The Apple Tree (Sunday Morning, #2) (32)

Erin’s endless string of questions fed my nerves to the point of panic. What was I going to say and do? “Okay. We both need to get a grip. He didn’t say anything was going to happen. I think he felt bad for what he said on Saturday. Maybe that’s it. He said it out of pity. Maybe he rolled his eyes at my gullibility when I walked away.”

“No. Don’t be ridiculous. I’ll admit, I thought he was leading you on, but I’ve changed my mind. Have you looked in the mirror? You’re gorgeous. And you are an adult now. He’s older, but not like old enough to be your dad. And he’s not married. Josh likes you. Think about it. There’s no reason for him not to be attracted to you except for all the reasons he already told you. So stop thinking that he’s not really into you. I’m a terrible friend for making you think that. Just forget it. Okay?”

I nibbled on my thumbnail and mumbled, “Yeah, maybe. But I can’t do anything. I can’t make a move on him because if, by some chance, he is just appeasing me, I can’t risk looking like a fool. I’d never be able to look at him again, and that would be difficult since he’s my neighbor and goes to church every Sunday, and my parents have basically adopted him and Josh.”

“You’re right.” Erin blew out a slow breath.

I loved that she was physically feeling these emotions with me.

“So play it cool. Be charming and sexy, but not desperate and awkward.”

I giggled. “Charming and sexy? I’m afraid in my attempt to be charming and sexy, I’ll look desperate and awkward. I think I should pretend he didn’t say anything and try my best to act normal.”

“Fine, go with your idea. But I think mine is better.”

Erin’s idea was better, and I could have pulled it off with some other guy who was closer to my age and who I didn’t think about every second of every day. But Kyle wasn’t that guy.





My plan worked—maybe too well.

On Monday, Kyle didn’t give anything away. It was as if the moment never happened, so I had no problem acting normal. He didn’t allow me a chance to act otherwise. Tuesday was a repeat of Monday. The normalcy was good yet maddening. I started to feel crazy like I made it all up in my head.

School started on Wednesday, so I didn’t see Kyle in the morning. He dropped Josh off at school, and I was waiting at the end of their lane when he got off the bus in the afternoon. Two hours later, Kyle got home from practice.

“Hey,” he smiled, depositing his keys on the counter.

I turned from the puzzle Josh and I were working on at the table. “Hey.”

“Buddy, how was your first day of kindergarten?” Kyle asked, resting his hands on Josh’s shoulder and kissing the top of his head.

“It was fun.”

“Well, I’m going to start dinner, and you can tell me all about it. Macaroni and cheese?”

Josh nodded.

I stood. “See you tomorrow,” I said to Josh.

Kyle followed me to the front door. “Thanks for being here for him.”

“Of course.” I slipped on my shoes and turned toward him.

“Are you going to the game Friday?” he asked.

“I don’t know. Why?”

“Can Josh hang out with you if you are, like we talked about? Although, he won’t watch much of it. You’ll just have to chase him around and get snacks. But you don’t have to watch him at all, if you—”

“Of course, I want to watch the game with him. Or chase him. Snacks. Whatever.”

“Great. I’ll be home after school and get him dinner. He can come with me to the game early. Maybe while the team warms up, he can run around and burn off a little energy so he’s worn out by the time the game starts. As long as you’re there by 6:40 or so.”

“Sounds good.”

“Thanks, I’ll uh—”

“What are you doing tonight?” I blurted before he could say goodbye.

“Laundry. You?” He grinned.

“I’m thinking of walking down to the creek before it gets dark. Does Josh want to go with me?”

“You’re so bored that you’re willing to hang out with a five-year-old when you’re not being paid?”

“Hey. He’s better company than most of the guys I’ve dated.”

“Are you sure it’s not because you can run faster?”

“What?” I wrinkled my nose. “Oh!” I laughed, forgetting for a few seconds what I’d said about the bears and running faster than my friends.

“I’ll guard him with my life. I’ll offer myself to the bear so he can get away.”

“Or I can go with you too.”

Yes!

“Um, sure. I mean, if you want to. Don’t feel you have to if you’re busy doing laundry. I’d hate for you to wear dirty underwear to school Friday since you’re supposed to look your best on game days.”

“I’d just go without underwear if I didn’t have clean ones.”

I pressed my lips together, trying not to imagine him without underwear.

“You’re not picturing me naked, are you?”

“Stop.” I coughed a laugh. “No. I’m not.”

“Liar,” he mouthed.