Dances with Monsters(189)

"That would be very nice," Aida said with a smile. "I'll make you some home-cooked Mexican, the real stuff." She winked at Drew.

"It was nice to meet you," Drew said. "And the kids." She grinned at the children. "I'll miss you guys."

"We'll miss you," Lettie said shyly, hiding her face in her mother's hip.

"You better come back!" Junior added threateningly, putting his hands on his hips.

"Whoa," Drew said in mock fear, raising her hands. "All right, all right. I promise!"

Aida laughed and rubbed her son's head. "They'll come back soon, all right, Junior? C'mon, you guys. Abuelita is waiting for us."

They all walked outside and Heath leaned down to hug each one of the children in turn. "You guys be good for your mom," he said softly to them. "I'll be calling you soon to check in."

"You'll come back, Heath?" Junior asked in a small voice.

"Yep, I promise, little man," Heath replied. "In fact, when I call you, I'll tell you exactly when we'll be coming back. Okay?"

"Okay," Junior said, and threw his arms around Heath's neck again.

Aida turned to Drew and smiled warmly. "It was very nice to meet you," she said sincerely. "I'm really happy Heath has found someone like you. He's like a totally different person since the last time I talked to him." She squeezed her arm and laughed a little. "Sorry I was such an emotional wreck today. Next time will be different."

"Don't worry," Drew replied. "Today was a big day. I know it meant a lot to him to be able to do this."

"It means a lot to me," Aida said softly. She glanced upward briefly. "And to Joaquin. I know it."

Heath rose from his crouched position on the ground and turned to Aida. "See you soon, okay?"

"Yes," Aida said with a smile. She reached out and embraced Heath, and put her face against his. Drew heard her murmuring something to him, but she couldn't make it out. She suddenly felt bad for unintentionally eavesdropping and walked a few paces away, waving at the kids in the car.

After a moment, Heath joined her, placing his hand on the small of her back and guiding her down the driveway.

"See you soon," Aida called, waving to them. They waved back and climbed into the rental, as Aida got behind the wheel of her own car and pulled out of the driveway to take her children to their grandmother's.

"You good?" Drew asked lightly, squeezing his hand. Heath smiled and nodded.

"Good."

"What'd she say to you?" Drew asked, ashamed of her nosiness but unable to contain her curiosity.

Heath laughed. "Nosy as hell," he muttered, then grinned. He tugged on her hand to bring her closer, and gave her firm kiss before pulling away from the curb.

"She said you're a keeper."





Chapter Thirty-Eight


Drew stretched out on her sofa lazily, Heath sprawled on top of her. She had her legs wrapped around his waist and her arms around his shoulders, and they were both dozing in and out of sleep. Their bags were still on her living room floor. They'd gotten back from the airport a couple hours ago, and had done nothing other than feed Rocky before collapsing on the couch.

"That time difference is a real bitch," Drew murmured sleepily, unable to open her eyes.

"Mm-hmm," Heath replied, nuzzling her stomach. As if on cue, it growled loudly. He sighed. "Does it never stop?"

"Hey," Drew said defensively. "I'm a growing girl. I have a big appetite."

"You haven't grown since you were like, thirteen," Heath said, his voice muffled in her flesh. "I saw the pictures. You just like to eat. It's cool. I can appreciate that in my women."

"Your 'women'?" Drew replied, opening her eyes fully and lifting an eyebrow at him. He lifted his face from her belly and grinned at her.

"Now that I have your attention," he said, "let's go get some food. I can't deal with hearing your stomach gurgle all night."

She laughed and swatted his head. "Well, you said the magic word. Food is definitely the way to my heart."

"And also your –" He stroked his hand between her legs and she let out another laugh, this one somewhat more breathless than the first.

"Don't start," she warned. "I'm cranky until I've been fed."

"Don't I know," Heath replied sarcastically. He got off of her and pulled her to her feet, glancing at the time. It was shortly before six o'clock.

"What sounds good on a lazy Sunday evening?" Drew asked with an enormous yawn. She couldn't believe how tired she felt. Food, and then bed were definitely in order. She licked her lips as she eyed Heath. What happened in the bed, and whether or not they went right to sleep, was an entirely different matter.