by Kaylee Ryan
Abandoning the trash, he walks around the table until he’s next to me. He bends and kisses Finley’s cheek and then mine. “Me too, baby.” Finley pats his cheek, breaking our moment, but he just laughs and tickles her side, effectively moving her little hand without a fuss. “You stink,” he tells my daughter. He’s overly dramatic when he holds his nose and waves his hand in front of his face. “It’s bath time.”
Finley giggles.
My heart smiles.
“You go with Mommy, and I’ll come say good night when you’re done.” He rubs his hand softly over her curls, and goes back to gathering trash.
On shaky legs, I carry Finley to the bathroom and fumble my way through her bath. I’ve never met a man who’s literally made me weak in the knees. He’s so good with my daughter, and the sincerity when he’s with us, it shines from his eyes, his words, his actions. This man is unlike anyone I’ve ever met. We have a routine, but tonight, I let her play a little longer than usual. My mind’s racing with thoughts of Seth. It’s been a long time since I’ve felt this way. This nervous, excited flutter in my belly. It’s been just as long since I’ve let a man into my life, into my daughter’s life. In fact, it’s never happened. Finley’s dad, Blake, was the last man I was with. Most men run when they find out you’re a single mother, not that I even bothered; my priority was my little girl. I’ve never brought a man into her life.
My gut tells me that Seth is different, and I want to see where this goes. Seth slowly crept in, and now here we are. The chemistry between us is electric, and for the first time in a hell of a long time, I want to feel it racing through my veins.
I want Seth.
“Sef.” Finley points over my shoulder and I turn to see him. His ankles are crossed, as are his arms over his chest as he leans against the doorjamb.
“Hey, sorry it took so long,” I say over my shoulder before turning back to Finley. “You, little miss, it’s past your bedtime,” I tell her, leaning in for a kiss goodnight.
“Sef,” she says again, holding her arms open for him. It’s on the tip of my tongue to tell her that’s enough and it’s time for bed, but his voice stops me.
“What’s up, Finny? You giving your momma a hard time?” He looks over at her bed.
“Night night,” she says, standing and holding her arms out for him.
He chuckles, a sound from deep in his chest. “Come here, sweetheart.” As if he’s done it a million times, he lifts her and gives her a hug. “Now, it’s time for you to go night-night.” He places her back on her mattress, and my deviant child lies down and allows him to cover her up. “Sweet dreams, Finny,” he whispers with a small wave.
“Momma loves you,” I tell my daughter.
“Wuvs you,” she replies, hugging her bear to her chest and closing her eyes.
Checking to make sure the monitor is on, I close the door softly behind me. “She’s a handful,” I say when I find Seth in the hall waiting for me.
“She’s a cute kid.”
“Thanks.” I don’t really know what to say. This has all been out of my comfort zone. Seth makes the decision for me when he holds out his hand for me. I take it, allowing him to lace our fingers together and pull me into his chest.
“What else needs to be done?”
“You’ve done enough. I can get it.”
“Mara,” he says softly. I look up at him, and his brown eyes are smiling down at me. “Let me help you. I want this transition to be easy for both of you.”
“What’s in it for you?” I blurt before I can stop myself.
“You. The pleasure of your company. And Finley and her goodnight hugs.” He wraps his arm around my waist and leads me down the hall to the living room. He waits for me to sit on the couch, then takes the cushion right next to mine. “So tell me what’s next?”
“I’m good, really. I mean, eventually, I want to paint Finley’s room and get her a toddler bed. Mark said we could paint the walls any color we wanted.”
“Okay, do we know what color? Do you have a bed?”
“I’m thinking a teal green. That’s the color she pointed at when we were browsing color options. And her bed, I know which one I want. I just have to order it and put it together. I’m actually considering a princess twin-size bed so she can sleep in it longer.”
“That’s a good idea. I know Ridge and Kendall did that with Knox as well. His is a race-car bed. Kid loves it.”
“I’ve been looking online.”
“How about we take her shopping, see which one she likes?”
I can’t help it. I laugh. “How many times have you taken a two-and-a-half-year-old shopping? Well, she’ll be two and a half next month.”
“Never. But how bad can it be?”
“Trust me on this one.” I reach over and pat his arm. “We’re better to shop online.”
“Grab your computer, we can do it now. We’ll get the bed ordered and then we’ll know what color of paint for sure.”
I mentally calculate my bank account. Moving didn’t cost what I thought it would with the guys helping. I hate dipping into savings because you never know what could happen, but I will make a good salary at Beckett Construction. My little girl deserves her dream room at our new house. “I’m exhausted,” I say, because I am. “If I start down that rabbit hole, I’ll never get to sleep, and tomorrow is my first day. I don’t need to roll into the office looking like a zombie.”
“You’d make a beautiful zombie.” He winks.
I playfully roll my eyes. “I’ll start looking and let you know. How’s that?”
“Fine.” He sighs dramatically. “I guess I should head out so you can get some sleep.”
As if his words have a direct connection to my brain, I yawn, covering it with my arm. “I’m sorry.”
“Nothing to be sorry for. It’s been a long weekend.” Leaning in, he kisses the corner of my mouth. “Lock up behind me.” He stands and I do the same, following him. “I’m actually going to go start my truck. I’ll be right back.” He rushes out the door. I hear his truck fire up, and then he’s back, shivering from the cold.
I want to wrap my arms around him to warm him up, but that’s too much, right? He has my head all jumbled. “Thank you for dinner and for all of your help,” I say instead, keeping my hands to myself.
“You’re welcome. How about I take you and Finny to dinner tomorrow night to celebrate your first day?”
“You don’t have to do that.”
“I want to do that,” he says, mocking me. “What’s our girl’s favorite?”
My heart stutters in my chest at his “our girl” remark. “Chicken nuggets, french fries, oh, and she loves cheese pizza.”
“Pizza it is. I don’t know what time I’ll get off tomorrow, but I’ll text you and we can plan from there.”
“Seth.”
“Mara.” He grins. “I’ll see you soon. Sweet dreams, and lock up.” He taps my nose and turns to leave. I shut the door behind him, holding off the frigid air. “Lock up,” he calls through the door. I flip the lock. “Night, Mara,” he says, and then all I hear are his heavy footsteps as he walks away.
I don’t need to look in the mirror to know my face is lit up with a smile. Seth Jennings is a force to be reckoned with.
Chapter Five
Seth 5
* * *
I know as soon as I pull into the parking lot and the only vehicles are Ridge’s and Mara’s, that I’m in for a day of nagging from the guys. I also know that I don’t have it in me to give a fuck. Grabbing the box of donuts and the two coffees, I climb out of the truck and make my way inside.
Ridge looks up when I walk through the door, then glances at the clock on the wall. “What are you doing here so early?” he asks, confused.
So, I’m about thirty minutes early. Sue me. I couldn’t seem to help myself knowing she was going to be here. “I brought breakfast,” I say, placing the donuts on the corner of the desk.
“And those.” He points to the s
mall carrier holding two coffees.
I take one out and walk around the desk. I place one of the coffees in front of Mara before I bend down and kiss her temple. “Morning, babe,” I murmur.
“Oh,” Ridge says, exaggerating the word. “I see how it is.”
“I’m so sorry,” Mara says, giving me a look telling me to back off.
“I’m the one that should be apologizing. You’re going to have your hands full with this one.” He gestures at me and my grin grows wider.
“You’re not mad? I mean, we’re not really… we’re talking I guess you could say. Have been talking,” she confesses.
Ridge looks over at me and I nod. Everything falls into place with that simple act. “Not at all. As long as it doesn’t interfere with your work.”
“It won’t.” She’s quick to assure him. “Right, Seth?”
“Have a donut,” I say, indicating the box. She glares at me, which makes Ridge laugh. It’s not that I don’t want to answer her, but I don’t know how without coming on too strong. She’s what’s most important, not the job, and I know she won’t see it that way. I know the guys will be good to her—that’s not an issue—but still, I can’t promise I won’t ever interfere if that’s what’s best for her. I can’t lie to her, and I know she’s not ready to hear that, so changing the subject works best.
“Don’t mind if I do.” Ridge lifts the lid and pulls out a donut before sliding the box to Mara. “Have one. This is a treat.”
“Oh, so you don’t bring donuts to work every Monday?” she asks, and I can hear the snark in her voice.
“Only on my girl’s first day.” Her eyes widen as does my smile.
“As I was saying,” Ridge focuses on Mara, “you already know QuickBooks, and pretty much everything else will come with a learning curve. Mom has been handling a lot of it. Kendall only works a half day today, so Mom will be here this afternoon after Kendall picks up the kids.”
“I’m sure I can figure it out,” Mara assures him with confidence.
“That’s what I’m hoping. I’m shit at all of this.” He waves his arm around the small office that will be hers. “I’m much better out of the office bidding jobs, or keeping the monkeys from getting out of hand.”
“Hey,” I say, pretending to be offended. “Who are you calling a monkey? Is that how you treat a man who brings you breakfast?”
“Like you even have to ask.” He laughs. “Besides, you’re too little too late. Kendall made cupcakes for her first day. They’re in the kitchen.” He points to the door that leads to the small kitchen area in the building.
I shrug, because it’s the thought that counts, and I know Mara well enough that my good deed is already catalogued in her mind.
The door opens and heavy footfalls sound throughout the room. “Wait? What are you doing here?” Tyler asks, joining us. He’s also carrying a box of donuts.
“I brought my girl some breakfast for her first day.”
I swear his damn eyes light up. “Your girl, huh? This is a new development. What happened to the chick you’ve been pining over for months?” Tyler smirks. I know Kendall told Reagan, I can see it in his eyes. Fucker knows it was Mara. “And my wife suggested I bring donuts as well.” He places the second box on the desk.
“Good. I’m starving,” Kent says as he enters the building kicking snow off his boots. He reaches for the box Tyler just placed on the desk. He chooses one and shoves a huge bite into his mouth. “I heard vat,” he says, talking with a mouthful of donut.
“You mean the one he only met one time?” Ridge asks, indicating toward Mara.
“No kidding,” Kent says after swallowing his half a donut. “Damn, here I was thinking of asking her out.”
“Nope,” I say, popping the p. I want to tell him to keep his damn hands to himself, but surprisingly, I keep my cool. He knows what this means; they all will. I also know they would never try to go after my girl. I’m taking a page out of Mark’s book and finding my inner calm.
“You sure? It’s not too late to kick his ass to the curb,” he asks Mara.
“We’ve got your back,” Tyler chimes in.
“You do have an in with the boss.” Ridge chuckles, grabbing a donut.
Her face is flushed, but she’s still amused by our banter if the small smile that tilts her lips in any indication. “It’s new.”
It’s not that new. Sure, it’s been texting, and the odd phone call here or there, but this intensity that I feel, that I know we both feel, that’s not new.
“What’s new?” Mark asks from behind us. He walks over to the desk where Mara sits and places a small bouquet of flowers. “These are from Dawn.” He then reaches into the box and pulls out a donut. “What’s new?” he asks again before taking a huge bite.
“Mara and Seth,” Kent answers.
“No kidding. What about the one you’ve been saving yourself for?” he asks, laughing, and winks at Mara. Looks like Dawn was in on that phone tree as well. If Kent had a wife, I’m sure he would have been in the know as well.
“Mara,” I say by way of explanation.
“Really?” he asks, faking being surprised.
“Why the shock?”
“We should have seen that one coming,” Tyler says. “How did we miss it?”
“You were all occupied with your families.”
“I should have seen it then,” Kent counters.
“You were occupied with the kids. I believe they used you as a jungle gym most of the day.”
He smiles. “I’m the favorite uncle.”
“Keep telling yourself that,” all four of us reply at the same time, causing Mara to laugh.
“We need to load the trailer to start on the drywall today.” Ridge diverts the conversation back to work.
“On it, boss.” Kent grabs an entire box of donuts and heads back outside.
“Thank you, all of you and your wives, so much for everything,” Mara says.
“Welcome aboard.” Tyler taps the desk and turns to leave.
“This one gives you any trouble”—Mark points to me—“you let us know.” He winks and then follows the others.
“Call me if you need anything,” Ridge tells her. “Here’s Mom’s number, and Kendall’s as well.”
“You can call me too,” I tell her.
Ridge nods. “Any or all of us if you need anything.” He grabs a donut from the other box. “Chances are the guys are gone by now,” he explains before sliding into his coat and leaving us alone.
“That went well.” I don’t have to wait long for her reply.
“Seth,” she hisses. “It’s my first day.”
“I know that. I also know that they need to know about us. I won’t hide it.”
“No. I don’t want to either, but do you really think this was the time or place?”
“I do. We’re family. Have been since we were small. They know I’ve not been going out as much and that there was someone I was interested in. I never told them who, because I wasn’t sure if what I was feeling was a figment of my imagination. Then we started to text and I liked you even more. I still kept quiet, wanting to know for certain. I understand the implications of dating a single mom, and I wanted to know for me, that I was all in with you, with both of you before I said anything.”
Visibly, her shoulders relax. “Okay.”
“Okay? That’s it?”
“That’s it. I understand, and while I would have done it differently, it’s out there, which is for the best and we can move on.”
“Wow? No arguing? Nothing?” It’s not that I think she’s a drama queen, quite the opposite, in fact. However, I didn’t expect for her to let go of this that easily. Just another thing to add to the ever-growing list of things I like about her.
“Life’s too short. You explained yourself and I understand. There’s nothing to argue about. Now, you better get moving so I can get to work. I have a lot to read through and learn.”
Bracing my hands on the desk, I lean
in toward her. “Have a good day.” My lips connect with her cheek, and I pull back. Not because I want to, but because we both need to get to work. “Pizza tonight?” I remind her.
“Yeah. I didn’t tell Finley, but she’s going to be excited.”
“Good. I’ll text you and let you know what time we’re done.”
“Have a good day,” she calls after me.
I want to puff my chest out and slap my hands against it at her attention. I’m fucked when it comes to her. Lucky for me, I watched Ridge, then Tyler and then Mark fall, so I know what I’m up against. I see what’s happening for what it is.
I’m falling for her.
The guys didn’t give me shit as I expected. With three of them married, I guess they get it. They understand the spell she has me under. Kent, on the other hand, he’s still living his best life as a single guy. He’ll be the last of us to fall, and I, for one, will be happy to sit back and watch it happen. Hell, that’s exactly what Ridge, Tyler, and Mark are saying about me. That was pretty much their exact words. However, what they don’t realize is I’m ready for it. I want that special bond with someone else. I want what they have with their wives.
“You want to head to Bottoms Up for a beer?” Kent asks.
“Sorry, man, I have to rush home and shower. I’ve got plans.”
“With Mara?”
“Yeah, I’m taking her and Finley out for dinner.”
“You need to hear the speech?” Mark asks.
“What speech?” I ask, confused.
“The one you gave me about dating a single mom.”
“No. That was a little bit of projecting on my part. I had to make sure I was on board as well.”
“Well?” Tyler asks as he closes the toolbox he was just loading.
“Well what?” I play dumb. I know exactly what he’s asking.
“What was your conclusion?” Tyler questions.
“I know what it means, and I’ve thought about it. Trust me, it’s not something that I’m entering into lightly.”
