Ask Me Why(43)

A rumble rises from his chest. “Yeah, real funny. My son makes a terrible matchmaker.”

“Ouch. Thanks for that. My self-esteem is flimsy enough.” I put more distance between us. He flings a variation of abrasive shit at me on the regular. I’m more than accustomed to the stench. But it’s extra potent this afternoon. Probably due to him looking extra delicious and smelling like a sinful fantasy. He makes me weak in the filthiest of ways.

Brance scratches over his weekend growth of scruff. “My feelings on this matter have always been clear.”

“I was never in doubt.”

“Glad we’re on the same page.”

“Yep, got it.” I search the grounds for an available space to sit. My favorite spot is being tainted.

He yanks off his shades and glares at me. “What brings you to this area? Isn’t it a bit out of your way?”

“Because you know where I live?”

He doesn’t have a response to that. I grin, my expression probably dripping with smug satisfaction. My bruised ego raises her head, a sneaky plan taking shape.

“Maybe I’m here meeting someone.”

He doesn’t have to know I’m referring to Sadie.

“Bullshit,” he spits.

“Is that so hard to believe?”

“Yes.”

“Well, I’m single and ready to put myself out there.” I just wish the man sitting next to me would be more receptive. Another release or two from him would do the trick. I feel like we share some version of a mangled bond. A deep-rooted understanding only a catastrophe of pain leaves behind. But I’m foolish for thinking Brance is looking at me with anything other than thinly veiled indifference.

“Pretty sure you already are. Do you recall being ready to fuck me a few weeks ago?”

“That’s ancient history.”

“Is it?” Suddenly he’s so close that his breath is hot on my neck.

I can’t stop the shiver from wracking my limbs. It takes every ounce of self-control to keep my eyes trained straight ahead. Blistering flames race through my veins. I gulp and silently recite the alphabet. Am I a coward for not facing him? Most definitely.

The bench creaks when he shifts out of my personal space. “Don’t look so terrified. We both know you’re not repulsed by my touch.”

The truth parts my lips. I’m two seconds away from suggesting a secluded location more suitable for straddling his lap. There has to be an abandoned lot nearby. But no. That would be very bad. I scramble for a distraction.

“Is it all right for me to hug Ollie?” I blurt.

“What the fuck kind of question is that?”

“A serious one. Earlier it seemed like he was swooping in, but I wasn’t sure that’d be okay.”

“Please don’t deprive my child of affection, Braelyn. If he wants a hug, give him one. You’ll likely shatter his heart by denying him.”

“What? Why?”

Brance flails his arms in a wild circle, the answer waiting right there. “Because he’s crazy about you. Pretty sure running into you today has made his entire month. If he asks me to marry you one more time, I’m likely to go insane. He’d have you living with us in a second.”

I’ll never admit how breathless that possibility makes me. “That’s silly.”

“But it’s the truth.”

My heart pounds so hard it’s liable to burst. “That might be the nicest thing you’ve ever said to me.”

He rubs his temples. “Give my son the credit. This is not my doing.”

The lash of his words doesn’t strike. I’m protected by the comfort of hearing Ollie likes having me around. This bit of information is exactly what my wounded pride needed. I smile at him, probably looking like a loon. “Thanks.”

Brance twists toward me. “For what?”

I kick at the gravel, sending tiny rocks flying. “Telling me how he feels. It’s good to hear that. But us getting married is off the table.”

“I’m sure he’ll ask you sooner or later. I’m not giving him the desired response.”

I cough over a gasp. How the hell would I get out of that pickle?

Ollie bounds up to us, intervening without realizing. “Daddy, guess what? Uncle Jordy told me we’re going to Five Squares for dinner. Braelyn and Sadie can come with us.” Ollie’s twinkling gaze flings to me. “I can show you how to play the ducky game.”

I peek at Brance from the corner of my eye. His jaw is locked. A muscle twitches from the effort. I can practically hear his thoughts stewing. It doesn’t appear he’s planning to respond.

“That sounds great, sweetie.” I have no intentions of denying Ollie anything. Deep down I know Brance agrees with me, happily or not.





Brance



Goose



I unbuckle Ollie from his seat, and he wiggles free of the straps. Before I can blink, he jumps down and begins spinning in circles on the sidewalk. Jordan steps out from the passenger side and joins me. We watch my son entertain himself with an imaginary sword. If I could bottle his energy, we’d make a fortune.

“Ah, to be young again.” Jordan leans against my car.

I ignore his sentiment. “Thanks for the fucking set-up.”