Scoring with the Coach’s Daughter (Maine Megalodons #3)

16. Samantha

16

SAMANTHA

The invitation sits on my desk, taunting me. The crisp edges and embossed lettering remind me of wedding invitations. I run my finger over the raised letters as if it were a wish of Christmas past. It’s not the end of the world if I don’t make the exclusive culinary event. Maggie is attending. Still, it would be nice to drink bubbly with my contemporaries and sample beef tartare and other swanky edibles.

It’s a once-in-a-year opportunity where top chefs and restaurateurs in the industry mingle over champagne and impossibly tiny hors d’oeuvres. Maggie stands in the doorway, demanding that I go with her. I’m in the crunch zone. The clock is ticking and I’m here, deliberately dragging my feet.

“Sam, this is huge! You need to be there.” Maggie is more of an aunt to Ellie and she’s always there for me when I need her. It wasn’t easy when Ellie first came to live with me.

She’s right. I should go to the event. It’s a fun work event and it’s a night out with my bestie. But there’s one problem.

I don’t have a babysitter.

I tuck my long bangs behind my ear and glance at my watch. It’s Monday. The restaurant is closed so I’m off but I have zero babysitting options. Everyone I usually rely on is either out of town or unavailable. I already told Maggie I probably wouldn’t make it. I’m a terrible friend because Maggie harped on me for over a month to get a sitter, but did I listen? No. What the fuck is wrong with me?

Is it because I don’t trust someone with Ellie? No. Sure, I trust Maggie and I trust my staff. I know a few of them would have been thrilled to take Ellie for the night.

If I’m being honest, I’m afraid no one will be well— do things the way I would do them. Will they make sure Ellie brushes her teeth? Will she have fun? Will she go to bed on time? Few of the events will matter since it’s one night. I know this but still…

I can’t ask Jake, it’s an imposition. But I’m lying to myself because the real reason is the fact that I can’t give up control.

Realistically, giving up control means accidents can happen. It means bad stuff can occur, the kind of stuff that can’t be undone. Maybe I’m afraid something will go wrong and we’ll break up. Ellie is my everything.

My sister lived with a foot on the wild side, the dangerous side, the side that thwarted rules and at times, common sense. She was the life of the party, fun, vibrant, and carefree. She wasn’t afraid to break the rules, but one fateful day, her disregard for the rules led to her death. That’s final and there’s no do-over.

As much as I admired my sister, she sometimes scared me. Maybe if she weren’t such a wild child I wouldn’t be a control freak. I can’t remember where it started. Were we born this way or did her behavior set the tone for me to compensate for her actions? Or was it her untimely death that threw me into overdrive?

Change is tough, and for me, well, it’s torture. Who likes to change? If it were easy to change the divorce rate would plummet, and there wouldn’t be family feuds.

“Let me know if you find a sitter. Perhaps that hunk you’re banging can help out.” Maggie interjects.

“That makes me sound so…I don’t know. Cheap?” I hate to impose on anyone. Ellie is my responsibility.

“Well, I’m heading out, so text me later.”

“I will.” Maggie leaves and I hear her boots clicking on the tile as she walks across the kitchen floor. I sit, absently staring at my computer screen.

Do I ask Jake? Should I?

I click on my computer, and input orders for next week's deliveries. I’m concentrating and when I hear a soft tap on the doorframe, I all but jump out of my chair.

“Oh!” I exclaim. I look up and there stands Jake. His handsome face brings a smile to my face. “You surprised me!”

“Why do you look like you’re plotting a murder?” Jake says lightheartedly, ignoring the fact he scared the shit out of me.

My annoyance turns into an entertaining chuckle. He has a real talent for disarming me. He has a smooth demeanor that smooths over my perfectionism. He’s the fun Dad. I’m the serious Mom. So, when he pulls me into his corner, I’m disarmed by his creative fun side—mesmerized is more like it. Let’s face facts, it’s a rare occasion when I lower my serious nature enough to have fun.

Jake makes me laugh when I least expect it, and I love his one-liners. I envy him because he makes things, well— fun.

I wish I could be more like him.

I glance at Jake, leaning against the doorway, his arms are crossed, and his eyebrows are raised. His usual cocky smirk is in place. but I know he’s here for a reason.

“I’m not murdering anyone,” I argue. “I’m just… trying to fi gure out how to be in two places at once. You know, like Hermoine.”

His forehead furrows. Then the reference to Harry Potter hits and he nods.

He pushes his tall, lithe frame off the wall and strolls into my office. “Talk to me.”

His presence disarms me. I love his deep voice and his body is to die for. I can’t forget what it’s like to run my hands over his taut abs and thick muscles—one in particular. Wink, wink. Honestly, I’ve been insatiable because I’m addicted to him. I love his clean-scented cologne and even now, I breathe in his essence.

I hesitate but then my mouth opens and I’m talking a mile a minute, excited about the prospect of going out with Maggie overriding my overprotective nature. “It’s a big event. Like, a huge big that’s important for work. But I don’t have a babysitter.”

His mouth is agape, and he gives me a look of shock for a beat. “I’ll watch her.” He shrugs as if it’s no imposition.

I blink in surprise. I mean, it’s not unthinkable that he would want to watch Ellie. He’s basically living with us. He knows her and her routine. I shouldn’t have any reservations because he has a great track record.

But like the helicopter mother I am, I still question him. “What?”

“I’ll watch Ellie.” His tone is casual—like it’s a walk in the park. Truth be told, there are only a few hours where she will be whirling around before it will be time for her to quiet down before it’s her bedtime. He sits in a bright orange barrel chair; his large frame making it all but disappear beneath him. “You should go. I got you.” He leans forward, his elbows resting on his legs.

Do I trust him? I have no reason not to, but still. The fear of relinquishing control gnaws at me.

A hundred reasons flood my mind with why this is a bad idea. But, before I can voice any of them, he stands and approaches me. “Sam, seriously. You deserve a night off. Go have fun. I’m sure it’s been years since you had a night to enjoy being an adult.” He pauses. “Besides, Maggie gave me the heads up. I think she’s playing matchmaker. And I know how you just love to work on your night off.” He rolls his eyes.

“Am I that predictable?” I groan.

“Mm. I’m not sure how I should answer that.” His voice drifts off. However, I see a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.

Even if he weren’t here, I know the answer to my question.

“I’m a pathetic bore.” I drop my head into my hands.

“You’re not. You just like things to be perfect and everyone knows this about you. But back to tonight, it’s not an ask, I’m volunteering.”

I lift my head and meet his gaze. He must have passed Maggie on his way in. “Maggie put you up to it.”

“Not at all. She mentioned you have an event and that she’d love to have a girl's night out with you. It’s no big deal.”

I chew on my lip. “Jake?—”

“Ellie loves me,” he says, grinning. “What’s the worst that could happen?”