Chapter 12
Chapter Twelve
It’s a gorgeous Saturday morning, so Asher’s outside playing while I finish some chores around the house. Logan is outside, too. He asked me yesterday if he could come to get ahead of the work, and who am I to say no to that?
Like most days, Liv is in her room. I knock on her door, hoping to get her to absorb some fresh air and sunshine.
“Liv, hun. I have an idea.” She looks up at me from her books, slumped in her reading chair. “How about we take our books and go lounge outside? We can sit side by side in silence and enjoy the weather.”
My heart beats faster, awaiting her response.
“Ok.” She shrugs, placing a bookmark carefully into her book.
Yes! I celebrate my parental victory internally, trying to look cool on the outside. “I’ll get the picnic blankets and meet you outside.”
She nods and follows behind. I grab the blankets from the hallway closet and head to the patio doors when Asher runs into me.
“Mom, Logan’s from Seattle, too.” He beams at me.
“Really? You’ve been talking to him? ”
“I’ve been keeping him company.” Asher shrugs. “He’s here all the time, on his own. He must be bored out of his mind.”
I chuckle at the simplicity of his thoughts. “You must be right. But don’t bother him too much.” He shoots me a confused look. “Your stories are too interesting. He might get caught up in them and forget to finish our deck.”
“You’re right.” He nods with conviction, making me chuckle again.
“Here, I’ll bring us some lemonade.” Liv catches the blankets I throw her, and I get back inside.
I pour an ice-cold glass of lemonade for Logan to apologize for the tornado of thoughts and words that is Asher.
“I thought you might be thirsty,” I say, handing him the glass but feeling like I’m the thirsty one.
It’s a warm day today and Logan must be feeling it because long gone is his flannel. He stands in front of me in a sweaty tank top, looking like a less cut Channing Tatum. No, his muscles aren’t gym-made. They are the result of hard work and pure power.
“Thanks,” he says before downing the lemonade, and I’m mesmerized by the bob of his Adam’s apple.
He’s all man.
His gaze lands on me, and I struggle to remember why I came.
“Umm, sorry about Asher. I know he can be a lot. Let me know if he bothers you again, I’ll distract him with something else.”
“No need. We were just chatting. He’s a cool kid.”
“He is.” My face breaks into a smile. After ten years of parenting, I still flutter when I get to talk about my kids.
“He’s been telling me about you guys living in Seattle. And the house you had there.”
“Yeah…” A pang of guilt hits me, like any other time I remember the divorce.
“He told me he likes this one better.” My shoulders relax at his words. “Though he also said I might screw it all up with the deck.” A cackle escapes me.
“Yeah, no pressure.”
“No pressure.” He shoots me a smirk that hits me right in the chest.
“So, he tells me you’re from the city as well?”
“I actually grew up right here, in Ocean’s Harbor. But I live in Seattle, yes.”
“Really? You’re from here?”
“Yeah. And people here obviously can’t get enough of me since I do most of my work around this place.”
“I get that.”
“What, not being able to get enough of me?” He gives me a playful wink, and I’m quiet for a second, struggling to form words.
When my brain finally connects to my tongue, I manage to say, “I meant they probably noticed your incredible work ethic. Speaking of which, I’ll let you get back to work.” It’s not the smoothest escape I ever did, but I guess it can pass.
“Tell Asher he can come keep me company whenever he wants to,” he calls after me.
I nod in response, still a bit dazed, both from the flirty remark and his acceptance of Asher.
I’m used to having to tone Asher down for other people.
He’s amazing, don’t get me wrong, but he can be a lot.
And not everyone likes that. Even David, his own father, couldn’t handle it sometimes.
He would get nervous, and I’d distract Asher with something in another room, to keep the house peaceful.
I join Olivia on the blankets, and we read our books, enjoying the sunny weather. I can’t wait for the deck to be done so we can enjoy the pool, too.
It’s finally taking shape. Logan is making good progress on raising the platforms, but being that he’s doing it on his own, it’s a miracle he got this far .
“I’m going to make us some lunch. You need anything?” I ask Olivia.
“Nope. Hey, Mom. Can Kayla come over tomorrow?” she calls after me.
“Sure. I mean, I need to check with her dad, but it’s fine with me.”
“Thanks.” She shoots me a demure smile.
Putting some chicken strips in the oven, I pull up my phone, opening a text thread with Will.
Me
Hi. Olivia asked if Kayla could come over tomorrow. I don’t know if you have any plans, but we would love to have you. Both of you.
I smile to myself, happy with my courage.
Will
Sounds great, but unfortunately, I have some things to do tomorrow. Kayla could still come, if that’s ok. She’ll be thrilled.
Me
Of course.
Will
And if you’re free next weekend, I’d love to take you out on that date we talked about. If you’re interested, of course.
Another smile blooms on my face.
Me
I’d like that.
The age gap billionaire was a miss, but I prefer small town single dads, anyway.