Worth the Fall (The McKinney Brothers, #1)(14)

“Mom, we’re hungry,” Gracie yelled, running up, scattering sand. Connection broken.

Abby dusted off her hands and looked at her daughter. “Guess it’s time to go.”

Matt stood, offering her his hand and holding his breath when she hesitated. He wanted her to trust him. He wanted to hold her hand. She finally took it and he held it longer than necessary. Absorbing the feel of it, the softness and the smallness of it.

She stood and their eyes met again, this time with her fingers still clasped tightly in his. Something moved inside him, slightly painful, like parts rearranging into a better fit. A blush crept up her neck and she pulled back ever so slightly, forcing him to let her go.

Abby lowered the umbrella and directed the kids to gather their things. She handed a bag to the oldest girl, Annie, who’d spent most of her time alone, drawing pictures in the sand. She was quiet, that one. But he’d bet she didn’t miss a thing.

“You need some help?” He knew what her answer would be before he asked.

“No, thanks.” She loaded her arms with kid paraphernalia. “I’ve got it.”

“Maybe I’ll see you tomorrow?” Hell. He hadn’t meant for it to come out like a question. What was it about her? He felt like an eager puppy, wanting to chase after her and nip at her heels.

Abby glanced over her shoulder, just a hint of a smile on her lips. “Maybe.” Then she followed the kids to the boardwalk.

“Bye, Matt! I got to go have ice cream now.”

He raised his hand to Jack and watched the five of them until the sea grass obscured his view. The beach suddenly felt vacant and quiet, which of course it wasn’t. The surf still crashed, seagulls still begged for food, and couples strolled between him and the water. But it seemed as empty as he suddenly felt.





Chapter 5


The morning sun hung like a bright yellow ball, already heating the sand under Abby’s feet. It would heat up the North Carolina coast to near a hundred degrees before it finished. The kids raced past her to the water as far as they were allowed.

She’d needed to get away from him yesterday, away from his slow, sexy smile and knowing eyes. The intense way he held her gaze and her hand. However unwanted, her attraction had evidently multiplied overnight. But there was no mistaking Matt’s tall form striding toward her before she dropped her bags on the sand.

He waved and smiled, and she waved back, then turned to raise her umbrella. His deep voice vibrated through and around her as he greeted the children. That alone caused a flutter in her stomach.

Settle down. He’s only a man.

Using the upper body strength she’d honed at the gym, she strained to crank the stubborn umbrella. She could do it. She’d done it yesterday. For God’s sake. Don’t look completely incompetent.

“Need some help?”

“No, I’ve got it.”

He moved in behind her until he stood so close she felt the loose strands of her hair catching on his chest. Abby inhaled hot skin and male deodorant—a heady, masculine combination that had her struggling to focus.

“Let me help you.”

“I can do it.” She tried to sound forceful and confident, but it came out breathy and—

“I know you can, but I can help.” His words whispered against her cheek. His arms came around her and he easily raised the umbrella, his body brushing hers with each turn of the crank. Then his arms were gone, leaving a strange void.

She turned to face him. He was so close. Nothing between them but the warm breeze. His sunglasses hung around his neck, revealing chocolate-brown eyes. Beyond beautiful, deep and rich, fringed with black lashes. A strong man with soft eyes. Eyes that could talk a girl into anything.

It was unnerving, being this close to him, especially wearing nothing but a bathing suit. Trying to imagine what he saw, she fought the urge to tug her top higher. Breasts on the small side—barely a C-cup when she was pregnant. Her straight dark hair hung in its usual ponytail, rebel pieces already flying free. A bit of tinted sunscreen was all the attention her face had received. Not what he was used to.

Needing a reprieve from his hot gaze, she looked straight ahead. Big mistake. Fine black hairs feathered across sculpted pecs, swirling around dark nipples.

Lord, she needed water. To drink or splash on her burning face, she wasn’t sure. She forced her gaze up and found him watching her intently.

He raised his hand and brushed his thumb lightly across her temple. “Sand.”

Her lips parted and she stood blinking up at him like a complete ninny, his smoldering brown eyes melting her into a puddle.

“Hey, Matt. Where’s our castle? I brought my football. Can we throw in the water?” Jack shot off his questions, oblivious to the fact the two adults in front of him stood like frozen statues.

Matt’s eyes held her captive another long second before he turned his attention to her son and she let herself breathe.

“Yeah, sure. One sec.” He walked the few feet to where he’d left his beach chair and came back with two. “There.” He set up the chairs under her umbrella. “You’ll like it better with a chair.”

“Thank you. If you tell me how much, I’ll—”

“You’re welcome.”

“Matt—” She reached for her beach bag, but he stopped her with a hand on her arm.