Because of You : A single dad romance

by Fabiola Francisco

  chapter 10

  Ada

  “So, you’re telling me that hunky single dad that just walked in took you out on a date?” Libby’s smile is mischievous as she waits for my response.

  “Yeah,” I nod, unable to hide my smile.

  “And it was amazing?”

  “Uh-huh,” I respond while looking over at Sawyer and River.

  “The same guy you’re making googly, heart eyes to right now?”

  That snaps my attention to her. “Was I being obvious? It’s crazy, right?” I lean forward and whisper.

  “Not really. I mean, y’all had major chemistry in Nashville, and it’s obvious that spark is still there.”

  “It is.” I nod. “Libby, I really like him.” I confide in one of my best friends. I called her a little after Sawyer dropped me off. I had so much energy pumping through me. I didn’t want to stay home, and I could really use a listening ear. And hopefully some wisdom.

  “I can tell. How amazing was the date?”

  “Remember when we were in high school, and I went on that date with the guy who was here for the summer? We went horseback riding and had a picnic.” I think back to that innocent summer fling I had, if you could call it a fling.

  “Yeah,” she nods. “The tall guy with blue eyes. You were in loooovveeee,” she makes fun of me.

  I shove her arm and laugh. She’s right. I was head over heels for the guy, and I barely knew him. Getting to know someone as a teen is so different than when you’re an adult.

  “Well, this was better.” I raise my eyebrows.

  Libby’s eyes grow big, and her mouth drops. She knows how infatuated I was with that guy, but I learned later in life that it wasn’t much more than that—young infatuation of an illusion, not the actual relationship.

  “What’s the problem, then?”

  “Are you seriously asking me that?” I lean forward on my elbows. My eyes dance over to Sawyer a moment, who seems focused on his conversation with River.

  I drop my voice so no one else can hear us. “I’m his son’s teacher. I don’t want to get fired or have this affect River or him.”

  “I get that, but I don’t think you’d get fired over this. I don’t remember ever seeing anything stated that you couldn’t date a parent. And technically,” she holds up a finger, “you met before you were his son’s teacher.”

  She has a point there, but nothing came of it until after.

  “They may change River from your class, though. Only to avoid conflict of interests since there is another second-grade classroom in the school.”

  “I like being his teacher.” I press my lips together. How would that affect River’s adjustment as well? He’s gotten along well with Pete and the other kids in class. If they switch him, it could disrupt his stability.

  “You wouldn’t be his teacher, but you’d be his stepmom,” Libby waggles her eyebrows with a silly expression, and I slap her hand.

  “Ow!” She rubs the top of her hand.

  “I wouldn’t.” I shake my head but feel heat creeping up my cheeks. I never thought I’d be a stepmom period.

  “He’s such a great student. I really like him, and not because he’s Sawyer’s son,” I quickly add before she jumps to conclusions.

  “I know. I also know you’d never play favorites, but parents may argue that. For the sake of everyone, it’d be best if they moved him to Karen’s class.”

  I scrunch up my nose in distaste. Libby laughs. “I know, but it’d be for the best.” Karen is the other second-grade teacher, but she’s…bland and bitchy. She’s the type to always volunteer, brown-nosing the principal, and judges everyone. No one is as perfect as her spoiled daughter, submissive husband, and her—all in their matching polos, Bermuda shorts, and cardigans wrapped around their shoulders. When I had her daughter in my class, it was hell with the constant comments from Karen.

  She does work and projects with her class that she doesn’t share with me even though we’re supposed to team plan, and I always share my plans with her. It makes me look unprepared, but the worse than that is when my students ask why we aren't doing the cool activities Karen's class does.

  I’m used to her by now, but I’d hate for River to be in her class. I also don’t know how Sawyer would react to that. From what he said today, he wants us to see each other again, but at the cost of River moving classrooms and away from the friends he’s made? Would River be content with seeing his friends after school or only in the hallway? I wouldn’t feel right if that happened, and he was unhappy. Guilt would get the best of me.

  I look over at Sawyer and watch him interact with River. I want to be a part of that—openly. Sawyer’s eyes flicker to mine, and he smiles warmly. I grin and look at Libby.

  “Things will work out.” She gives my hand a comforting squeeze.

  “Thanks,” I nod softly.

  “How about I get us another round of pumpkin squares, and you tell me the real juicy details about your date?” Libby’s eyebrows waggle.

  I laugh loudly, shaking my head. “I’m always up for more pumpkin squares, but I told you all the details. Nothing juicier than our make-out session in the car.”

  Libby rolls her eyes with a humph and orders two more squares at the counter. With no obstruction, I look at Sawyer as he chuckles at something River says. He’s handsome, but his charm goes beyond that. It goes beyond being a single dad. There’s something about him that makes me want to spend hours with him.

  I’ve heard about people clicking, having a deep connection upon meeting, but I’d never experienced it before. However, something inside of me comes to life when I see Sawyer. Could I throw that away without even giving it a chance? Could guilt and fear stop me from possibly experiencing a great love?

  When I see him smile at River, tousle his hair, and the love shining in his eyes for his son before his eyes meet mine again, I know deep within that I’ll do anything to get to know this man better.

  …

  The week after my date with Sawyer passes quickly between work and late-night conversations with him. I’m realizing quickly that this thing between us could be real. When he told me River was spending the day with Paisley at Hunter’s parents’ house on Saturday and asked if I were free, I didn’t hesitate to say yes.

  Instead of going out, I suggested that he come over and have lunch here. I didn’t want to seem too forward with that suggestion, but it’d be best to avoid rumors around town.

  I turn around in my kitchen, nervously opening and closing drawers, checking the fridge to make sure I have drinks and turning on the oven light to check on the pumpkin pie I’m baking. I stay busy to keep this anxious energy under control.

  I startle when a knock echoes through my house. Taking a deep breath, I will my heart to slow down and make my way toward the door. I smile as I open. Sawyer stands before me, holding a bottle of white wine, dressed in dark jeans, a chambray button-down, and mussed hair. Those green eyes sparkle and his smile makes my heart accelerate again.

  “Hi,” I say quietly.

  “Hey.” He walks in and brushes his lips against mine once the door is closed behind us. His free hand squeezes my hip, and I tremble. “You look beautiful,” he adds as he looks down into my eyes.

  “Thanks.” I bite down my smile and bow my head, brushing my hair behind my ear. I kept it casual with a pair of torn jeans and a light sweater.

  “It smells good,” he comments. “I brought wine. I know you said not to bring anything, which I still think I should’ve brought the food, so I thought wine would be good.” Sawyer places the wine on the counter in my kitchen.

  “Thanks. Wine is always welcomed here,” I wink and place it in the fridge to keep it chilled. “I’m making a pie, and the steaks are seasoned, but I could use your help with the barbecue.” I take the steaks out of the fridge and place them next to the plate that has two potatoes wrapped in aluminum, ready to be cooked on the grill.

  “I can do that. Lead the way.” Sawyer grabs t
he two plates and follows me through the living room. I step out onto my back patio where the grill is already on.

  “This is really nice,” Sawyer comments as he looks around my yard.

  “Thanks. I love having outdoor space. It’s not as much as the ranches outside of town, but it was either land or location. I feel like I got the best of both with this house.” I love everything about my house. I added the deck patio to the yard, so I had a place for a table and the grill. It still left green space for plants. The best part is that the tall fence allows for privacy.

  “Do you want something to drink? I thought we could have a beer while we grill and save the wine for our meal? Or anything else. Coke, water, juice…” I ramble nervously.

  Sawyer chuckles. “Beer’s good.”

  I nod and walk into the house, shaking my hands by my side and exhaling deeply. I don’t know why I’m so nervous. It’s not the first time I’ve spent time with him or talked to him. Geez, Ada, get a hold of yourself.

  I grab two beers and pop the caps open, placing them in two koozies. Heading back outside, I hand Sawyer a beer. He laughs and lifts the bottle so he can read the koozie.

  “Alcohol you later?” he asks, amused.

  “I’m a fan of Mitchell Tenpenny.” I shrug, holding my laughter.

  “Let me see yours.”

  I smirk mischievously and say, “It’s not funny like yours.” I turn my bottle around so he can see my koozie with the Alabama state outline and Roll Tide Roll written on it. Sawyer places a hand over his heart and cringes.

  “Just when I thought you were perfect for me…” He shakes his head in mock disappointment, and I laugh.

  “I already told you I forgave you for your poor choice in college football teams.” I pat his hand that rests over his chest and giggle. He grabs my wrist, pulling me to him, and placing his beer on the table beside us. His hands roam up and down the side of my body, landing on my waist.

  “I forgive you for your choice of team. I guess I can accept one flaw,” he sighs dramatically, smiling when his eyes meet mine. “I’ve got a feeling that our football rivalry won’t be enough to scare me away.”

  My breath catches, and I stare into those sea-green eyes. Speckles of gold swim in them, and they bring a sense of peace over me that I can’t explain. I get lost in his eyes until he starts talking again.

  “I kept wondering who this ‘Amanda Bynes’ woman was and if I’d ever get the chance to see her again. I knew my time in Nashville was limited since I was moving, but if I could see her one more time… I don’t know.” He shakes his head as if coming back from a daze. “Then I saw you, standing in that classroom, talking to a group of parents, and my blood turned cold because I realized I wanted my son’s teacher, and there was nothing that would lessen that feeling.”

  I place my own beer on the table next to his and bring my arms up his chest and around his neck. “I couldn’t stop thinking about you either, but I knocked it as a chance meeting at a bar. I figured I’d never see you again. When I did, I didn’t know what to think. I didn’t even know your name, or that you were a father… I knew nothing about you, and yet,” I shake my head and look over his shoulder toward my yard, trying to find the right words.

  “I know,” he whispers, bringing my attention back to him. “I like you a lot, Ada. I know it makes things at work a little, or a lot, complicated, but I can’t seem to stay away.”

  “Me either,” I admit quietly.

  He touches his lips to mine. It’s innocent at first. I press mine to his a little harder. Chills cover me as Sawyer envelops me in his arms, taking my lower lip between his teeth. I moan and shiver, opening my eyes for a moment and staring at him. The moment is intense, and I get lost in it.

  Sawyer pulls my mouth to his again, kissing me deeply, his tongue piercing through my lips. My lips part, our tongues tangling. I moan into the kiss, angling my head when his fingers comb through my hair and hold the back of my head. I’m lit from the inside out, fire burning through my veins, and this deep need to get closer to Sawyer taking over. Our bodies are flush, but I still press my hands into his back, bringing him closer.

  One of his hands roams down my back and cups my ass, pressing me against him, and I whimper when I feel his hardness against me. My breath comes in fast as I deepen the kiss, needing to taste all of him. My body heats at the feel of his roaming hands, his demanding lips, and his breath against my skin when his mouth trails kisses down my neck.

  “Ada…” he murmurs.

  “Yeah?” I lean back to look at him, heart pounding and chest heaving. I’m sure I’m wide-eyed as I look at him.

  “God, I want you, but…we should go slow.”

  I nod. “Yeah, yeah. Sorry, I don’t know what came over me.”

  One side of his lips lifts in a smirk. “Don’t apologize. I was a participant in that kiss, and it was well worth it.”

  I nod, grabbing my beer and taking a cooling drink. Sawyer chuckles, turning toward the grill to check on the steaks, but I notice him discreetly adjust himself.

  After the food is done, we sit at the table on the patio and enjoy a beautiful fall afternoon while we sip wine, talk, and eat. We have dessert on the couch, listening to music, and finishing off the bottle of wine. It’s the perfect afternoon. I can imagine days like this with Sawyer, cuddled on the couch, watching television, or listening to music, talking, and cooking together. Taking River out on the weekends.

  Being with Sawyer is becoming more and more real, and I’m torn between fessing up at work or keeping quiet until someone confronts me about it because there’s no way we’ll be able to keep this a secret for long when we live in a small town.

  chapter 11

  Sawyer

  I’ve been thinking about Ada for the past two weeks. Besides seeing her at school pick-up, I haven’t had a chance to be alone with her. That changes today, though. I have a parent-teacher conference this afternoon, and lucky for me, I get to be alone with Ada. Even if it is in her classroom, talking about River’s progress in school.

  I finish up with my final patient and drive toward the school. River knows to go to after-school today since I am meeting with his teacher, so I go straight to the office instead of dismissal.

  When I get the okay from the school secretary, I head toward Ada’s classroom, smiling as I pass some of the teachers. Instead of the nerves I felt when I came with River to open house, today I’m feeling eager. I know River’s doing good in school, so this is a formality more than anything. And I miss Ada. Talking on the phone before bed is great, but I want more time with her.

  I knock and open the door slowly. When I walk in, I find Ada talking to another teacher and halt.

  “Sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

  Ada’s head snaps toward me, and she freezes.

  “What are you…” She shakes her head to clear her mind. “It’s okay, Mr. Brooks. I’ll be ready for our meeting in a moment.”

  She looks at the other teacher with a hard expression. “Mrs. Banks, we’ll talk about this later.”

  The other teacher flares her nostrils and nods, turning around and walking out of the classroom angrily. My eyes widen, and Ada sighs, scrubbing her forehead.

  “Hey, are you okay?” I step closer to her.

  She tenses and looks at me. “Yeah,” she nods. “Sorry, I was preparing for our conference when she walked in. Give me a moment to gather River’s folder.”

  “Ada…” I whisper, holding her waist. “It’s okay.” I tilt her chin up to look at me. I smile and cup her cheek, kissing her forehead. It’s risky, but we’re alone in here.

  “Thanks,” she says softly. Then, she takes a step back and turns to get the information she needs.

  “I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable,” I say, pressing my lips together.

  Ada turns around, releasing a deep breath and shaking her head. “I’m sorry, you aren’t making me uncomfortable. I’ve been excited to see you all day, but it was a rough aftern
oon, and I don’t want to jeopardize anything.”

  I reach for her hand, squeezing her fingers and nodding. “So tell me about River.” I stand tall.

  Ada giggles. “As if I haven’t already told you how he’s doing. But let’s sit, and I can show you some of his work.” We take a seat at the small desks, and Ada opens up a folder, pushing toward me some of River’s reading work, and then his math tests.

  Work from each subject is presented to me, and I’m a damn proud dad. I can’t hide the smile as I see River’s grades, all As and Bs. My kid is a smart cookie, and although I knew he was a good student, seeing it in person makes me happy. We’ve gone through a transition, and I was unsure if it would affect his schoolwork in the beginning.

  “He’s doing great, Sawyer. One of my best students,” Ada smiles proudly.

  “This is a relief. I knew he was doing good, but to hear it and see this,” I wave toward the papers in front of me, “makes me feel more at ease.”

  “You’re doing a great job with him, as well.” Ada places her hand over mine.

  I flip mine over and lace our fingers together. “Thank you. Now tell me, when am I going to see you again?”

  She smirks. “You’re seeing me now.”

  I growl and say, “You know what I mean. One-on-one time, you and me alone.”

  She tries to hide her smile as she places the papers back in the folder. She stands and puts the folder on her desk. I follow her, needing an answer. When she turns around, I’m closer than intended, but I use it to my advantage.

  “I’m serious, Ada.” I hold her cheek and look at her eyes.

  “You know it’s complicated. You work this weekend, right?” I nod. “So let me know when you’re free. I don’t want to take time away from you and River when you work this weekend.”