One Look: A grumpy, single dad small town romance(33)

After she doctored up her coffee, she blew over the top and took a tentative sip. My eyes tracked the shape of her lips and the dart of her tongue as she tasted. A part of me wished I could lean into her and brush my fingers down the length of her arm.

“So what are my marching orders, boss?”

My jaw locked tight. “I have a few meetings at the university this week. One in person today and the rest I can take remotely from here. Michael and Joey can pretty much do whatever they want—but I gave them your number, and they need to check in at least once.” I pinched the bridge of my nose. “Just . . . keep them out of trouble, if you can.”

Lark nodded, taking in my instructions.

“Kevin should spend some time at the library studying. He’s retaking a class online and has a test coming up. I have your email, so I also shared my calendar with you last night.”

Lark laughed. “Oh, I saw. That thing is a mess.”

I just stared at her while her eyes danced with teasing amusement.

“If you need me, call or text. I’ll leave whatever meeting I’m in. Penny and I will be in and out of the office, so it’s best to just call my phone.”

From the living room, Penny flopped herself lengthwise on the couch. “No, Daddy, no. I don’t want to go to St. Fowler. That car ride sucks, and your office is so boring. I want to stay home and go to the beach with Lark.”

“Pickle,” I warned. We weren’t having this conversation for the twelfth time this morning.

Lark shrugged. “She can hang with me today. I don’t mind.”

I immediately shook my head. “You’re not a nanny.”

Oh god. Now all I could think about was fucking the nanny. Awesome.

Penny immediately perked up, and hope filled her big brown eyes. “Please, Daddy. Please. I’ll be good. I promise.” She held up her hand, her two fingers crossed. Pickle still didn’t realize that crossing your fingers while you promised meant you’d break it, and it hit me just how damn cute she was sometimes.

Lark’s eyebrows raised up, and she smiled, like it wasn’t a thing in the world for her to look after my kid. I considered it. So far, Lark seemed completely normal and had settled comfortably into Outtatowner. Tootie adored her, and I trusted her enough to be my assistant. I had to go with my gut on it and was comforted knowing, deep down, that Lark would care for Penny. Plus, I had an entire town that would look out for her too.

Lark smiled down at Penny as I weighed my decision. “I think we can find some trouble today.”

I grumbled.

“Fun,” she corrected with a laugh. “We’ll find some fun.” Lark winked at Penny as she moved to take over the couch.

“Fine. We’ll use today as a test run. Just be safe and have a good time.” I looked at Lark again. “I’ll add extra for today.”

She rolled her eyes and batted a hand in the air. “It’s really no big deal. Penny mentioned on our walk that she’s starting to read small chapter books but doesn’t really have any. We could head into town and get her first library card. Would that be okay?”

I paused to take her in. Penny’s first library card. Fuck, I hadn’t even thought of that. Part of me felt terrible that I ever thought Lark wouldn’t take this seriously.

I cleared my throat. “Yeah, that would be great. Thanks.”

Lark smiled and lifted a shoulder like it wasn’t a thing in the world to step up for my kid. When my phone buzzed again, I slid my keys into my pocket, strode toward Penny to kiss the side of her face, and headed toward the door.

I didn’t look back when Lark stood in the doorway, waving, as I walked to my car. “Have a good day, dear!”

And her playful words stayed with me all damn day.





The hectic day had gotten away from me. There was really no other way to describe it. I took calls, reviewed game footage, started on practice drill outlines, and spoke with Kevin’s academic counselor about his requirements to be eligible to play in the fall.

I also had to prep for an upcoming press conference.

My plan to head back to Outtatowner by midafternoon was shot to hell after the portly athletic director shouldered his way into my office and filled the chair across from me. By the time the afternoon hours melted into early evening, I had to call it. My last meeting of the day could be taken from my car as I drove back home.

When I pulled across the gravel driveway, the farmhouse was lit up. Soft music wafted out of the open windows. The front door was open, and I could see movement just inside.

Trying to leave the stress of work behind me, I checked my calendar app one last time. I looked at it, closed the app, and opened it again. Curiously, it was now color coded.

Huh. Hadn’t thought of that.

There were clear distinctions—virtual meetings, in-person meetings, press conferences, practices, and team meetings—all neatly arranged, time stamped, and simple to find. Noting there was nothing pressing for the next day or so, I let a tiny bit of stress melt away.

I climbed the stairs, ready to see what new disasters awaited me at home. I figured we could grab a pizza or something in town because there was no way in hell I had the mental energy to cook something after today. When I pushed through the door, my players looked as if they were getting ready to leave.

“Hey, Coach,” Michael called.