Love Entwined by M.C. Decker

some hot water to soak the dishes.
    “Really? We always played them as kids? Why did you think I wouldn’t still?”
    “I figured you only played them to humor me. I was always under the impression that you never really cared too much for them.”
    I paused for a moment and bit down on my lip before responding. His question seemed simple enough, but my emotions were raw.
    “You’re right. I did only play them because you liked them, but then when you weren’t there anymore they still brought me comfort. When I played them I would think about all the times we were together and all the memories we shared. I saved my allowance money and bought every game thinking you’d probably bought it too and I would pretend we were still playing them together,” I rambled, keeping my eyes locked on the floor. “I know it probably sounds stupid.”
    “Ireland, look at me,” Bentley said, placing three fingers on my chin. “It doesn’t sound stupid at all. In fact, since we’re being so honest, I’m kind of turned on by it,” he added, wiggling his eyebrows.
    I smirked and swatted him in the chest. “You really are crazy.”
    “Crazy about you,” he said, placing a gentle kiss on my forehead. We hadn’t even shared a real kiss tonight, but my body was buzzing for him. How he was able to do it with such a simple gesture, I’ll never know, but I wanted him to take me right there on the kitchen island.
    “Wow! You really do have some awesome games, Ireland. I don’t know what to choose,” Tanner yelled from the living room. I pulled away from Bentley, remembering that only a wall separated us from his son.
    “We should probably get the pie ready,” I said, grabbing the tin and the Reddi-Wip can from the refrigerator. Before I had a chance to spray the whipped topping onto the pie, Bentley grabbed the aerosol can from my hands. He shook it and sprayed a huge dollop into his mouth.
    “I can’t believe you just did that!” I exclaimed.
    “Why not? We used to do it all the time as kids! You don’t remember?” he mumbled, spraying whipped cream as he spoke.
    “Of course, I remember!” I chuckled, yanking the can from his grasp and spraying my own mouth.
    “I forgot how good this stuff tasted,” I laughed, swallowing the airy confection.
    Bentley came over and licked the corner of my mouth. “Sorry, you had a little whipped cream on your lips. I couldn’t let it go to waste.”
    “I wish I’d left more,” I whimpered.
    “I wish I could just have you for dessert. Why don’t you pack a can of this for the weekend,” Bentley whispered in my ear. “We won’t have any distractions—nothing to come between us. Just you and me.”
    His promise left me speechless. I just stood there looking up at him like a deer caught in headlights. It wasn’t until we heard Tanner telling us that he’d decided on Madden that I remembered we were still standing in my kitchen and that I had a pie to serve.
    “Ready for me to kick your ass?” Bentley asked, grabbing the entire pie and one fork.
    “Whatever! And, you need to share that pie,” I screamed, running out of the kitchen behind him.

    “Touchdown!” Tanner screamed. “Dad, Ireland is totally kicking your butt. That’s her fourth TD.”
    “Thanks, Son. I can see the score. I didn’t really need the reminder,” Bentley chuckled.
    “Interception!” I yelled, jumping off the couch.
    “Are you letting her win, Dad?”
    “Obviously!” Bentley said, as my guy ran the ball into the end zone to score my fifth touchdown of the game.
    “You wish, Roberts!” I said, as I stood and shook my bootie around the living room.
    Bentley laughed, “What are you doing? Get back here so I can make my epic comeback.”
    “I’m doing my victory dance!” I said, blocking his view of the screen.
    “Well, now you just aren’t playing fair,” he said, pulling me down on his lap as the game clock expired.
    “Why don’t you show me your touchdown dance? Oh wait, you