The Fix (The Carolina Connections, #1)(25)

Laney’s hand covered her eyes and then she shook it off and smiled at me. “Did I neglect to tell you we have a pants-optional policy in our house?” She seemed to realize exactly what she’d said a moment too late and I couldn’t help bursting into laughter.

“Good God.” She covered her eyes again but then smiled and threw a dish towel at me. “Shut up.”

“You shouldn’t say ‘shut up,’ Mommy,” said Rocco, opening the pantry door. Squeak.

“I know, baby, I’m sorry. Nate was being very naughty and I forgot. I’m going to make you some lunch so we can head over to that playdate soon, okay?”

The kid didn’t respond. But I noticed his nose twitch again. Did he have a troublesome booger or something?

“That sounds like fun,” I offered, leaning against the counter and opening my soda.

Still no response.

“I’ll bet you’ve got lots of new friends in the neighborhood, huh?”

Just a shoulder shrug and a nose twitch. Should I get him a tissue?

“I’m gonna play Ninja Turtles.” And he was gone.

“Was it something I said?” I asked Laney, who had her head in the refrigerator pulling out lunch fixings.

“No, not at all. He’s just having a rough time making friends his own age, and there have been a lot of changes recently so he needs time to catch up.”

“Oh.” I was a bit relieved to not be the cause of any upset. I was also curious about these changes but didn’t want to pry too much. “So, I assume moving here was a recent change.” I hedged.

“Very,” she confirmed, now at the counter making a PB&J. “Until a few weeks ago we lived with my parents, but they decided to move to Virginia and it was time anyway, you know.” She rested the knife and looked up at me.

No, I didn’t know, but it was sounding like the baby-daddy wasn’t in the picture. I wanted to know more but I stayed silent, hoping she’d elaborate on her own.

“It was great having all the help with Rocco, especially when he was a baby, but five years is a long time and it’s nice to be on our own now.” She looked around the mismatched kitchen with a smile. “I love it here.” Her eyes landed on mine and must have seen the skeptical look on my face. “Don’t start!” She pointed the jelly knife at me. “It has its flaws but it’s just quirky.”

“Well, I’m happy to help with those ‘quirks’ if you’ll let me come back next Saturday,” I offered, hoping she’d accept. The memory of that scorching kiss was urging me to push for sooner than next weekend, but maybe I should tread lightly.

Fuck it. “In the meantime, you could let me take you out to dinner.”

“Oh.” she set the knife down and, yup, the hand went to her cheek. Why did I find that so fucking appealing? “I don’t know, Nate. You’re Gavin’s boss and …”

“So, we’ll leave him at home. He’s a big boy and can get his own dinner.” I tried to win her over with the smartass thing. That got a smile.

“Can I think about it?” she asked.

“I guess that’s better than no. Let me give you my number so you can call me when you decide to say yes.” Okay, a little cocky, but at least I’d get her number.

We exchanged numbers and she called Rocco in for lunch.

“You know, if you’re so excited to hang out with me, you should come to this playdate with us,” she said with a mischievous spark.

“Playdate?” I’m sure my expression was equal parts confused and apprehensive.

“Yeah.” Her smirk was in full force. “The—what did you call it? Oh, right, the ‘mommy-and-me troop’ is getting together to strategize how to terrorize the big bad construction company.”

My face completely fell. Shit.

“Oh, get that look off your face, Sparky. I’m just joking. You were getting too cocky and I had to knock you down a peg. I’m just going to tell them what you’ve told me so far, omitting the sarcasm of course, and explain that you’ll do your best to keep us informed. I’ll even try to convince them not to TP your trailer or leave flaming bags of dog poop on your steps. Happy?” Her smile was stunning. I had to get myself in check or I’d be hauling her off to her bedroom, kid or no kid.

Able to breathe normally again, I approached her and tugged on a stray lock of hair. “Not yet, but I’m getting there.” Her cheeks colored again.

“Heh, dog poop!” Rocco chuckled from the table.

She lowered her face. “Let me walk you to the door.”

I followed her after waving goodbye to Rocco.

“Wow! This works so well. I love it.” Laney turned the new knob and swung the door open easily. “Thank you, Nate.” She tilted her head to smile at me. Hell, if fixing her doorknob could inspire that look I could only imagine what other things could do.

We stood a bit awkwardly for a moment, looking at each other, both of us aware of how close Rocco was and how close we both were to saying, “screw it” and proceeding to, well, screw it. So I chose to bend down and kiss her cheek. “You’re welcome. And don’t forget to call me.” She smiled but didn’t respond so I turned around and stepped off the porch.

Halfway to my car she called out behind me, “Hey, Nate! Tell your dad to give fishing a try. It’s relaxing while still being manly. And it involves both sharp things and motors—what’s not to love?”