Page 5 of One Night

‘Colty’isn’t mine. He’s the furthest thing from mine. He’s literally my father’s best friend and my employer. He’s a lot of things, but being mine is not one of them.

“That’s nice of you. I’m sure he appreciated all the help.”God, I wish my mother hadn’t raised me to be so damn polite.

The blonde smiles, showing off bright white teeth. “Oh, Ellie’s schedule! Did Colty go over that yet?” If this woman calls the man ‘Colty’ one more time, I’m going to blow. “I made a schedule last month for them to follow. I put it on the fridge downstairs. I thought it would help him keep track of her playdates and doctor’s appointments with all the school stuff coming up. The only thing you really need to remember is that Ellie is deathly afraid of the drain in the bathtub. I have to cover it before she’ll get in.”

“You help out with bath time, too?”Why did I ask that question?I’m trying to get her to leave.

“Oh, yeah. I’ve stayed over a few nights here and there to help out.”

And… they’re fucking.Awesome!Ugh, of course he’s fucking her. Look at her! What single man wouldn’t be interested in her?

Dreams officially crushed.Maybe it’s for the best.

“Well,” my tone rises, “I appreciate all the help. I should probably get downstairs to see Ellie. It was nice meeting you.”

She smiles and turns down the hall, walking beside me. “It was great meeting you, too. Ya know, I could stay for a bit, just to help get you acclimated to the house and everything.”

“That’s not necessary. I’m totally fine here on my own. I actually think it’s good for Ellie to get some—”

“I insist,” she presses as we hop down the last step into the kitchen, where the kids are eating a snack. “Besides, I’d love to get to know you better. We’re going to be spending lots of time together.”

The words hang in the air like a razor-sharp warning. And as her lips curl up into a smile, I feel the ire beneath the surface.The truth that’s now exposed.The wildest, most irrational thought another human being could ever have, especially a human being that looks like this one. She wants Colton, and for some insane reason, believes I’m a threat.

Chapter Four

Colton

It’s nearly six thirty before I finish up with the tractor and head into the house. I needed to change out the alternator but found a leaky hose and a clogged filter, so the job took twice as long to finish… as with most things out here.

What I didn’t expect to see is Britney’s car still parked in the driveway. I knew she was dropping Ellie off, but she should’ve left hours ago.

“Colty!” she announces in a high-pitched squeal the second I step into the house. “I was getting worried about you.”

I hate it when she calls me Colty. I have no fucking clue where she picked that up from, but it’s annoying as hell.

She’s walking toward me, arms outstretched for a hug, but my eyes are on Nora, who’s sat on the living room floor putting together a puzzle with Ellie.

“I brought my famous lasagna and some garlic bread. It’s your favorite.”

I lean down to fumble with my boots, avoiding the hug she offers. The woman is trying to be nice, but lately it’s gone too far. “Thanks, but I’m really tired tonight. I think I might skip dinner and head up to bed.” This is a lie to get her out of the house. I’d flat out tell her to leave if I didn’t think I’d have every church bitty flaming me on Sunday for being rude. It’s a small town. People’s judgments spread fast.

“Skip dinner?You can’t skip dinner. A big, hardworking man like you?” Her hand lands on my bicep. “You need to keep your body fueled. Come on and sit down.” She sets the plate of food on the table, and Nora stands from the ground, Ellie’s hand in hers.

“She’s right. You should eat.” Her tone is softer than earlier. I hope Britney hasn’t messed with her. I would’ve come up to the house had I seen her car still parked in the driveway.

“Daddy!” Ellie jumps up and wraps her short little arms around my neck. “Nora and I put together the kitten puzzle, she braided my hair, and we talked about my unicorns, and I showed her my favorite stuffies!”

“Wow,” I glance toward Nora, who’s distracted by glasses being filled at the dining room table. I know I hired her to do these things, but for some reason, I don’t want her worrying about it. I want her sitting next to me, telling me about her day while someone else waits on the both of us. “That’s a good day you’ve had, bug. Did you have fun playing with Becca? Where is Becca?”

“Oh, she had ballet tonight. I had my sister take her so I could stay here and visit with you two.” Britney sets the final plate onto the table and takes the seat beside me. “And don’t tell me it wasn’t necessary,” she lands her hand on top of mine, but I pull it back a moment later, “I wanted to do it. It’s important I’m here to let the new nanny know all the details of the house.”

“She’s more than a nanny.” I clear my throat and glare toward Nora, who’s sat on the far end of the table next to Ellie. “She’s a… close friend of the family.” She’s also all I thought about all day long, and the fact that Britney is here ruining the second half of my day is pissing me off. I’d been looking forward to alone time with Nora since this morning. “Besides, I have to cook for my two favorite farmers. I know what you like after a long day.”

Ellie leans into her plate and sniffs her fork. “It smells funny.”

“Ellie,” Nora leans into her ear and whispers low, but I hear her just fine, “that’s not polite. Britney made us a nice meal.”

“Yeah,” Ellie glances toward Britney, “but it smells bad.”

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