Let's Be Crazy (Oh Captain, My Captain Book 4) (7 page)

They nod, but I notice that Reed hesitates. He should know that I eat more like him than his mom. When the waiter comes to take our order, I tell him that we’ll have salmon patties. Reed immediately makes a disgusted sound.

“Dad, that sounds gross.”

“We’ll have to try it to find out. It might be better than you think. Right, Lexie?” I angle myself towards her a little and slide my hand from my thigh to hers, squeezing it gently.

Her voice cracks as she replies, “Yep, you're right.”

“I’m always right. Aren’t I, Reed?”

He nods. “Yes, sir.” With a smile, he repeats words I’m sure he’s heard Brooke mutter before. “No one likes a know-it-all, though.”

Lexie

Ashton’s hand is on my thigh, and my daughter is sitting across from me. His thumb rubs circles on my outer thigh. I can feel the heat rising through my blood.

“Mommy, do you have my crayons?”

I nod, feeling Ashton move his hand as I reach into my purse. “Here you go, and you both need to share.”

The kids agree and begin to color the backs of the menus, which have kids’ puzzles on them.

“You carry crayons?” Ashton’s voice is low and tickles my skin.

“Yes, I have a child. I even have toys, a change of clothes, and a first-aid kit.”

“So, that’s why women carry big purses.” His knee nudges mine, and I react by pushing back.

We watch the kids color. Ashton plays tic-tac toe with both kids, and loses. It’s interesting to see this side of him. To see him as a dad, and not a hockey player. It’s almost like there are two of him. Our food arrives, I clean up all the crayons and situate the kids. Surprisingly, they eat most of the food.

“Mommy, you think Pops could make this?”

“I’m sure he could.” I smile.

“Who’s Pops?” Ashton asks.

“My dad.”

“Oh.” He nods, understanding.

“Excuse me.” We all turn to see a blonde in her mid-twenties staring at Ashton. “Oh my God, you’re Ashton Campbell. I’m your biggest fan.”

Ashton looks almost embarrassed, and I glance over at Reed. He leans back from the table and hangs his head.

“Thank you,” he says politely to her.

“Is there anyway I could grab a quick picture with you? Please.”

Ashton glances at me and looks like he’s a little upset. “Sure.” He stands, and the girl snaps a selfie with Ashton and hugs him. When she walks away, Ashton sits down. “Reed, you can sit back up,” and he does.

“Why does he do that?”

“Because Mom doesn’t like when they take pictures of me,” Reed explains.

“Oh, they take photos of your kid?” I’m shocked that a fan would do that.

“They do. Brooke and I try to keep him out of them as much as possible.”

“Why did she take your picture?” Sadie looks confused.

“Because Ashton has a lot of fans, and they want a photo of him,” I explain to her.

“But Dad isn’t as popular as Uncle Jax. People are always taking photos with him. Right, Dad?” Reed asks.

“Uncle Jax?” My mouth drops. “As in Jax Godwin?”

Ashton shrugs. “Tiffany is your best friend. He’s mine.”

“Wait, you’re best friends with Jax Godwin?” I remember that Reed mentioned Uncle Jax before, but I hadn’t pieced it together until now.

Reed smiles brightly at me. “He’s my uncle.”

“Yes, Lexie,” Ashton confirms. “Don’t go full-out fan on us. Although, I knew you didn’t know as much hockey as you thought, because if you did, then you’d know that Jax and I went to the same college.”

It hits me. “Oh, that’s right. I do remember reading that somewhere, but I didn’t know you were friends.”

“That’s one reason why our rivalry is so good, because we know each other so well.”

“I always see you two chirping each other, but I never put it together.” I bump his shoulder.

“Uncle Jax send me the coolest toys,” Reed pipes up.

“I think there’s another one waiting at home, too.” Reed claps happily. “Hey, Lexie likes his team more, Reed. What do you think about that?” He tries to coax Reed into teasing me.

“Mommy loves him.” Sadie jumps into the mix. “She’s always cheering for him.”

“That’s because he’s the best ever. He’s my favorite too,” Reed tells her.

“What?” Ashton looks shocked. “How could you pick Jax over me? I’m your dad!”

Reed’s face drops. “Well, I like you too, Dad, but Uncle Jax has more points. He told me when we talked the other day. He said you’re getting slow in your old age. That’s why I have to be his number-one fan.”

Ashton shakes his head. “Your uncle Jax is as old as I am, Reed. I can’t believe you would choose him over me just because of points. What are you going to do when I have more points than him?”

“Then you’ll be my favorite.” Reed smiles up to his dad.

I laugh at them both. “All right, boys and young lady, let’s head out.”

The kids gather up their items and take our respective hands. Ashton isn’t recognized anymore as we head out. I never really thought about fans seeking him out. Or how cruel it is that they take pictures of players’ children.

We make sure the kids are buckled in, and Ashton drives us back to our house. The kids continue to talk about their day, and Ashton and I listen to them. When he pulls into my driveway I figure that he’s only dropping us off. I’m taken aback when he and Reed get out of the truck and follow me in.

“Hey Sadie, why don’t you and Reed go play for a little bit.” A little alone time with Ashton wouldn’t be a bad thing, I guess. I watch them run off down the hall to her bedroom.

“Would you like some tea?”

Ashton smiles. “Sure.”

We go into the kitchen, and I turn on the kettle. “I didn’t think seeing a bunch of fish would be so tiring.”

“Me either. It was worth it, though.”

“Yes, it’s always nice to see the kids’ excitement.” I lean against the counter near him. “You’re leaving again, right? After tomorrow night’s game?”

“Yeah.” He steps in front of me, very close. “Are you going to miss me?” I can hear the teasing tone in his voice.

“You have to leave for me to miss you,” I flirt back. How is this coming so easily to me? Why can’t I stop the butterflies in my stomach when I look into his hazel eyes?

He leans in closer to my lips, and there is a moment of hesitation. I know the kids are down the hall, and I don’t want to be caught by them, but I can’t stop myself. Our lips touch gently, but a split second goes by, and I lose my self-control. I open my mouth, and his tongue slips into mine. I moan as I wrap my arm around his neck, and his come around my waist.

When I dig my nails into his hair, I know that I have to stop. I need to remember that I’m in a house with two small kids, and they could walk in at any time.

“Maybe I should leave now. I like the idea of you missing me.” He calls for Reed, and after Reed thanks me for the day, they leave.

~ ~ ~

“How did you two talk me into this?” I lay back as one masseuse works on my temples and the other on my feet.

“I think this is heaven at its best,” Tiffany sighs.

“Every girl needs a spa day,” Brooke adds in.

They roped me into this, and Tiffany arranged for the kids to stay at my parents’. Then they practically dragged me into the building. I hate to say it, but it feels pretty darn good. After we finish the massages, we’re off to the steam room. I’m thankful we’re the only ones in here as I pull my towel tighter. The second I sit down, the sweat begins to pour off of me.

“Now, Brooke, I know that Mr. Campbell has his claws in Miss Thing over here,” Tiffany thumbs over at me, “but does anyone have theirs in you?”

“Actually,” she smiles over at her, “I’ve been seeing someone for a couple of months. I didn’t think it was
too
serious, but I’m going to talk to Ashton, and maybe we’ll introduce him to Reed.”

“Is that how you do it?” I hadn’t asked them before about it.

“Yes. We always wait until it’s serious. I don’t want random people in and out of Reed’s life.”

I want to ask how many women Ashton has introduced to Reed, but I keep my mouth closed. That’s not my business. It’s not like Ashton is mine or anything. I close my eyes, letting the hot steam soothe me. My thoughts begin to wander, thinking of Ashton’s lips. Our last kiss made my knees weak and my head spin. I can’t wait for him to do it again. I can’t wait to feel his arms around me, and his hands…

“Lexie?”

I pop my eyes open, and the girls are staring at me. “What?”

“You looked asleep,” Brooke says. “We were worried you passed out.”

I smile. “No, just...thinking.”

After a couple more minutes, we head out to the showers. The cool water on my hot skin wakes me up. I feel refreshed, and like I can conquer the world. I’ll never tell Tiffany that she’s right about the spa day, though. When I finish, I slip on my yoga pants and sweatshirt. I sit on the bench across from the lockers, tying my shoes, and then my phone beeps.

Ashton: Hope you’re enjoying the spa day. FYI, I’m not thinking about you wrapped in a towel. I’m really not.

I can’t help the smile that spreads across my face as I text back to him.

Me: I’m very relaxed, and I’m not thinking about you all hot and sweaty from a long day of practice either.

That’s the furthest thing from the truth, but I would never tell him that I’ve been Googling pictures of him. I may have drooled over a few.

Ashton: Glad to hear that...the relaxed part. I haven’t even thought about the next time I’ll see you, so I can kiss you again.

I lick my lips thinking about kissing him again.

Me: What a shame. I had thought about that. Maybe I shouldn’t be thinking so much, then?

Ashton: You had? Because I lied.

My insides jump, thinking that maybe he was daydreaming about me like I’ve done.

Me: I’m shocked. You lied? SMH. I’m hurt.

Ashton: I’m sorry. I was trying not to sound needy...even though when it comes to you, I kind of am.

What?

What do I say?

I quickly rack about my brain and text back the one thing that doesn’t sound like I’m needy too.

Me: Being needy isn’t always a bad thing. In some situations, I guess. I need to go get Sadie. Talk to you later

“Lexie, are you ready?”

I look up at Brooke. “Yep, let’s go get the kids.”

I hug Tiff bye, and tell her that I’ll call her later, and then Brooke follows me back over to my parents’ house. When we walk in, we hear the kids laughing in the kitchen.

“Mommy!”

“Mom!”

Both of our kids run into our arms and hugs us.

“Did you have a good day, Reed?”

“Mom,” he steps back, and I notice how much he looks like Ashton. “I had the greatest day ever.”

“You did?”

“Yes, we made cookies with worm parts. Then, a pie with bug guts.” He face is full of excitement.

“Don’t forget the fairy dust.” Sadie pushes on his shoulder.

“Oh yeah, and it was so yummy.”

“Bug guts?” Brooke’s face is a mix of horror and disgust.

I touch her arms to gain her attention and wink at her, letting her know that it’s not the real thing. She relaxes.

“Well, I’m so glad that you had a great day. You behaved the whole time, right?”

“Brooke, he was a dream,” Mom says from the table.

“Mom, they even said I can call them ‘Grammy’ and ‘Pops’ too.”

“That’s awesome.” Brooke beams at him. She stands. “Do I owe you anything for today?”

“No.” Mom is firm in her tone. “We enjoyed having him. Reed, you’re welcome back anytime.”

“Thank you, Grammy. Thanks, Pops.” He hugs them both as does Sadie.

Brooke walks over to them. “Thank you for being so kind. His grandparents live far away, and we don’t see them often.”

“We loved every moment.” Dad gives her a small hug.

I embrace them both, and then Brooke and I load up the kids. After telling her I’ll see her soon, I head home. I think about the last month. I have a new friend, Sadie’s doing great in school and loves Reed. If only I can figure out where Ashton and I are going.

Ashton

Today, I’m missing practice because it’s parents’ day at Reed’s school. The play and the little family event with the dance is all on the schedule. Brooke slides into the passenger seat of my truck since we’re riding together. She’s quiet, which is unusual.

“How are things with Nate?” That might be what’s going on.

“Really good.”

“And…”

“I think I want him to meet Reed.” She glances over at me.

“Are you sure? I didn’t know things were that serious.”

“Pretty sure. Sure enough that I wanted to mention it to you.”

We park in the lot, and I turn towards her. “Let’s talk about it later. I’m glad things are going well, though.” I smile to show her that I mean it.

“Thanks, Ashton. Let’s go see our boy play a mean piano.”

The lot is pretty full of cars, so we weave our way past them to enter the building. Brooke tells me that Reed was really nervous when he left for school this morning.

“I hope he doesn’t let his nerves get to him. He’s really looking forward to this.”

“He’s got Campbell blood in him. He’ll be fine.”

She laughs, leading the way to the gym which is filled with chairs and parents sitting in them. “Where do you want to sit?” Only a few empty seats are left.

“You sit wherever you’ll have a good view of him, so you can get some pictures. I’ll hide out in the back.”

“Ash, don’t be ridiculous.” She rolls her eyes good-naturedly. “No one cares if you’re here. Everyone is here to see their child.” I stuff my hands in my pockets as she looks around the room again. “Oh, Lexie is over there. Let’s go sit with her.”

Fine by me. She never gave me an answer about the dance, so we’ll see what happens. There are two seats left and Brooke goes to claim them. Lexie smiles when she sees us.

“Hey,” Brooke says. “Mind if we sit with you?”

“Not at all,” Lexie answers, almost sounding nervous. Her eyes flick to me before she turns to the elderly couple sitting next to her. “Mom, Dad, you remember Brooke, and this is Ashton, Reed’s father.”

“Nice to see you again,” Brooke smiles, taking a seat on the end.

“Nice to meet you.” I shake their hands and then take the only spot left, next to Lexie.

“Never thought I would be shaking the hand of the Bears’ captain.” Her dad shakes my hand with a hint of disgust.

“Dad, be nice,” Lexie chides.

I laugh. “Are you a Gamblers fan like your daughter?”

“Good Lord, no way would I be a Vegas fan,” he answers. “I’m a Portland fan.”

I smile. “Variety is good, but I’m just here as a dad today. Took the day off from hockey.”

Her mom returns the smile. “That’s what a good dad does.”

Things get started, and everyone quiets down. The play begins, and I spot Reed. He’s off to the side, focusing on the keys of the piano and waiting for his time to play. Sadie has one of the other minor roles, and they both do great. All the parents stand when they are done, clapping loudly.

Brooke and Lexie make small talk while we wait for the kids. I see Reed first and wave at him. He runs up to us, nearly tackling me to the ground.

“Dad, you came! I wasn’t sure if you were coming or not.” He hugs me tighter. “I did good, right?” he adds, leaning away to look at me.

“You were fantastic, little man. I wouldn’t have missed it for anything, you know that.”

He grins, hugging me again. “I love you, Dad,” he whispers.

“Love you too.”

“Don’t leave your momma out,” Brooke teases, poking him in the ribs.

Reed hugs her as Sadie makes her way over to Lexie and her parents. She has to pass us first, so when she’s close enough, I hold my hand up. “You did great, Sadie. High-five.”

She grins and slaps her hand against mine before stopping in front of Lexie. “Did you see me, Mommy?”

“I did. You were perfect.”

I face Brooke to stop eavesdropping on Sadie’s moment with her family. “What’s next?”

“Lunch,” Reed answers. “All that piano playing has made me hungry.” He looks up at me. “Are you staying for lunch too, Dad? Or do you have to go back to work?”

Messing up his hair, I say, “I’m all yours today.”

“Hey,” he protests as he pushes my hand away to fix his hair. Brooke helps him out and once they are done, Reed steps around me. “C’mon, Sadie. You guys can eat lunch with us.”

“Can we? Please? I always have lunch with Reed,” Sadie tells Lexie, apparently feeling as if she needs to persuade her. I know the feeling, kid.

“Sure, if Ashton and Brooke don’t mind.” Her gaze settles on me.

“Of course we don’t.” Brooke waves her hand like she’s being ridiculous.

“The more the merrier,” I agree.

The kids lead us to the room where we’ll spend the rest of the day. We take a seat at a large round table. Somehow, I’m lucky enough to sit next to Lexie again. A teacher stands up at the front and gathers everyone’s attention.

After welcoming everyone again, she says, “The children have each made something in art class for their mothers. Kids, come on up and find them.”

Reed and Sadie scramble from the table. Not even a minute later, they return. Reed proudly places a little birdhouse down in front of Brooke.

“I painted it your favorite color for you, Mom.” He points at the yellow paint. “I tried to do dots to make it pretty, but I kept messing up.” He studies the sloppy circles and then looks to Brooke. “Do you like it? Where are we going to put it?”

Brooke hugs him. “I love it. We’ll find the perfect place for it this weekend, okay? You’ll have to help me.”

He nods, happy that she loves it. I subtly pay attention as Sadie slides a painting in front of Lexie. She climbs into her lap and explains what she did.

“There’s Pops with his worm cookies, and Grammy is sneaking fairy dust into the cookie dough for me.” Her little finger moves from place to place as she speaks. “That’s me. And that’s Reed. We’re waiting for the cookies to be done baking. There’s Mr. Ashton and Miss Brooke. And that’s you, Mommy. You are talking to them and telling Mr. Ashton that his team sucks. Oh!” Sadie seems like she almost forgot something. She moves her finger to a smiley face in the clouds. “That’s my dad. He’s watching us, like you said he does.” Sadie wiggles around to see what Lexie thinks. “Do you like it, Mommy? I don’t think I forgot anyone.” She frowns as if she might have.

Lexie is close to tears as she wraps Sadie tightly for a hug. She whispers something to her and Sadie hugs her back. When Sadie pulls away, she sticks her tongue out at Reed. “I told you a painting was better than a birdhouse.”

“Well, you wouldn’t paint the dots for me,” Reed says right back.

“You should have said please.”

“I helped you with yours!”

“I said please.”

“Okay, cut it out,” Lexie interrupts.

Lunches are passed out and the kids get distracted because it’s their lucky day. Reed and Sadie practically go nuts over the chicken nuggets.

“Hey, you got one more than me,” Reed points out. “We should split it.”

“No way,” Sadie shakes her head. “It’s mine.”

“Reed, leave her alone. Eat what’s on your plate,” I tell him. What is wrong with these two today?

“Fine,” he grumbles. “But somehow, she always has one more than me.”

Lexie’s mom leans forward, catching their attention. “If you two can get along, there might be some cookies at my house for you. Only the best-behaving kids get to have some, though.”

Reed and Sadie glance at each other, and that’s the end of their bickering - for today, at least. Lunch ends up going pretty well. The kids run the show for the most part. It catches me off guard when Reed calls Lexie’s parents ‘Grammy’ and ‘Pops’. I open my mouth to stop him, but Brooke pats my knee under the table at the same time Lexie does. They must know something I don’t. Her parents don’t seem to mind, so maybe they told him he could when they babysat him for Brooke.

“It was nice to meet you, Ashton, and to see you again, Brooke and Reed, but we need to get going,” Lexie’s mom says.

“Are you sure?”

Her dad nods. Once they leave, a teacher goes to the front of the room again.

“Okay, boys and men. Find who you want to dance with, ask them, and have fun dancing.”

Reed turns to Brooke. “Momma, do you want to dance with me? We’ve been learning how in gym. I won’t step on your feet, I promise.”

“Well, how could I turn down that offer?”

He grins, stands up, and takes Brooke’s hand, leading her to the makeshift dance floor. Moms and their little boys as well as dads and their little girls make their way to dance. My gaze shifts from Reed rigidly following steps he remembered to Sadie, who is watching everyone. Lexie sneaks a worried glance at me before whispering something to Sadie, who shakes her head, not once looking away.

Without quietly asking Lexie first, I stand up and crouch down next to Sadie. “Would you like to dance with me, Sadie?”

Her eyes widen. “Really? I’m not as good as Reed.”

I laugh. “That’s okay. I can show you.” I hold my hand out, palm up, and wait for an answer.

She suddenly smiles as she takes my hand. “Thanks, Mr. Ashton.”

“Don’t thank me yet. I might be as bad as Reed,” I joke as we find us a spot on the dance floor. Sadie giggles. “Put your feet on top of mine. That way I won’t step on your feet.” She laughs and carefully does what I’ve asked. “Give me your other hand.” She does. “Now, I have a serious question for you.”

“What?”

“Are you like your mom and willing to be a little crazy? Act a little silly maybe?”

Sadie nods without hesitation. I hold our arms and start dancing straight across the room. She giggles, holding on tighter, and I’m careful to make sure her feet stay on mine. I turn us around in circles as fast as I can, pretending to get dizzy and almost fall over. She squeals in fear before laughing harder.

I shuffle my feet back and forth, attempt to do the moonwalk, and anything else to make her laugh. That’s all she does too: giggle while we dance offbeat.

“Go in circles again,” she pleads.

We start turning around and around. “Oh, I’m getting dizzy again, Sadie.”

“Don’t fall!” I stumble forward a little, causing her to half laugh, half scream, “Mr. Ashton!”

At the last second, I stand upright again. “Oops. Sorry, Sadie. We might have to lay off the circles.”

“Can you twirl me like a ballerina?”

“Sure. Hop off my feet.”

She steps down and I hold her arm up as she twirls around. I swing her out, keeping a good grip on her hand, and then swing her back in. Sadie laughs and holds her stomach.

“My tummy hurts.” She puts her hands on either side of her face. “My cheeks hurt too. We’re laughing too much.”

“How about we stop being silly for the rest of the song then?”

“Okay.” She takes my hands again and we dance in a small circle. “Thanks for dancing with me, Mr. Ashton.”

“Thank you for dancing with me, Sadie.”