Yours Seductively

Chapter 9.3

   Sally and Dave has invited Tyler and his family to join them at Sidney Applegate Park for a picnic Thursday after work. It was a beautiful summer day, still warm and bright when they arrived. Tyler knee the kids didn't mind the heat, and he'd changed into a T-shirt and khaki shorts, so he was comfortable enough. With the strap of the diaper bag over his shoulder and Amy balanced on his hip, he dragged a wheeled cooler full of canned juices and soft drinks behind him, telling Tom to stay close until they found the others.

   Even for a weekday afternoon, the park was crowded. Noisy, too, he noted, identifying at least four different types of music sounding from the boom boxes scattered around the area. Tom was bouncing with eagerness to get on the playground equipment; Tyler would be surprised if the boy could sit still long enough to eat. Amy was just happy to be outside, watching the activity around them.

   "There's Aunt sally and Uncle Dave!" Tom pointed, his voice squeaking in excitement. "And, Daddy, look—it's Jane!"

   Tyler almost stumbled, but recovered quickly. Jane was definitely there, standing close to Sally. She looked wonderful, her red hair glittering in the afternoon sun, her fascinating face animated with laughter, her slender figure flattened by a snug T-shirt and denim shorts. He had never seen her really dressed up, he realized, but she wore her casual wardrobe with an elegance and flair that most women could only envy. She didn't dress "New York"—he'd never seen her in black or wearing trendy labels, the type of outfits Stephanie had favored. He wondered if Jane has dressed this way in New York, or if she'd adjusted her style to fit into Honoria.

   What was he doing standing here analyzing her wardrobe? He didn't care about clothes. It was more likely an attempt to distract himself from memories of the last time they'd been together, alone in her bedroom. To stop him from closing the distance between them and tugging her into his arms, right there in front of whoever might see them.

   He watched as Tom dashed to her side, eagerly grabbing her hand. Jane looked down at the boy with one of her blinding smiles, and Tom beamed back up at her. Tyler swallowed hard, identifying a bit too well with the infatuation on his son's face. He'd been doing very well so far keeping his relationship with Jane completely separate from his other life. He hadn't intended to change that.

   He should have known it wouldn't be possible for long in Honoria.

   There was no evidence of self-consciousness in her expression when she greeted him. "Hey, Ty. How's it going?"

   Aware that his family was watching them, Tyler nodded pleasantly. "Fine, thank you. And you?"

   "Can't complain. Hello, beautiful." She tickled Amy's chin.

   The baby laughed and held out her hands, demanding to be transferred. Even Amy, Tyler thought in resignation, handing over his daughter. Jane hoisted Amy high in front of her, making the little girl laugh and kick her sneakered feet in delight.