“I know, but I like my name for him better. Liam and Nick won’t stop talking about him. Your brother doesn’t share the same sentiment, though.”
“Not to burst your bubble, but nothing is going on.” Other than playing tonsil hockey. But it was only the one time. He hasn’t tried anything since.
“That may change.”
“Mom, it’s way too soon to be thinking about other men.” That reminder came at me like a slap across the face less than twenty minutes ago.
“Oh, I don’t know. You spent more time alone in your marriage than you did together. I’m not here to criticize your arrangement, but don’t feel guilty if you’re ready to move on quicker than most people. You’ve been lonely for a very long time.”
I stare at my mother, the comment blindsiding me. She knows nothing about me drawing up the paperwork for a divorce. Could she tell how miserable I had been back then? “How did you know that?”
“I could tell by your voice.”
Wow. “We had our share of problems.” I don’t want to indulge her with the details. It’s a moot point now anyway.
“The most important thing you can do is follow your heart. You know what’s best for you and those boys. I don’t want you feeling guilty or worry about what people around here have to say.”
“Thanks, Mom. It feels good to be reminded about that once in a while.”
“Now, tell me about Mr. Hottie.”
I laugh and shake my head but proceed to tell her what I know about him. It’s not like I needed her permission to date, but it feels good knowing she’s in my corner. I have no idea what will happen between us, if anything. But that twinge of hope bubbling in my stomach is a sensation I haven’t felt in years. I’d like to see where it leads. Now that Mom has talked me off the no dating ledge, perhaps I can.
Chapter Nineteen
Nate
“You didn’t have to take the boys tonight. I finished my homework and all that’s left is studying for an exam on Monday.”
“As I told you earlier, it’s no trouble. Get a jump on studying tonight. That way you can relax tomorrow at the game.”
Those pink lips stretch to a warm smile and stir something inside me. It’s been a week since those lips were on mine. I thought of that kiss a little more than I should. Every morning when I grab my coffee, I flirt a little more. It’s becoming easier. Helping her out with the boys gave me a purpose to stay in town, but we have spent no time alone.
“I really appreciate everything you do. You have no clue how these few hours help.”
“That’s why I do it.” My schooling was intense enough, and I was single. I can’t imagine studying with two kids.
“Mom,” Liam comes running into the living room, holding a phone to his ear. “Grandma said we could sleep over tonight.”
“You have a game at eleven tomorrow morning.”
“She said she’d feed me a protein-packed breakfast.” He looks at his mom with pleading eyes. I can’t help but chuckle. “Please. Uncle Jordan promised to let me work on his car. His car, Mom.”
“How can I say no to that?” she asks through a sigh. “Hurry up and pack. You need to leave for practice.”
“Mom said yes.” There’s a pause. “Okay, I’ll see you after practice.”
Liam darts back into his room. “Hurry up, Nick. We’re going to stay at Grandma’s.”
Mackenzie turns to look at me. “I guess I’ll be childless tonight.”
My dick twitches as my mind goes straight to where it shouldn’t. But damn, the thought of being alone with her is too good to pass up. “I guess so.”
Her lips press together as she glances down at her feet. I know I shouldn’t ask, but taking care of her also means taking care of her psyche, right? Shouldn’t that be the full package? Since I’ve been in town, all she’s done is work, study, and take care of those boys. She does nothing for herself.
“When was the last time you went out?” I ask.
Those sea glass green eyes flash to mine. “I don’t know.”
“How about after you drop the kids off, we meet up? There’s the bar, Hooligan’s, I saw. We could go there. It’s not much, but a night away from the house might do you good.”
Conflict wars in her eyes. I give an encouraging nudge. “You deserve to have some fun. I know what all work and no play can do to you.” That has been me most of my life.
She glances over her shoulder and then shakes her head slightly. But the humor flickering across her face relaxes me. Score one for me.
“I can’t believe I’m going to agree to this, but you’re on.”
“What? No argument?”
“Maybe I’m ready . . . to have fun.” She smirks. If her goal was to get a reaction from me, she just got one. Damn.
“We’re ready!” The kids pile into the living room with their duffel bags filled to the brim.
“You’re only staying one night.” The bewilderment in Mackenzie’s voice matches her expression.
“We have to make sure we have enough supplies.”
“I don’t even want to know,” she murmurs while shaking her head.
I can’t help but chuckle under my breath. “Let’s get going so your mom can get her work done.” I turn back to Mackenzie. “I’ll be back soon.”
The smoldering look and sexy as hell smirk carries me all through practice.
* * *
This can’t be good.
Coming back from the playground area, I spot Mackenzie’s brother. He stands on the far side of the soccer fields, away from the bleachers, playing with his cell phone. An eerie feeling crawls up my spine. Something tells me he isn’t here to watch Liam practice.
“Uncle Jordan!” Nick takes off in a sprint toward him. “We’re going to Grammie’s house to stay with you.”
“That’s right, little one. Are you going to help me in the garage too?” Jordan directs the question to Nick, but his focus remains on me.
“You come to watch Liam’s practice?” I ask after Nick’s enthusiastic yes, but I know full well that’s not Jordan’s reason for being here.
He purses his lips and continues his stare down. A few awkward beats later, he asks, “You know what’s funny?”
Here we go. “What’s that?”
“I couldn’t find any information on a Nate Dixon in San Francisco.” He cocks his head to the side, and those beady eyes of his narrow. I’m not sure if he’s trying to be intimidating, but I have news for him. It will take more than some skinny-ass punk to unnerve me. I am an Army Ranger, for fuck’s sake.
“Nick, why don’t you head to the bleachers? I’ll be there in a minute.”
“Okay. I’ll see you later, Uncle Jordan.”
I watch Nick until he’s safely seated in the stands before turning to face Jordan straight on. “I didn’t know you were looking. If you’re after specifics, you could have just asked.” Not that I’d answer, but I know what he’s digging through. He could search around all day if he wants. He won’t find anything about me in San Francisco.
“Why are you here sniffing around my sister?”
“I didn’t know helping someone out was such a bad thing. I’d call it being a decent human being.”
“Cut the bullshit. You waltz into town and decide to be Mackenzie’s martyr? Yeah, I don’t buy it. Not for a minute.”
“I don’t equate helping your sister to chronic suffering, but I assure you my intentions are pure.”
“That’s not what I meant.” He huffs out a frustrated breath. “I don’t like you.”
“You don’t have to like me. But your sister asked for my help, so I’m helping.” Footsteps come up behind us, but I don’t turn to see who it is. This discussion is going to end soon one way or another. I’m through with this guy.
“I’m here now. In fact, you can leave. I’ll take them home.”
“And I’m sure Mackenzie appreciates you being here, but I’m not going anywhere without the kids. They’re my responsibility. Besides, Mackenzie prefe
rs me behind the wheel. Unlike others, my driving record is clean.” My dig at his DUIs strikes a nerve. His jaw clenches as he steps closer, but I stand my ground.
“Heed the warning. I’m watching you. I always look out for my sister.”
“Since when?” Mark’s voice echoes behind me. “I remember when you conveniently ditched her when she needed you.”
Jordan’s gaze cuts to Mark. “I see you’re still playing second fiddle.”
“That was a long time ago. Some of us grew up.” Condescension laces Mark’s tone. I must admit, learning Mark had been Mackenzie’s boyfriend wasn’t all sunshine and roses, but he makes it awfully hard not to like him.
“I’m watching you.” Jordan points his finger toward me and then storms off.
“Don’t worry about him. He’s more bark than bite.”
“He’s nothing I can’t handle.”
“So maybe now would be a good time to tell you I dated Mackenzie back in high school. Her husband was my cousin.”
“Yeah, she told me.”
He jerks his head back as if startled, but then he composes himself quickly. “Oh, I’m surprised she mentioned me. I knew you were helping her with the boys, but I didn’t realize you had gotten close.”
“Is that a problem?”
“No, not at all. She needs a good person to look out for her.”
“Trust me. She’s quite capable of looking out for herself. I’m helping out with the kids. That’s all.”
“Hmm. You won’t find any argument from me. Mackenzie’s always been one to take care of herself. As for the second part, you may need to reevaluate that thought.”
“As I said, I’m just helping out,” I reiterate, wiping away any emotion from my face. I don’t give anything away, even though I don’t know if I’ll be able to rein in my feelings for her much longer, especially after spending the entire evening with her.
We head over to the bleachers. Once practice ends, I have no problem rounding the boys into the truck. They must really be excited to go to their grandma’s. They usually ask for ice cream from the concession stand. I never deny them despite being right before supper, but I’m quite sure Mackenzie knows. She hasn’t told me to stop.
We head to their house. Mackenzie comes out the front door wearing tight jeans that hug her slight curves and a low-cut top that showcases her creamy skin. Her loose curls sway in the slight breeze, and I know I’ve been lying to everyone, including myself. I may be helping out with the kids, but there’s so much more I want.
And what I want is Mackenzie.
Chapter Twenty
Mackenzie
“You know you’re making a mistake, right?”
I stop walking and take a calming breath as I contemplate what to do—head straight to my car or address my brother. I grit my teeth and turn to face him. So much for my plan to drop the boys off and escape without getting trapped.
“What do you mean?” I ask, knowing full well I don’t want to have this conversation.
“How about the fact you’re letting some stranger hang around your sons? They’re at an impressionable age. It isn’t good for them to get attached to someone you know nothing about.”
I bristle, wanting to reject Jordan’s words the moment he utters them. They mirror Mrs. Morgan’s and expose my underlying fear they may hold merit. I glance over Jordan’s shoulder at the porch to make sure the kids are still inside.
“I’ve told you a million times. Nate’s a good guy. Why are you so adamant about turning him into a threat?”
“There’s something off with him. I haven’t been able to prove it yet, but I will.”
“Give it up, Jordan. Stick to worrying about your own life.” And stay the hell out of mine.
“Don’t tell me not to worry. Whether you want to believe it or not, I care about you.”
“I know you do. But lay off some.”
“It should be me taking them to practices and watching them while you drive back and forth to the city.”
The last thing I want to do is tell him I don’t trust him because I know he wouldn’t do anything to harm them. Not intentionally. But I can’t bring myself to do it. Ethan never trusted my brother, and he would be pissed if I even toyed with the idea of leaving the boys with him.
“Drop it, Jordan. You can spend time with them at Mom’s house.”
He purses his lips as he contemplates my words. “Fine. I won’t mention it again until I find something concrete about Nate.”
“Thank you. If you find something, let me know. Otherwise, let me live my life.” This is how he charms his way into Mom’s heart by acting as if he cares. When all Jordan really cares about is himself. It’s no wonder he didn’t get along with Ethan. They’re cut from the same cloth. The only difference is one took the disciplinary path while the other went wild. “Shouldn’t you be working on your car? Liam’s looking forward to it.”
“I’m heading there now.”
“Don’t think you’re off the hook either. I meant what I said.”
His eyebrows draw in confusion. “I agreed to back off.”
“I meant about the dirtbike for Liam’s birthday. I do not want to see one of those anywhere near my child.” That’s the last thing Liam needs. I’m already hanging on by a thread. If anything happens to my kids, I will come unraveled.
“You worry about the wrong things, sis. You’re raising those boys to be wimps. They need me around to teach them how to be manly. They don’t need a stranger who’s after one thing.” He walks away before I have a chance to refute.
My hands fist by my side, but I spin on my heels and march to my car, fighting the urge to scream. How dare Jordan tell me how to raise my kids. He doesn’t have any authority to dictate who they can and can’t hang around. Nate had expunged my lousy mood that stemmed from my conversation with Mrs. Morgan a few days ago. Even if it’s only a bar Nate suggested going to, I’m looking forward to our evening out. It has been months since I’ve gone anywhere that didn’t involve carpooling kids, sports, or fast food. I can’t even remember the last time I adulted.
Yet, I’m allowing Jordan to get into my head.
But is he right? Am I making a mistake by allowing Nate into my life and in the kids’ lives? I grip the steering wheel tighter. Nate isn’t out for any kind of gain. What would be in it for him? Nothing.
And damn it. Why can’t I have this moment?
Is it so wrong to want to do something for me? I’ve lived my entire life doing the right thing and living for other people. When I left Sunnyville, I thought I was following my dream. I was getting married and moving away, but my goals never consisted of sitting at home and raising children. I admire the women who choose that path, but I always wanted to work. To claim something for me. Is that selfish?
I pull into my drive, and all the uncertainties, all the worries, get put aside when the familiar-looking F250 comes to view. I can deal with those doubts another day.
Tonight, I’m going to have fun.
Tonight, I’ll let the cards fall where they may.
Tonight, I’m not going to overthink and just do.
When the tall, brooding man steps out of his pickup and greets me with that rare smile reserved for me, my stomach flips. Oh yeah, I’m definitely allowing myself to have fun.
Chapter Twenty-One
Nate
Something is off with Mackenzie. She’s doing a good job hiding whatever is bothering her, but her eyes hold too much worry to pull it off. I could tell the moment she hopped inside my truck.
“Here you go.” I set her old-fashioned down in front of her and slide into the chair across from her. Our table sits in the back of the bar, so we’re able to hear each other over the typical Friday night crowd.
“How did you know what drink I like?”
Well, shit, Nate. You did it this time. I wouldn’t know what kind of drink she likes if it weren’t for the fact her husband had complained to me. That’s something I could never tell her. Even
if she knew who I was. When we first sat down, she told me to surprise her. I should’ve ordered something light, not her favorite. To play off my blunder, I give a slight wink and add a smirk. “You look like an old-fashioned kind of girl.”
She barks out a laugh. “I’m not sure that’s a compliment.”
“I assure you it is.”
“What did you settle on?”
“Double Goose. It’s a local craft beer. I thought I’d keep it light tonight since I’m driving, but I’ve been known to like my bourbon. I’m more of a neat guy, though.”
“As you can probably tell, I’m on the opposite spectrum of neat.”
“I may have noticed.”
She shoots me a sly smile, but then her gaze drops to her drink, along with her teasing nature.
“What’s bothering you?”
“Oh, it’s nothing.”
“It doesn’t seem like nothing.”
She blows out a breath. “It’s my brother.”
My insides steel. I should’ve known if Jordan was willing to say something to me, he’d say something to her. “Yeah, he paid me a visit earlier at practice.”
“He did?” Anger flashes in her eyes as they rise to meet mine. “He has no right harassing you. Did he warn you to stay away?”
“Yeah.” I gesture toward her. “As you can tell, I listened well.”
That earns me a half-hearted laugh. “I’m sorry. My idiot brother thinks you have some ulterior motive. He’s beyond ridiculous.”
“He’s only looking out for you,” I say the words convincingly, but her brother isn’t exactly wrong. I may have started this endeavor with an ulterior motive, but something along the way changed. I’m not sure when that happened.
“No, he’s being a pain. But that’s not the part bothering me.” She shakes her head and lets out a disgruntled moan. “He wants to buy Liam a dirtbike for his birthday.”
“When’s his birthday?”
“In a few weeks. We’re thinking about having a small get-together at Mom’s. You can come if you want.”
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