It was the first time she’d called me that, and tears pooled in my eyes as I met Ryke’s gaze.
“And that’s our daddy over there!” Melody raised her elbow awkwardly, trying to give AJ a view of Ryke. “He’s a kickass hockey player!”
My lips parted with surprise. “Melody Ryker! Where did you hear that word?”
Her eyes darted to Ryke before she shrugged and gave me a contrite look. He grinned sheepishly when I turned his way.
“Hockey players kick ass, baby. You don’t want our kids to grow up pansies, do you?”
I tried to give him a scolding look, but it was half-hearted. He patted his lap once and I got up from the couch and settled into the recliner with him. I loved that he could wrap his arms all the way around me again.
“I need to make a dinner reservation for tonight,” he said. “What time did you say your mom and Dale are coming over to babysit?”
“I told her six. Where are we going for our first post-baby date night?” I loved being with my children but was looking forward to an evening alone with Ryke.
He smiled and pulled me a little closer. “The Palmer House.”
I furrowed my brows. “But that’s a hotel.”
“Yeah, but they’ve got room service.” He gave me a knowing wink. I wasn’t ready to spend an entire night away from the kids, but a few hours at a hotel with my husband sounded divine. Even with a newborn, we found time for morning sex, but we never had as much time as I wanted.
I smiled, my body warming in response to the soft nuzzle of his lips on my neck. “That sounds like the perfect dinner spot for me and my kickass hockey player.”
Ryke raised his brows and grinned playfully. “I think we both know it’s not my hockey skills you’re eager to see tonight.”
I leaned in to kiss him but stopped just short of his lips. “Which skills am I eager for, Mr. Ryker?”
“My wrestling ones.”
I laughed and nipped at his earlobe. He was right. I was already excited about spending a few hours doing the little things that made us both hot. And hopefully, discovering a few new ones.