Summertime Loving

Travis and Diane spent the afternoon drenched in laughter, water flying as they playfully sprayed each other with the hose, the setting sun casting a warm glow over their carefree antics. For those few hours, they were like kids again, splashing and teasing, unaware of time passing. With every laugh and shared grin, they grew closer, their playful connection bringing a warmth neither had expected.

As the sun dipped lower, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, they lay side by side on the cool, damp grass, smiles lingering on their faces as they caught their breath, soaked and satisfied.

"That was fun, wasn't it?" Diane murmured, glancing at him with a soft, content smile.

"Yeah, it was. We should do this more often," Travis replied, sitting up and looking down at her. "But it's getting late."

Diane reached out, and he took her hand to help her up. She rose a little too quickly, stumbling forward and ending up pressed against him, her hands bracing against his bare chest. His arm instinctively slid around her waist to steady her. They both stilled, the closeness suddenly thickening the air between them. Travis's eyes couldn't help but trail down, noticing the outline of her curves beneath her soaked shirt, her skin flushed from their laughter. Diane's fingers lingered on his chest, feeling the heat of his skin under her touch.

"Thank you for today, Travis," she whispered, a gentle smile curving her lips. Then, with a soft rise onto her toes, she brushed her lips against his cheek, the warmth lingering as she drew back slightly

"You were really helpful."

Travis looked down at her, smiling. "I'm glad to help. Don't hesitate to call me next time you need anything."

"Count on it." Her smile widened, though her gaze lingered on him a beat longer. "And give my love to Debbie and that silly niece of mine."

"Will do," he said, reluctantly releasing his hold on her waist. As he turned to leave, she watched him walk away, the faintest smile tugging at her lips.

' Would it be strange for me to fall for my nephew?' she wondered, watching him disappear into the distance.

Travis walked back home and took a long, hot shower, letting the warmth ease his muscles after a busy day. Freshly dressed in casual clothes, he stepped out as the sun began its descent, casting a golden glow over the neighborhood. As he reached the gate, he noticed Tammy stretching in her backyard. Curiosity pulled him closer, and he stopped to watch her as she moved fluidly from one yoga pose to another.

She sank into a child's pose, her back arching slightly, and he couldn't help but admire the way her form was highlighted, her curves outlined perfectly in the fading light. Holding the position for a moment, she then shifted into a cat stretch, her body flowing effortlessly. The scene reminded him of something out of an anime, her graceful movements embodying that same feline poise.

His mind wandered briefly. If only I could just walk up and get closer, he mused to himself with a grin.

Almost as if sensing his gaze, Tammy turned, her eyes catching his. Her face broke into a smile, and she rose gracefully from her mat, brushing off her clothes as she walked toward him.

"Travis, you're here! Are you finally joining us for dinner?" Her voice held a warm, hopeful note as she looked up at him.

"Sure, might as well," he replied, not wanting to let her down, especially seeing how her face lit up at his answer.

Her smile widened, eyes sparkling as she took his hand. "Great!" she said, tugging him gently inside with a laugh.

Tammy led Travis into the dining room, seating him at the table before she slipped into the kitchen to warm the food she'd prepared. While the microwave hummed softly, she hurried upstairs to call Erik.

Once they gathered around the table, Tammy reached out, holding both their hands with a warm smile. "Well, how nice. I finally get to have dinner with my two favorite boys."

Erik, ever playful, pouted. "I thought I was your favorite."

She laughed softly, squeezing his hand. "As I said, you're both my favorite." She turned to Travis, catching him staring a little too intently at her neckline. He snapped out of it, clearing his throat and nodding with a slight blush. "Yep, let's eat," he said, trying to recover.

Dinner turned out to be more enjoyable than any of them expected. Laughter filled the room as Travis cracked a few clever jokes, drawing a light, melodic laugh from Tammy that lit up the atmosphere. Even when Erik launched into his latest obsession with orcs, Tammy listened patiently, amused by his enthusiasm.

After the meal, Erik excused himself to head upstairs, leaving Tammy to handle the dishes. But Travis, ever the gentleman, stood beside her at the sink, rolling up his sleeves.

"Let me help," he said with a grin.

She looked at him, a hint of warmth in her gaze. "Thanks, Travis. You didn't have to, but I appreciate it."

They washed the dishes together, the quiet moments between them comfortable, a soft hum of companionship lingering as they stood close. Every now and then, their hands brushed, sending a subtle spark through the quiet evening.

"So, how's school going?" Tammy asked, her gaze warm as she set another dish in the drying rack.

Travis shrugged, a faint grin tugging at his lips. "It's alright. Nothing to complain about, I guess."

She leaned against the counter, a playful glint in her eye. "And how about the girls? Erik always tells me how you're apparently a natural with them. I have to admit, I'm curious if it's true."

He raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms with a teasing smile. "What, you don't think I can charm a few?"

She laughed, shaking her head. "Oh, it's not that. It's just—you're Erik's friend. And as sweet as he is, I'm not exactly convinced he's... smooth with the ladies. Makes me worry sometimes, you know? Wondering if he'll ever find his own place, get married... all those big life things."

Travis nodded, offering her a reassuring smile. "Yeah, that can be a little scary to think about. But who knows? Maybe he'll find someone who's into his quirks. Sometimes it just takes time."

She tilted her head, considering his words. "You're right... Guess time will tell. But if he keeps dragging his feet, I might just need you to help him land a girlfriend. And if you do, I'll make sure to reward you generously," she teased, nudging her hip into him.

Travis smirked, a playful glint in his eye. "Well, I could get started on that right now, if you'd like."

Her laugh was light and bright, filling the room in a way that made him feel oddly content. He realized he hadn't seen her this happy in a long time—she often wore a more pensive look, her smile always seeming slightly burdened. Seeing her let loose, even just a little, gave him a sense of satisfaction he hadn't expected.

"You know, you should move in with us," she said between chuckles. "This house could use a little spark again. I'm sure Erik would agree."

He chuckled, catching her eyes. "I'll take you up on that offer one day... the day Erik's ready to call me 'stepdad.'"

Tammy burst into laughter, her cheeks flushed as she lost her balance, collapsing into his arms. He held her without a second thought, keeping his expression casual, but a slight smirk tugged at his lips.

'Guess making her laugh is just in my system,' he thought, enjoying the moment as they stood close, her laughter slowly fading into a contented smile.

TO BE CONTINUED