Page 22 of Delayed Penalty

It’s a ridiculous creature that looks like some five-year-old drew it, but the kids love him.

She grins. “So, hockey, huh?”

“Hockey.”

“Does that mean you know my favorite brother?”

“Benson is your favorite, huh?” I smirk, thinking back on the last time I saw the defenseman and how pissed he was. “Dangled the fuck out of him last year. He chirped me pretty good the rest of the game, but the Serpents still won.”

“Don’t worry, Tennessee will get you back this season. Just wait.”

I like that she’s sticking up for her brother even though he’s not here. I wish I had the same kind of relationship with my own, but I haven’t in the past, and now, I never will.

Which brings me right back to Flora.

“Look, I don’t know if you’ll do well with Flora, but it’s a risk I’m willing to take with the season starting up. It’s clear you two have some sort of connection, and she needs that. She needs someone she can feel safe and be herself with. You could be that person.”

Quinn sighs, resting her arms back on the table, her lips cocked to the side. She lifts my coffee to hermouth again, sipping it before setting it back down. I’m not sure she even realizes she’s doing it, and I want to say something, but I don’t want to piss her off. I think she could be coming around, and I need her help right now more than I need the coffee.

“I’m really not a nanny—you know that, right?” She nibbles on her bottom lip, drawing my eyes to the spot, and I momentarily wonder if her lips are as soft as they look.

“So you’ve said. A few times now.”

“I know. I just want to be clear on that so you know I have no clue what I’m doing and Icouldmess this up. I mean, I’m going to try really hard not to, but the possibility is there.”

I like that she’s admitting she could screw up. Maybe it’ll mean she’ll pay extra attention so she doesn’t.

“The truth is, I’m…I’m kind of in a bind right now.” She flicks her eyes to her mother and Flora, then back to me. “I lost my job and my car is in the shop again and I’m wildly behind on my rent and can’t believe my landlord hasn’t kicked me out yet. I could really use a break.”

Fuck, is this a good idea? Am I banking everything on her? It’s clear she doesn’t have a single responsible bone in her body. Is this truly my best option?

Then I remember the sound of Flora’s laughter.

Yes.It’s worth giving her a shot just for that.

“I could use this job more than you know,” Quinn continues. “If you’ll still have me after I just spilled all my secrets to you, I mean.”

I nod. “I’ll still have you.”

She lifts her brows, and I realize how suggestive my words sounded.

I clear my throat. “For Flora, of course,” I amend.

“Right. For Flora.” I follow her gaze to the kid, who is now being handed a chocolate donut. “Is she always so quiet?”

“Believe it or not, this is the most animated I’ve seen her yet.” I look back over at Quinn. “It’s you. At least I think it is.”

“I don’t know about that.” She shrugs, her cheeks turning pink. “Probably just drawn to my immaturity.”

Probably, but I don’t tell her that.

“I think you could help her and break her out of her shell more. I just need you to say yes.”

“Hayes…” Her eyes cloud over with apprehension, and I fear I’m losing her. I can’t fucking lose her. I haven’t even gotten close to finding someone yet. I can’t afford to let this opportunity pass me up.

“A trial run,” I offer, looking for any breadcrumb I can find to save this. “You could spend the day with her tomorrow, then see if you’re up for it.”

“Tomorrow? It’s a Monday—doesn’t she have school?”

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