Chapter 8 River
River
The good news is that Callie doesn’t sound mad by my unexpected offer. More like thrown off.
As if she can’t quite figure me out.
And that’s okay.
For the time being.
“I think we can both agree that it’s a great opportunity,” I say honestly. “Even if I don’t like the idea of you spending time alone with Beau Masterson.”
She blinks, clearly not expecting that response.
“I’m thinking about what’s best for you,” I add. “Not me.”
Confusion flickers in her expression for half of a second before it’s masked again. “I can check with my parents. I’m sure they’ll watch Nora.”
“That’s not necessary,” I insist. “I’ve got you covered.”
She swallows before glancing toward the front of the bakery, as if needing a moment to collect herself, before her narrowed gaze slices back to mine.
“And you’re really okay watching her?”
“Of course. Believe it or not, I’ve spent time around kids.”
Her expression turns even more skeptical. “You’ve actually held a toddler?”
A grin tugs at the corners of my mouth. “Yup. My twin, Willow, has two. A three-year-old and a one-year-old who screams like he’s auditioning for Broadway.”
Her eyebrows lift. “You have a twin?”
“Yup.” Unable to help myself, I swallow up the little bit of distance that separates us. “There’s a lot you don’t know about me, Callie.”
Even though she stands her ground, I catch the flash in her eyes and the pulse that flutters faster against the delicate flesh of her throat as she realizes just how close we are. Heat flares to life between us as the scent of her floral shampoo mixes with my cologne.
She has no idea how much I want to get my hands on her.
With one blink, she pulls herself back together again as her tongue darts out to moisten her lips. “Are you sure about this?”
“Absolutely. I wouldn’t have offered if I wasn’t.”
I lean in close enough that she has to tilt her chin upward to hold my gaze.
“Besides,” I say, “I’ll be there afterward to make sure you get home safe and sound. And Beau knows it.”
It would be impossible not to notice the way she stills as I slip my fingers beneath her chin. “If he touches one hair on your head, it’ll be the last thing he ever does.”
Her eyes flare as her lips part, but not a single sound comes out. For a second, all her quiet defenses falter as she stares up at me like she’s never heard words like that before.
Which kills me.
She deserves them.
This woman deserves to be worshipped like a queen.
It takes a moment for her to recover. “I don’t need a knight in shining armor.”
No, she doesn’t.
She’s more than capable of taking care of herself.
She’s had to.
“I never said you did. Looks to me like you’ve got it all under control. You’re a single mom and a business owner. No one needs to ride in and save you, Callie. But that doesn’t mean we don’t all need a helping hand every once in a while. And I want to be that for you.”
“Why?” she asks, brow furrowing.
“I think the answer is pretty obvious.”
I see the exact moment she swallows hard and decides not to push for more answers.
When she remains silent, I attempt to lighten the mood. “Do you really think I can’t handle Nora?”
“It’s not about you handling her. It’s about me not trusting just anyone with my daughter.”
“That’s fair,” I admit. “But you can trust me.”
Unable to help myself, my gaze dips to her mouth.
Just for a beat.
Long enough for her to see it.
Long enough for her to feel it too.
She turns away, grabbing a rag to wipe the counter. “If you’re sure—”
“I am.”
“Okay then. I guess I’ll see you tomorrow night. Do you need my address?”
“Nope, I already have it.” Mission accomplished, I waltz out of the bakery with a smile on my face.
It might not be a ton of progress.
But it’s more than enough.
For now.