Worth the Fall (The McKinney Brothers, #1)(21)

What the hell was it about her? He should be on the road. Hell? he should have gone home three days ago. But even after her cold brush-off he’d still been thinking about her, still reliving the seconds she’d been in his arms. And the moment she’d pushed him away.

He needed to check Charlie’s stitches and he’d told Jack they could practice throwing the football again today. She’d dealt him a blow last night, that was for sure.

She straightened and turned but didn’t look up or move forward for a full minute. Was she talking to herself?

He took a sip of coffee, forcing his eyes back to his newspaper. Damn it. She had him so twisted up inside he didn’t recognize himself. Such a contradiction of want and restraint. So sweet she’d melt in his mouth like sugar, and at the same time so hot his mind conjured all manner of sinful thoughts.

Finally, she began a slow walk toward him and came to a stop two feet from his table. “Hi.”

“Hi.”

“I didn’t think I’d see you.”

“I guess not,” he said, trying to hide his anger and hurt but failing miserably.

“I’m glad I did.”

He glanced at the kids, then back, waiting for her to say more.

“Because I’m sorry,” she blurted. “Last night, what I said, it was rude.”

He sipped his coffee, eyeing her over the rim. Her skin glowed; her eyes sparkled a million shades of green. Strong and amazing, yet so afraid to lean on anyone. But here she was, bravely facing him like a prisoner before a firing squad.

“I…” She glanced over to make sure the children were still sitting. “I didn’t mean it the way it came out. I was um—”

“Mom!” Jack yelled.

“Just a minute,” she called to Jack. “I was trying to—”

“Mom!”

“Just a minute!” She swung her gaze to Jack then back to him. “I don’t like needing people, and…I guess I have a hard time accepting help.”

“You’re kidding.” He took another sip of coffee.

Her eyes went wide. “No, really, it’s one of my biggest faults.”

It was all he could do not to laugh at her ultra-serious face, like she’d just worked up the nerve to unveil a secret of her personality.

“I am grateful you were there, and I’m sorry…and—”

“Apology accepted. How’s Charlie?”

“Um…he’s fine. He woke up in the night a few times, but—”

“Matty!” The kids had done all the waiting they were going to do and all four made themselves at home at Matt’s table. Gracie bounced between them like Tigger on crack. Charlie stood beside Matt’s chair, arms raised.

“Hey, little guy.” He sat Charlie in his lap and looked around the table at the other kids. “How’s it going?”

“Matty!” Charlie repeated, pulling Matt’s sunglasses off his head.

Matt retrieved them and settled Charlie to face the table. Before Abby could stop him, Charlie crammed the toast from Matt’s plate into his greedy little mouth.

“We’re hungry too.”

Matt pushed his plate across the table and little hands immediately swiped up the bacon and sausage like a pack of dogs.

“I hope you were finished,” she said, looking anxious. “I did feed them.”

“I was.” He brushed Charlie’s hair back from his forehead.

“I haven’t gotten a good look this morning, but I figured him running away was a healthy sign. Do you want me to get you another breakfast? I can go and—”

“Abby?” He didn’t look at her, just continued his inspection.

“What?”

“Sit down.” He didn’t lift the bandage but looked closely around the edges, holding Charlie’s head still until he squirmed. “It looks good. He definitely has his appetite.” He glanced around the table. “So, no bathing suits?”

“We’re going to the mall,” Gracie said.

“It’s an outdoor mall,” Abby added, “with a Ferris wheel and places to eat. I thought it might be better to avoid the water today.”

“Good idea.”

“You could come,” Jack said, looking hopeful.

“I can’t today, bud.”

“What about tonight? We’re going out for pizza and it has swings outside it. You could come then.”

“Well,” Matt hesitated.

“Don’t you like pizza?” Jack asked.

“Sure I do.”

Jack cocked his head. “Don’t you like us?”

“Of course I do, bud.” He smiled, messing Jack’s hair, hating the hint of insecurity in the boy’s voice. “I’m just not sure tonight is the best—”

“You should come,” Abby said.

Surprised, Matt looked over. “You sure?”

“Yes.”

“Okay.” He never took his eyes from hers, even as Jack cheered. It was probably a mistake, but he wasn’t ready to give up this feeling yet, this rightness that settled over him whenever he was close to her. “What time should I come down?”

“Five-thirty?”

“Sounds good.”