Page 9 of The Manny's Fiery Dragon Bond

“Dad, you deserve better than pretty good. You deserve to love again.” He pulled me into a hug, his emotions rolling off of him. “Think about it. Can you promise me that much?”

“Sure.” It wouldn’t go anywhere, but I wouldn’t be able to stop thinking about this conversation even if I tried, so it wasn’t a lie. “But first, let’s get back to this weekend. Tell me about your plans with Lord Rhaziel again, and this time I’ll be sure to listen.”

And I kept my promise. My son had a really great head on his shoulders, and this weekend was going to be good for the clan… and for him and his mate. Carving out extra time for just the two of them was important. You never knew when the goddess would call your mate home, and you didn’t ever want to look back with regrets. This was something I knew all too well.

Chapter 6

Ollie

“Pop-Pop!”Opalinebabbled,slappingher spoon against the highchair. It was absolutely stinking adorable the way all three of them loved their grandfather.

“Yes, I believe Pop-Pop is on his way.” I had to smile at the nickname.

He was “Pop-Pop” to Opaline, “Mali” for Flint, and just “Pop” to Ruby. They each had their own special nickname for their grandfather.

Grandfather. Obviously, it was true, but also, it felt impossible. He was so sexy and strong and… I was traveling down a path I shouldn’t be once again. Malric was the father of my boss and the clan leader. I shouldn’t have been thinking of him as sexy, and I sure as sunshine shouldn’t have been wondering how his lips would feel pressed against my own, even if that had become my favorite pastime lately.

From what I’d gathered in the limited time I’d spent with Lord Malric, he was a doting grandfather—even if he didn’t look like a typical grandpa.

“Hello?” Malric’s voice called out as the door clicked open, followed by the little alarm that chimed every time it did. I was still getting used to all of the noises this place had.

The beeps were one of those security features I truly appreciated about this household. As big as it was, with me staying there alone with the kids, the extra security gave me peace of mind. In addition to the door alarms, there were cameras at the front and back door, and in the nursery. I wasn’t normally as timid as a mouse, but I had three little ones in my charge, and they counted on me to keep them safe.

“We’re in the dining room!” I shouted—then winced. Shouting probably was not the proper way to greet the lord of the clan. But it was either shout or repeat myself a bunch of times with the size of this place.

He came into the room wearing a pair of black slacks and a blue button-down shirt, his tie undone and loose around his neck, the top button open. My mouth went dry. Peeking out from the V of his shirt was dark chest hair… the kind you could tangle your fingers in. The fabric of his shirt stretched against the broadness of his shoulders.

Thankfully, Flint didn’t let me sit there staring for too long. He let out a squeal when I took too long to feed him, and I snapped my head back to my young charges.

This weekend was going to be rough and not because the kids were energetic and missing their fathers or because I was on round-the-clock duty and would be sleeping poorly. Nope. It was going to be rough because I had a full-on crush on the this alpha. I tried to deny that was what this was. It would be easier to have this be simple attraction, but nope. I liked this alpha, despite him being off limits.

“I came bearing gifts,” Malric said. “Don’t tell Kier.” He winked.

There I went being mesmerized by him again…

The kids all let out delighted squeals, and I had to bite back the urge to join them. I’d be surprised if he ever showed up without gifts. That wasn’t his way. I didn’t need to tell Kier, there was no way he didn’t know.

“It’s nothing too extravagant,” he said. “Just cookies from the bakery.”

“That sounds delightful. I didn’t have dessert picked out for the evening. Would you like some dinner? I’m afraid I didn’t make anything too exciting—the kids were a little extra clingy this afternoon without Kier and Tavian here.” I was babbling and oversharing, but it was that or accidentally saying something that would give my crush away, something like I couldn’t wait to watch him wrap his lips around his fork.

“I actually ate at work, but thank you for the offer. Is there anything I can help with?”

So much for watching his lips.

“Well… it’s bath night,” I said. “You could help wrangle all three of them?”

My original plan was to do each one of them as they woke up from their naps, but without their fathers home, their naps were one on my back, the second in the front carrier, and the third in the stroller as I paced in the backyard. That hadn’t been the plan. We’d gone out for some fresh air, but life was what happened when you made other plans or whatever it is they said.

He chuckled, probably envisioning the mess bathtime brought. “I’d be happy to do that.”

I hadn’t expected help for the evening. Kier told me that Malric often stopped by on the weekend and to call him if I needed help, but I’d assumed he was just letting me know I wasn’t alone, not that there would actually be company. If I had suspected as much, I’d have been sure worn my good ass jeans.

Part of me wondered if I should let him help—considering it was my job, not his. He should be enjoying his time with his grandkids, not doing free labor.

“If you want to just entertain one while I bathe the other two, then we can swap—”

“Nonsense,” Malric said. “I can do the bathing. It’s actually my favorite part, the way their eyes light up as they pour the water out of the measuring cups or push the little boats around. And besides, there are so many modern conveniences to make the process a lot easier than when my boys were younger. When Tavian was born, we just dunked him in the river to get him clean.”

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