dunk tomorrow.”
Terrell cracked up and turned out the light behind us as we headed back up. “I can show you better than I can tell you,” he promised.
“Yeah, okay… We’ll see.”
Chapter Four
Sam
“Happy birthday.”
I think I kissed every single inch of his face, making him smile before he’d even opened his eyes for the day.
“It’s eight and Terrell’s already in the kitchen talking trash about y’all going to the court today.”
At mention of Terrell running his mouth, AJ started laughing. My eyes went to his bare chest and stomach, stopping where the sheet covered his waist.
“How’s it feel to be twenty-seven?” I asked, forcing myself to think of something other than how badly I wanted him to be naked right now.
“Feels great,” he replied. “I’ve got everything a man could ever ask for.”
I was pulled into his arms the next second, being showered with kisses just like I’d done to him. When he stopped, I lie there on his chest, staring at the morning light as it filtered through our bedroom window.
“It’s beautiful out today.”
“It’s even more beautiful in here,” he countered, landing another kiss in the center of my forehead.
Of course I smiled, but then quickly moved away when I felt this heading down a path we didn’t have time for it to go. Terrell had a job to do and I couldn’t hinder him from doing it. We were on a strict timeline that began with him getting AJ out of the house so I could set up for his surprise party before guests started arriving at about noon.
“Get up and get dressed,” I said, smacking his hip lightly before hopping off the bed, heading toward the bathroom to shower. “And don’t embarrass me and your son by losing to that man downstairs,” I called out over my shoulder before closing the door behind me. The last thing I heard was AJ laughing.
I started the water and slipped out of my robe. The heated tile floors were a welcomed feel when I stepped out of my slippers, too. Blazing hot water scorched my skin, but I didn’t cool it down. This was how I liked it. The bathroom door crept open and then there were footsteps. Through the frosted shower door, I could make out AJ’s silhouette as he stood just beside it. Laughing, I asked what he was doing.
He sighed. “Trying to decide if I should join you or not.”
His mind stayed in the gutter… and I probably enjoyed that more than I should’ve. “Don’t,” I protested, knowing he’d throw off my plan if he did. “Later. I promise.”
“You know I’ll hold you to it.”
I laughed again. “I know you will.” Next, the sink turned on and I listened as he washed his face and brushed his teeth.