Page 73 of Lost and Found

“I know we’re almost back, but would you mind dropping me off at the splash park instead? It’s not far from where we’re at.”

Wes glanced over, eyebrows up. “We just spent three hours convincing Vivian that I’ll handle your day-to-day, and you think I’m going to leave you at a water park? Without even your own car?”

“When you put it that way,” she laughed, “I guess that does sound silly.”

Ten minutes later, Wes turned into the county water park and let out an impressed whistle. “When you said splash park, I was thinking, like,” he pinched his fingers together, “small. Like a place with a couple of sprinklers. This is not that, is it?”

“Not at all. I hope tons of kids don’t scare you.”

He scowled. “I like kids.” He lifted his shoulders. “Seems like I’m good with them.”

He absolutely was. Wes knew how to talk to them, so they liked him. Kids were a good barometer of adults. She liked how quickly Matt was warming to Wes. They parked at the far corner of the lot, and if the number of cars was any indication, the splash park was nearing capacity.

She climbed out of his truck and fell into step beside him. His knuckles grazed her hand, shooting her pulse into orbit. Soon, they would be sleeping under the same roof. How was she supposed to act after what had happened in New Jersey? Would he act differently? Would they put this—whatever they were doing—on hold?

He grasped her hand, answering unspoken questions, and her heart launched into her throat. His thumb grazed over her skin. “I’ll let go when we get closer.”

That was the right move. Just in case they ran into Matt.

She was giddy, her heart skipping. A flying feeling radiated through her, and as much as she wanted to see Matt, Bailey desperately wanted to hold on to this sensation.

They walked under the shade of an old oak tree. The branches reached out like leafy tendrils, offering shade and giving them one last minute before they had to let go.

“Hang on a sec.” Wes pulled her close behind the tree and cupped her chin. “Since I won’t be able to do this later…”

He kissed her. Soft and sweet, but with a hunger that matched her own. Explosions hit every time they came together. Even now, stealing kisses at a park, she might dissolve.

He pulled her away before she managed a coherent thought. “We’ll find more time.”

Please.

She wanted more.

And she wanted to see her son.

She’d never had this warring dichotomy before and didn’t know how to balance it. Little flames of guilt licked through her. So did the scorching fire from Wes. Then it hit her. She had feelings for Wes. More than lusting after him and wanting more of him. This balancing act completely threw her for a loop. It excited her. Terrified her. It opened her eyes to possibilities she logically knew existed but had never experienced—and that stole her breath as much as his kiss had.

They entered the splash park, clearly overdressed compared to everyone else in swimsuits and coverups, and spotted Mary Lacey. Mary tapped Matt on the shoulder and pointed.

Matt sprinted into Bailey’s arms. “You’re home!”

She dropped to her knees and wrapped him closer. He smelled of chlorine, sunscreen, and fun. God, she missed her baby. “I missed you, my Matty.”

He inched back. “Your face does have bruises.”

She’d forgotten about it and caught Mary’s concerned stare. “I tripped and fell face first into the wall. Not my smoothest moment.”

Somewhat less concerned, Mary’s tight frown relaxed. She shielded her eyes from the sun’s glare with a hand. “Matt just said he’s about done in the water and wants to do the nature walk.”

“Why don’t we do that,” Bailey said, “and you can take off? I can pick Matt’s bag up later.” She turned to Wes. “Can we transfer Matt’s car seat to the back seat of your truck?”

“Oh, yeah. I can do that.”

“Are you sure?” Mary asked.

“Absolutely.” Bailey dried Matt off as Wes left with Mary to move the car seat. “Did you have fun today?”

“We had a picnic with Jordan and Jamal. And while Mrs. Lacey talked to their moms, we climbed on the pirate ship until they had to go home.” Matt hopped on one foot while she gathered their belongings and then held his water-wrinkled hand as they walked out. “There’s Wes.”