Vera nodded. “I like it.”
“Congratulations on your wedding, by the way. Joe seems very nice.”
“That’s why I married him.”
“It means a lot to Scott to be here with his dad and Sam.” She looked at Julia. “They’re all hanging out, you know.”
“I know.”
“Joe loves his boys,” Vera stated. “He’ll do anything to make up for how things used to be. He wants it to be right between them.”
“Scott wants that, too. He’s worked hard on the reception. I think he sees it as a way to prove to both of them that he’s changed.”
The older woman studied her. “You seem to know Scott pretty well.”
“I work with him almost every day,” Lexi said quickly, hoping nothing on her face gave away her true emotions.
“And they’re roommates,” Julia said.
Lexi saw Lainey choke back a laugh. “You’re sharing the apartment with Scott?”
“It’s not like...”
“Like what, Lexi?” Julia leaned forward and whispered, “Are you sleeping with him?”
Lexi tried to no avail to stop a blush from creeping up her cheeks.
Lainey shushed Julia, then put a hand on Lexi’s shoulder. “Julia doesn’t have good personal boundaries.”
“And you’re one to talk, little sister.”
“You’ve obviously put a lot of work into the reception,” Lainey continued, ignoring Julia. “I appreciate your help.” She glanced at their mother. “We all do. Right, Mom?”
Lexi blinked back tears as Vera smiled.
“Julia’s right that we believe in second chances. We also take care of our own around here. You’re included in that now. Scott’s family, too. If the two of you make each other happy, we’re happy for you.”
“I’m not staying in Brevia.” Lexi choked on the words, but knew she owed these women the truth. “Scott knows that. What we have...whatever it is, it’s temporary.”
“You aren’t staying?” Lainey looked confused. “But you fit.”
“I don’t know where I fit. That’s what I’m trying to figure out.”
Lainey gave her a quick hug. “I know how that feels, so I hope you do.” She turned to her mother. “Come on, Mom. I want to show you the dress I picked out for the reception.”
“Thank you for everything you’ve done.” Vera pushed away Lexi’s outstretched hand and gave her a hug.
“Oh.” Lexi breathed out the one syllable, overwhelmed with emotion that these women could forgive her so easily for what she’d put Julia through. That they could accept her with her faults and all.
When Vera and Lainey walked out, Julia turned to her. “That wasn’t so hard, was it?”
Lexi swallowed. “You’re lucky to have the family you do.”
“It took me a while to realize it.” She nodded. “But you’re right. Speaking of families, have you spoken to dear ole dad lately?”
“He was here a few nights ago. He ordered me to come home with him.”
“And yet you’re still here.” Julia chucked her on the shoulder. “You have more backbone than I gave you credit for.”
“You and me both,” Lexi agreed. “I’m coming into the salon to see Nancy before my shift starts, by the way.”
“She’s grateful for all you’ve done to help with her divorce.”
Lexi shrugged. “It wasn’t that much. But she offered to give me a complimentary cut and color as a thank-you.”
“Hallelujah!” Julia reached out and tugged on Lexi’s ponytail. “It’s about time you stopped wearing it pulled back.”
“It’s professional,” Lexi argued.
“It’s boring.” Julia’s eyebrows wiggled. “I bet Scott likes it down.”
“He says... Never mind.” Lexi blushed under the other woman’s scrutiny. “I’m a total fool, starting something with him. I know it already so you don’t need to tell me.”
“You know as well as anyone that I’ve had my share of romantic missteps. Big ones.” Julia glanced toward the back of the bar. “I know Scott has had problems in the past, but maybe he’ll surprise us all. Either way, you’re a big girl. You get to make your own mistakes.”
Lexi nodded. “But it wasn’t a mistake coming to Brevia. Thank you, Julia, for giving me a do-over. No matter what happens, I’ll always be grateful.”
“No mushy stuff. Just buy me a drink if I ever get a night out on the town again.” She shrugged at Lexi’s questioning look. “My mom and Lainey help with Charlie during the week, but I haven’t found an evening sitter he likes.”
“What about me?”
“What about you?”
“I could watch him. I’m off tomorrow night. I can come over or you can bring him by the apartment.”
“I wouldn’t want—”
“Please, Julia. It’s the least I can do. I swear you can trust me with him. You and Sam can have a date night.”
Julia took a deep breath as Lexi found herself holding hers. Suddenly it was very important to her that Julia trust her enough to babysit Charlie.
“That would be great,” Julia said finally. “I’ll see if Sam can get off, and text you about the time.”
“Perfect.” Lexi glanced at her watch. “I need to get to my appointment. Are you walking back to the salon?”
Julia nodded. “Let’s hit it.”
“I need to...” Her eyes strayed to the back of the bar.
“Oh.” Julia rolled her eyes. “Give lover boy a kiss goodbye for me.”
“It isn’t like that.”
“I’m kidding, Lexi.” She smiled broadly, then laughed. “Sort of. Either way, I’ll wait for you outside.”
Lexi walked to Scott’s office, but stopped just outside the doorway. Suddenly she felt nervous, wondering if Scott would even care that she was going. Sure, they’d spent every night together for the past week, but it wasn’t as if they were dating. More like roommates with benefits, which she supposed should make her feel cheap. But it didn’t.
She peeked her head in as Scott looked up from the paperwork on his desk. “Hey there, gorgeous.”
Lexi glanced behind her to see if Julia had followed her down the hall.
“I’m talking to you, Lexi.” Scott came around the desk and toward her, as if he meant to replay their previous interlude on his couch.
Her breath caught in her chest and she held up her hands, palms out. “I have a hair appointment,” she said quickly. “I just wanted to say, um...goodbye, and...”
Her mind went blank for a moment as he reached out and drew her to him, his mouth claiming hers in a deep kiss. After a moment he asked, “How did it go with Vera and Lainey?”
It took a few seconds before Lexi could even remember who Vera and Lainey were. “They’re happy with the plans, I think.”
Scott cupped her face with his hands. “That’s because you’ve done an amazing job of organizing everything.”
“Vera doesn’t seem to hate me anymore.”
“If she’s happy, my father will be over the moon.”
“Would you believe Ida Garvey came to my defense?”
“You have the ability to wrap just about anyone around your little finger,” Scott said, kissing her again.
“Are you wrapped around my finger?”
“What’s it look like?”
She thought about that for a moment. “Like I’m a convenient place to land at night.”
He stilled. “You think I’m with you because you’re convenient?”
“It’s easy for both of us, right?” She didn’t like the sparks shooting from his blue eyes. “It’s not as if we’re dating.”
His eyes narrowed. “So it’s just sex for you?” His tone was incredulous.
“Friends,” he repeated ominously.
“I need to go,” she said, backing out of his arms. “We can talk about this later. Or not.”
“Tomorrow night.” He crossed his arms over his chest. “You’re off. I’ll get someone to fill in for me. We’re going out.”
“I’m busy tomorrow night.” She bit down on her lower lip. “And that wasn’t a very nice way to ask me on a date.”
He shook his head. “Busy with what? And if you say a date with the high-school teacher, we’re going to have a problem.”
A little butterfly danced through Lexi’s belly. “I canceled my date with Mark. I... It wasn’t the right time for me.” Was it possible that Scott Callahan was jealous over her? The mere thought made her want to giggle. “I’m babysitting. For Julia and Sam.”
“Whoa. Didn’t see that coming.” Scott looked absolutely stunned and Lexi couldn’t blame him.
“I owe Julia a lot.” She paused, then added, “And I like kids. You’ve met Charlie. He’s adorable.”
Scott nodded. “Another time, then.”
She nodded, but wondered if she’d freaked him out so much that there wouldn’t be another time. The thought made her heart sink a bit, but she forced a smile. “I’ll see you later, then.”
He nodded and she turned to go.
“Lexi?”
She glanced over her shoulder.
“Don’t do anything crazy with your hair,” he said softly. “I like it just the way it is.”
More butterflies took flight and she hurried out the door.
* * *
Scott knocked on the door to his brother’s house, then wiped his damp palms across the front of his jeans. This was ridiculous. He’d seen combat zones, drug takedowns and everything in between. This night was nothing in comparison.
So why was his heart beating like crazy?
Before he could come up with a reasonable excuse, the door opened to reveal his brother in a pale blue button-down, striped tie and khaki pants.
“A tie?” Scott asked, whistling softly. “That’s laying it on a little thick, don’t you think?”
Sam huffed out a breath, then pulled at the collar of his shirt. “It’s called making an effort, numskull. You should try it sometime.”
Scott laughed. “Too bad I won the genetic lottery in our family. With a face like mine, showing up is all the effort I need.”
“Is that so?” Sam looked unimpressed. “Then tell me why you’re here tonight.”
“I thought Lexi could use some help.” He kicked his toe at an imaginary rock. “She practically begged me to come with her.”
“There are different kinds of effort, Scott.” Sam tugged at his collar again. “But I’m glad you’re here.”
“Because you still don’t trust her?” Scott’s fists clenched at his sides. “That’s not fair if you—”
“Simmer down, bro. I trust her well enough. Lexi Preston is suddenly Julia’s new best friend, and from what I’ve seen, she’s making up for lost time, being helpful and kind and all that stuff.” Sam stepped back and motioned Scott through the door. “I’m glad you’re here because it’s about time my son got to know his uncle. Julia’s brother-in-law, Ethan, has quite a head start, so you’ve got some work to do.”
Scott felt his nerves sound off like soldiers in a battle line. “I don’t do kids, Sam.”
“You’re here.”
“Obviously my first mistake.” He shook his head. “Don’t get me wrong. I’m happy for you. I’m sure you’re a great dad. You were always so damn responsible and honorable and, well, everything I’m not. I think you’d be smart to stick with Ethan to play the doting uncle.”
“We’ll see. Charlie’s pretty irresistible.”
“I’m immune to cute.” At Sam’s raised eyebrows, Scott amended, “Kid cute, that is.”
“Lexi’s not your usual type.”
“She’s not.”
As if sensing his sudden urge to bolt, Sam backed off. “I like her, Scott. You’re obviously happy with her and you deserve some happiness.”
“I don’t want—”
“You can deny it all you want, but it’s written all over your face. It’s not a bad thing to care about someone. It took me a long time to realize that. Dad, too. We Callahans are kind of stupid in the face of scary things like love and emotions. But it’s not so bad once you get the hang of it.”
Scott couldn’t help but laugh. “You missed your calling as a poet.”
“You’ll see,” Sam said, giving him a light punch on the shoulder. “Come on in. They’re back in the kitchen. Julia and I have a reservation awaiting us.”
Scott followed Sam through the Craftsman-style house, wondering if he could be happy with a regular life. He hadn’t been there since he’d first come to Brevia. Most of the time he’d spent with Sam or their father had been at the bar, either having lunch or watching a game. He couldn’t believe how domestic Sam had become, his home filled with overstuffed furniture and framed photos on the bookshelves. It made Scott’s body ache in a way he didn’t understand.
This was never what he’d wanted for himself. He liked the thrill of the chase, the adrenaline high he got from putting himself in danger through his work. He would have never guessed that Sam could make a life for himself in a town like Brevia, and he certainly didn’t understand the longing he couldn’t seem to shake.
That need intensified as he walked into the kitchen to see Lexi seated in front of a high chair, talking softly to Charlie as the boy ate small mouthfuls of macaroni and cheese. She looked so beautiful with the early-evening light reflecting off her strawberry-blond hair. She looked as if she belonged there.
He wanted to belong, too.
“Daddy,” Charlie yelled when he noticed Sam. “I got macan for dinner.”
“Looks good, buddy.” Sam walked over and bent to kiss the top of Charlie’s head, a gesture so natural it made Scott’s throat burn. “Miss Lexi is going to have help with you tonight. Buddy, do you remember meeting your uncle Scott?”
Charlie gave Scott a toothy smile, then held up a spoonful of macaroni noodles.
Lexi turned, the blush that was now so familiar to Scott creeping up her neck. “What are you doing here?”
“Reinforcements,” he answered simply.
“Sam, we need to go if we’re going to...” Julia came in through the back door, but stopped when she saw Scott. “Well, well. What have we here?”
“Be nice, Juls,” Sam said quietly.
“One of the bartenders wanted to pick up an extra shift so I...I’m here.” Scott crossed his arms over his chest, hating the feeling of being the center of attention in this cozy scene. “If it’s a problem I can leave.”
Julia flashed a knowing smile. “I don’t have a problem. Lexi, do you have a problem?”
Lexi shook her head, but kept her attention focused on Charlie.
“Then let’s go, hot husband of mine.” Julia crooked a finger in Sam’s direction. “I have plans for you.” She bent forward and kissed Charlie’s cheek. “Be good for Lexi, my little peanut. Mama loves you.”
“Bye, bye, Mama. Loves you,” Charlie answered and offered her a spoonful of macaroni.
“I love you, too, sweet boy.” She looked at Lexi. “We won’t be late. Bedtime at seven with a bath first and—”
Sam wrapped one arm around her waist and steered her toward the door again. “You’ve left a detailed list. They’ve got our numbers. It’s all good.”
“Have fun, you three,” he called over
his shoulder as the door shut behind them.
Charlie raised himself in his high chair to watch them walk out. “All gone,” he announced and went back to scooping up his dinner. “Charlie thirsty.”
Lexi straightened. “How about some milk, sweetie?”
The boy nodded.
Scott stepped forward, needing to be occupied with something. “I’ll get it. Is there a bottle or...?”
“He’s almost two,” Lexi said with a small laugh. “There’s no bottle.” She went to the cabinet and pulled out a plastic cup with a lid. “He uses a sippy cup. They don’t spill.”
“I have some customers who could benefit from one of those.”
Lexi filled the cup with milk, tightened the lid and gave it to Charlie. Then she turned to Scott. “I’m going to run the bath. Bring him upstairs when he’s finished with dinner.”
Scott grabbed her arm as she went to move past. “You’re not leaving me here with him. Alone.”
She smiled sweetly. “Reinforcements, remember?”
The way she studied him, Scott knew she was well aware of how uncomfortable he was. What had he been thinking? It was true that one of his bartenders, Max, wanted to make extra money. But there was plenty at the bar to keep Scott busy even when he wasn’t serving drinks. Not to mention that several single women came on a regular basis and made no secret of flirting with him. If he’d wanted to occupy himself, there were better ways than babysitting for his brother. In truth, what he wanted more than anything was to be near Lexi. He’d do just about anything to have more time with her.
He had no intention of letting on, though. “Sure. Right. We’ll be up in a bit.”
With a small shake of her head, she left him alone in the kitchen with Charlie. His nephew. Scott sat on the edge of one of the chairs and watched the toddler as he would have a key witness, not wanting anything to go wrong when he was in charge.
“Relax,” Lexi whispered as she peeked into the room once more. “He’s a little boy, Scott. He won’t bite.”
“He might.”
“Just have fun with him.”
She disappeared again and Scott thought about all the ways he’d had fun in his life. Babysitting had never once been on that list.
A Brevia Beginning Page 13
