The Last Honest Man: A Sports Romance (One Pass Away: A New Season Book 3)

by Mary J. Williams

  “What if Daisy wasn’t her granddaughter?”

  “Hm.” Dylan tried to think of the best way to his mother’s greatest blind spot. “Mom believes Tanner. Every time. Always has. Doesn’t matter how many times his lies are uncovered. The next time, she’s all in.”

  “He is her son,” was Eve’s only response.

  “Something you should know.” Dylan sighed. “I sent pictures of Daisy to Tanner.”

  “As a favor to him?” Eve shrugged. “If he asked—”

  “He didn’t,” Dylan said. “I thought if he saw the little girl he helped create, some kind of paternal instincts might kick in.”

  “And?”

  “I haven’t heard from him.” Dylan felt a wave of guilt by association. “Not a word.”

  “What should we have for dinner?” Eve asked, telling him without words that their discussion about Tanner was over.

  Dylan scooped Daisy into his arms.

  “Why don’t we see what’s in the refrigerator?”

  “I want pasta,” Eve said. She tapped the tip of Daisy’s nose. “How about you, Petal? What sounds good?”

  “Nana,” Daisy shouted.

  “One day soon we need to talk about indoor voices.” Eve laughed. “But not today. You want a banana, then a banana is what you shall have. Right, Uncle Dylan?”

  “Absolutely.” Placing his hands over Daisy’s ears, Dylan lowered his voice to a panicked whisper. “What if we don’t have any bananas?”

  Laughing, Eve took the little girl from him and left the room. Worried, but certain Eve would know what to do, Dylan rushed to follow.

  ▲ ▼ ▲ ▼ ▲

  EVE WAS BORED.

  Sitting on the deck that overlooked a large backyard, Eve wondered how people managed not to go crazy without a job—or three—to fill the hours.

  “Take care of Daisy,” Dylan told her before he left to work out at the Knights training facility. “And relax. You’ve earned a little downtime.”

  “Easy for you to say,” Eve grumbled. “You get to go and play with Levi and the rest of your friends.”

  “We don’t play,” Dylan said, offended by the idea. “We sweat our asses off.”

  Dylan’s mother planned to pick Daisy up at one o’clock and keep her all afternoon. Love at first sight, Sylvie Montgomery couldn’t get enough of her granddaughter. The little girl felt the same. Eve wanted them to get along. But Daisy’s fickle affections stung more than she wanted to admit.

  “You pay me to look after your niece.” Eve tried her best not to whine but feared she failed. “I feel like I’m taking your money under false pretenses.”

  Dressed in jeans and a hoodie—and looking better than any man should—Dylan slung his gym bag over his shoulder.

  “Don’t worry.” He finished off a glass of freshly squeezed vegetable juice. The green color made Eve shudder. “Mom just wants to show Daisy off to her friends. In a few days, the novelty will wear off.”

  “Daisy isn’t a toy for your mother to play with then discard when the mood strikes.”

  Eve knew she sounded irrational. But she was worried. About herself, not Daisy. She felt restless and out of sorts. Dylan was an easy target for her frustrations. Trouble was, he wouldn’t argue with her. He was patient and kind. The jerk.

  “When I get home, we’ll sit down and figure out a solution.”

  I don’t want you to be reasonable, Eve thought, gnashing her teeth. Yell. Tell me off.

  “Don’t you dare pat me on the head,” Eve warned. When Dylan snatched back his hand, she almost kicked him in the shins. “I have a suggestion.”

  “Okay.” Wisely, Dylan moved to the other side of the kitchen island. “What’s on your mind.”

  “Fire your housekeeper and let me do the job.” Excited by the idea, Eve did a little dance. “I can mow the lawn. And weed the flower beds. One time I worked for an arborist so if you need the trees trimmed, no problem.”

  “Eve.”

  “Yes?” Anticipating his agreement, Eve smiled. “Tell me how much you love my idea.”

  “No.” Dylan sighed, a frown forming between his brows. “I never want to do anything to make you sad. Honestly, seeing your smile fade cuts me to the bone. But you’ve worked so hard your entire life. Now is the time to relax and enjoy yourself.”

  “To me, work isn’t punishment.” Eve struggled to find a way to make Dylan understand. “I just—”

  “Hold the thought,” he said, holding up a hand as he looked at his watch. “I’m late. Sit. Breathe. Enjoy the view of the lake.”

  “Dylan—”

  “We’ll talk later.” He rushed out the door. “Promise.”

  Three hours later, as Daisy played nearby in the shade, Eve’s mood still hadn’t settled. Up, down, and occasionally sideways, she couldn’t decide how she felt. How she wanted to feel.

  Eve understood Dylan’s point of view. He wanted her to experience something she never had before. Stability and security. He thought all the jobs she used to work were a burden.

  In a way, Dylan was right. Struggling from paycheck to paycheck wasn’t fun. Some months, she barely scraped by. What he didn’t understand—what she hadn’t properly conveyed to him—was the sense of accomplishment the jobs gave to her.

  Whether Eve had two thousand dollars in her bank account of two cents, she was satisfied because it was money that she earned. By herself. No favors. No handouts.

  “Your uncle is a kind, considerate man.”

  Daisy looked up from the toy giraffe gifted to her by Grandma, and, as though she understood Eve’s dilemma, smiled.

  “My sweet Petal.”

  Eve sighed, her emotions settling. She wanted to believe Daisy needed her. But did she? The little girl hadn’t missed a beat in the move from Trident to Seattle. She was pampered and fussed over and loved. In other words, nothing in her world had changed.

  “Would you miss me if I wasn’t here?” Eve asked, grateful Daisy couldn’t answer. “I promised to stay for a month. But if I left tomorrow, would anyone care?”

  And welcome to my pity party, Eve thought, shaking her head and laughing. Rather than wallow and whine, she needed to find something to do with her time.

  “I could write a book.”

  Immediately, Eve dismissed the idea. She enjoyed reading stories from other people. She didn’t have the patience or skill to craft her own.

  “What about a hobby? Needlework? Painting? Baking! I could learn how to make a cake that doesn’t come from a box.” Eve brightened at the prospect. “I do love to eat.”

  “Rock climbing is fun,” a deep voice said.

  Eve jumped to her feet and whirled around. A tall, slender man dressed all in black including a hat pulled low over his face stood five feet away. Sunglasses covered his eyes.

  Heart racing, Eve reached for her phone, careful to keep herself between Daisy and the stranger.

  “I’m about to call 911,” Eve said, reminding herself to stay calm. “The police respond quickly when rich people are involved so my advice is to leave now before they arrive.”

  “Don’t call the police,” the man said in a rush. He pulled off his glasses revealing his face. “I’m Tanner. Dylan’s brother. Daisy’s—”

  “Stop.” Eve interrupted before Tanner could finish. If she heard him declare he was Daisy’s father—now, when the words held little meaning—she might throw a chair at him. “What are you doing?”

  “I came to see Daisy.” He looked over Eve’s shoulder, letting out a ragged breath. “She’s beautiful.”

  Eve wanted to rage and rail and kick the crap out of Tanner. Knowing Daisy would see and hear everything, she curbed her anger.

  “How dare you show up without calling first,” Eve said, keeping her voice a quiet and level as possible. “And what’s the idea of coming around back and scaring the bejesus out of me? I’m a woman alone with a young child. Ever heard of ringing the doorbell.�
�

  “Sorry. I didn’t think.” Tanner lowered his head. “Next time, I’ll—”

  “Next time, don’t come.” Eve scooped Daisy into her arms. “You should leave. Immediately.”

  Tanner reached out and took a step forward. Afraid that he might grab Daisy, appalled the thought might cross his mind, Eve took three steps backward and into the house. She shut the door and flipped the lock.

  “Can’t I see her? For just a minute?” Tanner pleaded, raising his voice to be heard through the thick sheet of glass.

  “Not while I have a breath left in my chest,” Eve muttered.

  Without an ounce of sympathy for the man who so easily and callously seduced and abandoned her friend, Eve rushed up the stairs. In Daisy's room, she set the little girl down onto the pink rug.

  Blue eyes, so like her mother’s, stared up at Eve with absolute trust.

  “He doesn’t deserve a second chance.”

  Eve knew she was right and yet, as she looked at Daisy, she knew that Ellie wouldn’t agree. Her friend wanted the man she loved so recklessly to meet his daughter. And, more than anything, she wanted her daughter to know her father.

  Torn between what she believed was right and Ellie’s wishes, Eve acted before she could change her mind. Opening the sliding glass doors, she stepped onto the balcony off Daisy’s room. As she suspected, Tanner hadn’t moved from the deck below.

  “You,” Eve called to him. When he looked up, she pinned him with her gaze. “Stay.”

  Back inside, Eve called herself a fool and dialed Dylan’s number. He answered on the third ring.

  “Where are you?” Eve asked before Dylan could speak.

  “Just finished working out and I was about to get a bite to eat with Levi. Why?” Dylan paused. “Is something wrong?”

  “Come home. Now.”

  “What happened. Are you okay?” he demanded. “Is Daisy sick?”

  “Your brother showed up.”

  “Tanner is at the house? Now?” Dylan didn’t sound any happier than Eve felt.

  “He’s on the back deck,” Eve said. “I locked him out.”

  “Good. Smart move.”

  Eve exhaled for the first time since Tanner’s unexpected arrival. Dylan’s reaction, the fact that he took her side over his brother’s, felt like a vindication for her actions.

  “I told him to wait.” Eve sighed. “Ellie would want us to let him see Daisy. But I want you here the entire time. Okay?”

  “I’ll be there in fifteen minutes. Ten if the cops don’t pull me over for speeding.”

  “I swear if you get in an accident, I will hurt you.” Hearing the ridiculous threat come from her mouth, Eve had to smile. “Don’t rush. Daisy is safe and Tanner isn’t going anywhere.”

  “What about you?” Dylan asked. “Did you hurt him?”

  Eve suppressed a chuckle. The man knew her too well.

  “Would you mind if I gave your brother a few bumps and bruises?”

  “Past time someone kicked his ass,” Dylan said. “You didn’t touch him, not with Daisy around.”

  Eve felt as though Dylan was inside the workings of her mind. The idea was both intriguing and unsettling.

  “Come,” Eve said. “Soon.”

  “I will,” Dylan promised. “And Eve?”

  “Hm?”

  “Thank you for loving Daisy.” Dylan paused. “Maybe one day—”

  “Maybe one day…? What?” she asked.

  “Never mind.” Dylan sighed. “I’ll see you soon.”

  Eve lowered the phone. Talking to Dylan made her feel better. Knowing he was on his way allowed her to breathe easy.

  When, Eve wondered, did she begin to trust him without thinking twice? Why didn’t the idea scare her silly? And what would she do without him when the time came for her to leave?

  ▲ ▼ ▲ ▼ ▲

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  ▲ ▼ ▲ ▼ ▲

  DYLAN PARKED HIS silver Maserati next to Tanner’s black Cadillac—or rather, his mother’s car. He walked past the luxury sedan he gave Sylvie on her last birthday, jogging the last few steps to the front door. Tapping the code into the keypad, he entered the house.

  “You made good time.” Eve greeted him, relief wreathing her face. “Did you speed?”

  “As per your instructions, I drove like a little old lady on her way to church.”

  “Another time, I’d point out why your analogy is sexist—and ageist—twaddle,” Eve said with a wry twist of her lips. “I’ll save the enlightenment for some time when your brother isn’t lurking in the backyard.”

  “I appreciate your restraint.” Dylan dumped his gym bag on the floor. “Tanner hasn’t moved?”

  “See for yourself.” Eve nodded toward the French doors. “I’ll be upstairs with Daisy.”

  Of all the people on the face of the earth, Dylan had the most experience dealing with his brother. His mother would say she did her best to keep her oldest son safe and happy. His friends were there to lead him astray—not that he needed any encouragement.

  Dylan’s job—one he would gladly relinquish—was to pull Tanner’s ass out of the fire. Every time he swore never again, he let himself get dragged into his brother’s latest mess.

  For the first time, Dylan had no regrets. Because of Tanner, there was Daisy, a bundle of pure sweetness and joy. Without Daisy, he never would have met Eve.

  Dylan wouldn’t change a thing. However, he was not about to let Tanner off the hook. Wanting to see Daisy was understandable. As usual, his methods left a lot to be desired.

  “What the fuck, Tanner,” Dylan said as walked onto the deck.

  Tanner jumped to his feet and bowed his head.

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t think.”

  “God, I’m tired of hearing the same thing, over and over. To save time, you should tattoo the phrase on your forehead.” Dylan took some water from the mini fridge located in the custom-built outdoor kitchen. He handed a bottle to Tanner. “Here. Drink. Sit.”

  “That woman told me to stay,” Tanner muttered, doing as Dylan directed. “You tell me to sit. What am I, a dog?”

  “If you were a dog, I’d have you neutered.” Downing half the bottle of water in two gulps, Dylan let out a humorless chuckle. “Sounds like a plan. What do you say? Should I call the vet?”

  “When did you get so vicious?” Tanner asked.

  “Around the first time that I saved you from an ass whopping.” Dylan shook his head. “You were what? Seventeen? I was thirteen. Little brother saved big brother. Do you understand how screwed up that was? Still is?”

  “I didn’t come for a lecture. Or a trip down memory lane.” Tanner crossed his arms. “I came to see my daughter. But that woman—”

  Dylan slammed his foot into Tanner’s chair. The metal base tipped, almost turning over.

  “Twice you called Eve, that woman,” Dylan said without infection. “Third time, I’ll knock your ass off the chair. You won’t get up anytime soon. Understand?”

  “You’d beat me up over the nanny?” Tanner scoffed.

  “Eve is more than a nanny,” Dylan informed his brother. “Even if she weren’t, show some respect. She took care of your daughter after Ellie died.”

  Some of the wind taken out of his sails, Tanner sighed.

  “I didn’t realize.”

  “You mean you didn’t care enough to find out,” Dylan said, disgust written on his face. “For all you knew, anything could have happened to Daisy. Bad things I can’t let myself think about.”

  “Jesus, Dylan.” Tanner frowned. “You twisted the knife hard enough, don’t you think?”

  Looking at Tanner, hearing his words, Dylan wondered how they could be brothers.

  “How do you always find a way to turn yourself into the victim?” Dylan asked. He held up a hand. “Don’t answer. I’ve heard all your excuses. Too many times to count.”

  “I don’t want to argue, Dylan
.” Tanner sighed. “You sent me the pictures of Daisy for a reason. Well? Here I am. I want to see my daughter.”

  Tanner was right. When Dylan sent the pictures, he hoped his brother would feel a tug of emotion. Daisy deserved the chance of a relationship with her father.

  “Five minutes. To start.” Dylan said, getting to his feet. “I won’t leave you alone with her.”

  “I wouldn’t want you to.” Tanner cleared his throat. “I’d be too afraid.”

  “Kids are scary,” Dylan agreed. “They’re also pretty damn amazing. Especially Daisy.”

  “Dylan.” Tanner let out a shaky breath. “Do you think she’ll like me?”

  Seeing the nerves on Tanner’s face. Hearing the fear in his voice. For the first time, Dylan felt a spark of hope for his brother and Daisy.

  “She likes everyone,” Dylan said. “Whether she continues to feel the same as she grows older will be up to you.”

  “I don’t want to screw things up.” Tanner wiped the sweat from his brow. “As usual.”

  Dylan had only one answer for his brother.

  “Then don’t.”

  ▲ ▼ ▲ ▼ ▲

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  ▲ ▼ ▲ ▼ ▲

  “THE PEDIATRICIAN SAID Daisy is perfect.” Eve beamed. “Not that I had any doubt.”

  “Funny. You weren’t as confident this morning.” Dylan laughed. “What did you say again? Something about not wanting to take Daisy to a quack?”

  “I was afraid Dr. Lowe would tell me to put Daisy on a diet.” Eve knew her fears sounded ridiculous. “In my defense, my mother always restricted what I ate because she claimed the doctor said I tended toward obesity.”

  “Your mother is the worst,” Dylan muttered. “I watched you eat two full dinners, a good part of mine, and half the dessert tray—in one sitting. Did you gain an ounce?”

  “I lost a pound,” Eve admitted. She shrugged. “My fears were groundless. The doctor loved Daisy; Daisy loved her. I wish I could thank your friend for recommending Dr. Lowe.”