by Lynda Aicher
“You’ve never done this before,” she accused.
He hadn’t. He’d never gone on a date or been missing for most of the night. He was just their dad. The stable one who’d kept them safe after their mother had failed so miserably.
“Her name is Kennedy,” he offered. “She’s a strong, independent woman who happened into my life when I wasn’t expecting it.” She gave him a doubtful eye roll. What was it with eye rolls and teenagers? Did they teach it in school?
“Why haven’t you mentioned her before now?” she challenged.
“Because I didn’t want to have this discussion until I was certain there was something to discuss.”
“So your stance on casual sex doesn’t apply to you?”
He resisted the urge to bang his head on the table and scrub his face until the nightmare of a morning was washed from existence. Neither of those actions would help him.
“Don’t play this game,” he called her out. “You’re better than that.” He waited a beat, almost daring her to prove him right. “I’m an adult, as are you. My love and commitment to you is guaranteed. My relationship with Kennedy—or anyone—will never jeopardize that. Ever. I’m capable of having a girlfriend and being a father too.”
Her eyes bugged out. “She’s your girlfriend?”
He shrugged, letting a bit of uncertainty show. “We’re still in the undefined stage. But…I’m open to it.” How that’d work exactly, he didn’t know. Just admitting it aloud defined the possibilities while mudding the path.
“Wow.” Dawn studied him for a long moment, understanding finally chasing away some of her defensive fear. “I…” She glanced away, picking at her cuticles in a telling display of insecurity. But her sigh when it came held acceptance and eased the worry in his heart. “I know,” she started again. “I know all of that. I guess I just wasn’t ready to share you.”
“I get it.” He still wasn’t too keen on her bringing home a boyfriend. None of the ones to date had been serious, but the time was coming when one would be. She was growing up, which also meant she was growing away—as she should. “Come here.”
He stood, holding his arms open in an invitation she still accepted. Her hug soothed more of his concern and dislodged a bit of his guilt. “I love you, Sunshine.”
“I love you too, Dad.” She stepped back, her smile a little wobbly. “I’m going to get some sleep. I’ll see you this afternoon.” He was relieved her parting wink had a bit of that sauce that so defined her.
He dumped his coffee in the sink and poured himself a fresh cup. He drank it staring out the front window. The sky was lightening with the rise of the sun, but the neighborhood was still asleep. He usually had his morning jog done by now and was already started on house chores or at his computer working. He should go into work this morning since both kids would crash. The downside of owning a trucking company was it never stopped running, not completely. Especially as he expanded into longer hauls with higher volume.
Ben strolled up the sidewalk, hands tucked into the front pocket of his hoodie, his size overemphasized beneath the covering. But he was still just a kid no matter how grown-up he appeared.
“Hey,” he said when Ben stepped into the kitchen. “Thanks for that.”
He brushed him off. “It’s the least I could do after Dawn dragged her down here in the middle of the night.” He leaned against the fridge, eyeing him. “Is she okay now?”
Matt shrugged. “I think so. How about you? Do you have questions for me?”
Ben’s smirk held the teasing light of a smartass kid. “I don’t think sex tips from my dad are appropriate.” He scrunched up his face. “Not to mention gross.”
Matt hung his head, partly in defeat and partly to hide his grin. He let his own sarcastic remark slide. “You’re okay with me dating?”
The smile faded from his son’s face. He glanced down. “Yeah. I mean, I’m kind of surprised you haven’t before.”
He didn’t address that. His past actions weren’t in question now. “You and Dawn will always be my priority.”
Ben jerked his head back, frowning. “Is that what Dawn was worried about?” His eye roll was epic disgust. “College must be affecting her brain because that’s obvious.”
Matt tried not to laugh but failed. His chuckle trickled out before he swiped it away with his hand. “You’re a good kid, Ben.” He probably didn’t tell him that enough.
He sobered. “I try.”
The gravity behind his words triggered a series of questions, but also a big heaping of pride. Matt drew him in for a quick hug before he could object. “I love you, Ben.”
“Yeah. Love you too.” Ben left with a quick salute and a half-smile.
Matt stood in the silence of his kitchen, a little amazed and humbled at once. He was doing okay. His family was solid, his company was growing, and for the first time in years, he had something else to look forward to.
And he had no idea what to think about all of it.
Chapter Nineteen
“There’s a Mr. Hamilton here to see you.”
Kennedy scowled at her computer, her eyes darting to the time in the corner of the screen. He was here? Her stomach did a small flip before she pushed the intercom button on her phone. “Tell him I’ll be right down.”
She grabbed her purse, straightening her suit when she stood. It was just lunch. Nothing big. And the more she tried to tell herself that, the more her subconscious laughed at her. She’d never looked this forward to any date, let alone a simple lunch one.
“Kennedy,” her dad bellowed. She bit back her wince when he stepped into her office. His scowl deepened when he took her in. “Are you going somewhere?”
“I have a lunch…meeting,” she finished. “Did you want something?”
“Who are you meeting with?”
Of course he’d grill her. That familiar kernel of irritation clawed up her throat, carrying every word she didn’t dare spew. She gritted her teeth to hold it in, like she always did. Her smile stretched her cheeks in the automatic position of mild sincerity.
“Matt Hamilton,” she told him. “From McPherson Trucking. I introduced you to him the other night.”
“Why?” Suspicion lined his brow and tone. “Should I come along?”
“It’s fine, Dad.” She waved off his concern. “It’s a simple get-to-know-you lunch. With the Calloway deal in the pipeline, I thought it’d be good to have some shipping options laid out in case it came through.” She bluffed her way through that, but her response was valid.
Her father puffed out his chest, hitching his pants up in that disgruntled affront he wielded to ensure his irritation was known. “You should’ve spoken to me about this.”
“I was planning to after I’d gathered my facts.” She drew her brows in a touch to show her concern. “I know you’re busy. I’ll have all the data together when we do talk about it.” He would’ve demanded that if he’d thought far enough down the pipe to see that they wouldn’t have the trucking capacity to meet demand if the sales forecast was accurate.
“I’ll expect that soon,” he relented, turning to leave. “We’ll need to look at inventory and manpower too.”
“Agreed.” She followed him out of her office. “I’ll get on that as well.”
He paused, assessing her. His expression softened slightly. “Thank you.”
Her eyes widened a fraction before she could stop her reaction. “No problem,” she reassured him, prepped for the next stinging barb.
His lips twitched like he was going to say something more, but he turned and strode down the hall without another word.
She stared after him, a little dumbfounded. Her dad wasn’t known for his compliments, so she had no idea what to do with that.
Kennedy breezed into the lobby, her smile in place and greeting prepared only to pause when she saw Matt. He stood by the door in jeans and a black T-shirt with the McPherson Trucking logo on the left breast. His beard was fuller again, darkening his chee
ks, and his hair appeared newly shorn, adding a neatness to his appearance that countered his casual attire.
Her stomach clenched in time with that little hitch in her heart. Suits might be her fetish, but he didn’t need the clothing to emanate the power he inherently owned. He took her in just as greedily, the hunger in his eyes apparent—at least to her.
They were so screwed. She let that realization lighten her thoughts. They were in it together, whatever it was.
“Matt,” she said as she approached. “I thought we were meeting there.” He was supposed to text her the location.
“I changed my mind.” He held the door open for her. “I hope that’s okay.”
She shot him a speculative side-eye as she passed him, fully aware of their receptionist taking in every detail of their exchange. “You’re lucky I wasn’t at another meeting.”
“I guess I am,” he agreed when she’d expected a comeback.
Her low chuckle mellowed the nerves fluttering in her stomach. His smile spoke of secrets and wants she was completely onboard with. But with it was something warmer. A gentle appreciation and simple enjoyment.
A lot of men wanted her, but few actually valued her, and even fewer made the effort to see beneath the shields she presented.
But Matt had. And he’d done it with seemingly little effort or false narrative.
“Where are we going?” she asked once they were in the car. Traffic would be nuts no matter where they went given it was the day before Thanksgiving.
“I hope you weren’t expecting upscale.” His wink could’ve been a derogatory tease, but she didn’t take it that way. No, he was mocking his own appearance. Her customary pantsuit could blend into most situations, which was why she favored them.
“Well…” She waited a beat for him to glance at her. “I only eat at Michelin-approved locations and that’s only after it’s been referred by a friend.”
Matt grinned, catching her joke. “In that case, you are in for a big surprise.”
“Oh?” Her smile slipped out. “I can’t wait, then.”
He navigated the side streets like a pro, taking roads she’d never been down even though she’d thought herself fairly knowledgeable about the area. “I trust you know where you’re going,” she commented when the graffiti increased in proportion to the bars on the windows.
“Of course.” He made another turn, and her concern increased as he wound deeper into a neighborhood she normally avoided. “How’s your week been?”
“Fine.” She dragged the word out, letting her confusion show. “It’ll be great if we both make it past lunch. Are you sure you know where you’re going?”
“Yes.” The laughter in his voice didn’t ease her worry. “I would never let anything happen to you.” There was nothing but serious intent in his tone and eyes when he said that. He held at a stop sign until the importance of his statement sank in. He meant what he said and not just now.
Her heart did the flutter thing that spoke to the longing for something she’d given up on ever attaining. Could he really be that good? And want her?
Her internal kick knocked that thought aside. Self-doubt had no place in her life. If she’d listened to even half the garbage spewed at her or the bevy of self-doubt cultivated in her own moments of weakness, then she wouldn’t be the business woman she was today.
Kennedy controlled her own destiny, and she wasn’t relinquishing that power—except with Matt, sexually, on occasion.
He pulled in behind a little store tucked into a row of ramshackle buildings that included a tattoo parlor and a sex shop. Her skepticism must’ve been plastered on her face based on the amusement he didn’t try to hide.
He leaned over the center console to draw her in for a quick kiss. His lips grazed hers too fast to satisfy her craving for him. She frowned, but the laughter in his eyes muted her displeasure.
“You’ve got this,” he confirmed.
“Of course I do.” She wasn’t about to deny him even though she had no clue what she had or if he was referring to them or the rickety screen door he was staring at. She exited the car and was waiting for him by the hood when he came around. “Lead the way.” There was no way she was walking in ahead of him.
He paused, head tilting. “I was thinking a dragon.” His eyes narrowed. “Or maybe a phoenix. Between your shoulder blades.”
A slither of recognition tingled up her spine at his subtle movements. She responded to them, going soft and warm with the desire to give him what he wanted before she cut the unexpected reaction down.
A smirk hid beneath his facade of seriousness. It flashed in his eyes and dragged a reluctant smile from her.
She snapped her chin up. “You come anywhere near me with a buzzing needle full of ink, and I’ll have no problem drop-kicking you in the nuts. So be warned.”
She turned away and marched to the door where a tempting, spicy aroma escaped through the dirty screen. His laugh boomed behind her, but she only raised a brow and motioned for him to go ahead, certain he had no idea the effect his subtle actions had just had on her.
“I’ll be sure to keep all needles away from you,” he joked as he passed, pausing to lay another kiss on her lips. This one deeper with a hit of passion and tongue, but still way too short. “But not my teeth.” He snagged a finger under her collar and tugged it back to rub the bruise that was a dark blob of purple and black.
Desire buzzed in a mellow way that built anticipation yet scrambled her normal expectations of sex and relationships. The two were usually mutually exclusive. One did not depend on or require the other. Things worked better that way. Yet now…
“Hector, my man.” Matt’s warm greeting was met with an equally big grin from the man behind the counter.
“Matthew.” He grabbed Matt’s hand in a fist grip that was more of a bond statement than hand shake. “I’d thought you’d died or something.” The man’s accented English contained a joking tone that also spoke of concern.
“Nah. Just busy.”
“I hear you took over that company.” Hector gave him an appreciative nod. “Big move.”
Matt shrugged his comment off. “Someone had to, right? I figured why not.” His casual acceptance of a major investment and risk had her smiling again.
“Better you than me,” Hector joked. “Jose tells me you got big plans.” He crossed his arms, assessing Matt but also challenging him. “You gonna keep it open, right?”
Situated somewhere near middle age, his round face lined with creases that spoke to his upbeat personality, Hector appeared to be the gossip wrangler of the neighborhood.
“That’s my intent,” Matt said. “What’s your special today?”
“Oh, man. You hit the right day.” Hector launched into Spanish, complete with hand gestures and facial expressions, that communicated his belief of the burrito’s perfection.
Matt’s quick response and equally speedy use of the foreign language had her assessing him yet again. He was full of surprises. Even here, in a deli-style store that, although clean, was worn by time. Scratched shelves, nicked flooring and random clutter combined with that general sense of modest means underscored how out of her realm she was. But Matt seemed to not only belong, but truly connect.
She knew of few men who could transition so easily between social classes. Did he appreciate how valuable that skill set could be? It didn’t show if he did.
“You talked me into it,” Matt said, grinning. He turned to Kennedy, drawing her forward. “What about you? I can vouch for almost everything on the menu. Hector’s food is amazing.”
“Aw, man,” Hector blushed. “You’re embarrassing me in front of this beautiful lady.” He aimed his warm smile at her, his brown eyes twinkling with humor. “He’s a charmer, this one.” He nodded at Matt. “But he’s solid, you know?”
She eyed up Matt, agreeing with Hector, but there was no way she was giving him that kind of advantage. “You think so?” She narrowed her eyes before refocusing on Hector. “
He always seems a little uptight to me.”
Hector’s full boom of a laugh bounced off the walls and filled the space with a contagious joy. Any doubts she’d had about this place were erased beneath the kindness and wit of its apparent owner. She knew some upscale store owners who could learn a few things from him.
“What do you recommend?” she asked both men. “Something with chicken.”
She narrowed down her choices before deciding on the enchiladas. “With a side of sour cream, please.”
“And guacamole,” Matt added. “It’s a must.”
“Is it?”
“More so than sour cream.” His expression said what he thought of that addition.
“Let me guess,” she said as he led her out another door to a packed fenced-in eating area. “You’re a no-pineapple-on-pizza guy too.” He found a free table and held her chair out for her in the same casual manner that infused most of his actions.
“I have no problem eating it like that.” He took the seat across from her. “But I’d prefer a basic pepperoni any day.”
“No everything combo?”
“It’s fine.” His expression said differently. “But there’s something nice about a simple slice of basic pizza.” His depth over something so mundane as pizza had her smiling again. Maybe she hadn’t stopped.
“There is,” she agreed. Especially when surrounded by the watchful demands of a social circle focused on calories, perception and that hunt for the perfect Californian impersonation of what was supposed to be a greasy, cheesy experience.
He sat back, glanced around. The little patio was stuffed with tables and chairs to maximize every available space. The assumption of privacy could never be made when there were strangers sitting three feet away. But in typical Bay Area fashion, people talked and acted as if no one was listening.
“I take it you come here often?” she ventured.
“Not so much anymore.” He waved to a man a few tables down, regret showing. “I used to come here with some of the guys before I bought the company. But…” He shrugged. “The dynamics have changed. They look at me differently now that I’m the one who cuts their paychecks.”
