Chapter Four #3
“Oh, I know why. Because they were the only friends who had experience with kids at that point. That’s what Nora said.
They were hoping that maybe the kids could play together.
But I know for a fact that she would have loved for you to be their godfather.
I believe her explanation was ‘Pity he’s never been serious about a woman.
I don’t want to make his current date the godmother, only for her to then be replaced by others. ’”
Nick blinked repeatedly. “Jesus. I have no defense because I don’t even remember who I was dating when the kids were christened.”
I burst out laughing. “Oh, Nick.”
“Is that bad? Don’t answer! I can see it on your face,” he said with a laugh. “It is bad.”
“No, it’s not. Just the way you are,” I said. “Nothing wrong with that.” I took a few more sips of wine.
After a while, I started to shiver, so I put my jacket on. “Do you want to sit back down? I can move over. Sorry, I didn’t think of asking earlier.”
“Nah, these things are tiny.”
Did that mean that he’d felt just as on edge as I had when he’d been sitting next to me?
Now that I’d drunk my entire glass of wine, I wasn’t able to keep my thoughts in check any longer.
If he sat next to me, I could find an excuse to climb onto his lap.
After all, we’d both be much more comfortable.
Oh, man, I truly was a danger to myself and also to Nick.
“I think I should head home.”
“It’s not that late,” Nick said.
“I know, but I’ve been gone a few hours already. I’d feel more comfortable if I went back.”
“Of course. The last thing I want is for you to stress out. That would ruin the point of this evening.”
“Which has been a success!” I attempted to get up from the swing… and failed. I fell right back onto my ass. “Whoops! I drank the wine a bit too fast. And I haven’t had a drink in months.”
“Why not?” he asked, setting his empty beer bottle on the small table next to my glass.
“It felt weird drinking, knowing I have kids under my care.”
“I’ll help you up.” He held out his hand.
I put mine in his, feeling how strong and calloused his palm and fingers were as they slid against mine. Was it from weights or other training equipment at the gym? Had to be. I couldn’t imagine him doing other manual labor.
“And up you go.” He pulled me up, and I managed to trip over my own feet, slamming headfirst into Nick’s hard chest.
I straightened up quickly as Nick grinned. Next thing I knew, both of his hands were on me: one on my upper back, one at my side. I felt his touch so intensely that you’d think I wasn’t wearing any clothes.
What’s happening to me? I was usually composed.
“Fuck,” he exclaimed.
I stepped back, looking up at him and smiling sheepishly. “Truly sorry. Did I hurt you?”
“Don’t worry about me.” His look was feral, but I didn’t think it was because I’d made him mad. He then said, “I’ll take you to the car.”
“I’m not inebriated, really. I’m not even sure what happened.”
“I think the sand moved away from under your feet.” His voice sounded odd.
I was feeling a bit embarrassed. He didn’t need to chaperone me. I was a damn grown-up.
Once we were in his car, though, I relaxed a bit.
“Last chance to change your mind. Want to head home or—”
“Do something outrageous?” I finished for him, feeling even sassier than before.
“I would have said ‘continue to have fun,’ but now that outrageous is on the table, fun sounds boring. So, what do you have in mind?”
I grinned, shrugging. “I don’t know. I haven’t done anything outrageous in a while. Tonight is not the night to start, though.”
He laughed as he pulled out of the parking space. “You still have time to decide before we arrive at your house.”
It was tempting, but I knew it was time to call it a night. Even though it seemed like we had only just arrived, we’d spent three hours here. By now, the twins were in bed.
God, it was as if I couldn’t shut off that part of my brain. I was constantly thinking about them. Were they safe? Were they happy? Could I do more?
When we finally arrived home, Nick said, “And? Change your mind?”
I bit the inside of my cheek.
“We can leave outrageous off the table for now and continue with the original plan—fun,” he added.
“It’s getting late, but thanks a lot. This evening was amazing.”
A strange expression crossed his face. “How about making this a standing thing?”
“What?”
“You and I going out on Saturday evenings.”
My eyes widened. “Nick, I’m sure you’ve got much better things to do on Saturdays.”
“As I said, I’m very good at setting priorities.”
God, this was so tempting for a million reasons. But I had to exercise at least some self-restraint.
“I’ll think about it.”
He nodded. “Good enough. Can I come in and say hi to the kids?”
“That’s very sweet of you, but they’re already in bed by now. It’s past their bedtime.”
He cocked a brow, looking at the car’s digital clock. “Really?”
“Nick, they’re young.”
He chuckled. “Yeah, not sure what I was doing when I was their age, but I’m pretty damn sure I wasn’t in bed. Mom always used to say that we drove her crazy every night.”
“Nora and Jim were very strict about their bedtime routine. Said it was the only way they would be rested enough and not ornery the next day. It was nice seeing you, Nick.”
“I’ll walk you to your front door.”
I shook my head. “Really, don’t.”
“Now, listen—”
“Nick, I’m not drunk, okay? Or tipsy. I just lost my balance somehow.” I was even more embarrassed than before.
“All right, if you insist.”
“I do. Thanks a lot for everything.” I got out quickly and then hurried up the front steps. As I reached the door, I turned and waved at him. He nodded before driving off.
I was smiling for no reason as I stepped inside the house. It was eerily quiet, but a light in the living room told me that Doreen was watching TV on mute. She immediately stepped into the foyer.
“Back already?”
“I’ve been gone a long time.”
“Hon, I thought you were going to come back at midnight at the earliest.”
“Oh, I couldn’t…”
She moved closer to me. “Look, I haven’t said anything because it’s not my place, but this is good for you. You look relaxed, and you’re smiling. Everyone needs time for themselves now and again.”
My shoulders slumped. “I know. But everything is so new.”
“I know. And I’m not saying this for self-interest, but I’m at your disposal no matter when, all right?
I don’t have much going on with my kids and grandkids all grown up.
All my book clubs and old-people activities happen during the day when you’re at work and the kids are at daycare. But I’m free on evenings and weekends.”
I gave her a soft smile. “Thanks, Doreen. That means a lot to me.”
“Just don’t go blabbing about what I told you to anyone else, okay? I don’t want to be at everyone’s beck and call.”
“So, you’re making an exception for me?”
“You need me the most, child.” Her words hit deep.
“Thanks, Doreen. Have a good night.”
“You, too!”
After she left, I locked the doors, turning off the outside lights as she got into her car and drove away. Doreen really was a sweet woman, and I was lucky to have found her.
I tiptoed up the stairs, peeking in the twins’ bedroom. God, these little angels. I wanted to wake them up just to kiss them and tell them how much I loved them. But I knew better than to do that or they’d keep me up for hours. So instead, I just closed the door, leaned against it, and smiled.
This evening had been amazing. And Nick had offered to do it every Saturday, huh? Well, now I was even more tempted to take him up on it. But I had a feeling that it was a dangerous idea.