Chapter 19
CHAPTER NINETEEN
NATE
“You didn’t have to take the boys tonight. I finished my homework and only have to study 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. When I grab my coffee, I flirt a little more every morning. It’s becoming a routine, almost a game. Helping her 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 whole package? Since I’ve been in town, all she’s done is work, study, and care for 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? I saw the bar, Halfway Inn. 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, shaking her head.
I can’t help but chuckle under my breath. “Let’s get going so your mom can finish her work.” I turn back to Mackenzie. “I’ll be back soon.”
The smoldering look and sexy-as-hell smirk carry 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 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 wanted. 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. 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 prefers 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 that 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 as if startled but then 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. Mackenzie’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 together.
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. Despite being right before supper, I never deny them, but I’m 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 lied 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.