Page 4 of One Pucking Life

On the other hand, the husband might like me too much. I’ve noticed his wandering gaze and lust-filled expression, but as long as he keeps his hands to himself and the paychecks continue, I’ll ignore it.

Bronco parked, bags in hand, I hurry into the house. Four bright smiles greet me as the precious boys rush toward me, practically tackling me with hugs. I kiss each of them on the head. “I missed you, too. Was I gone that long?” I laugh as they squeeze me.

“Boys,” Mr. Newmeister says sternly. “Go play in the den. Delaney has to put the groceries away, and then she’ll be down to play with you.”

The two littlest ones don’t release my legs, so I reassure them, “It’ll only take a minute, okay? Then I’ll be down, and we’ll play pirates!”

“Pirates!” they shout in unison, releasing their hold on my legs.

The four of them scurry away, already arguing about who gets to wear what costume. I follow Mr. Newmeister into the kitchen.

“I’m sorry I’m running late. The store was a madhouse. I hope I didn’t keep you.”

“No, you’re fine. The wife won’t be home for a while.” He leans against the counter and watches as I put away the food.

“Oh, I must’ve gotten the time wrong. I thought you had to leave for the wedding soon.”

“We have plenty of time,” he says.

I finish putting the groceries away in record time, eager to leave this space and join a more innocent, enjoyable one with the boys. I put the reusable bags under the sink and give Mr. Newmeister a quick wave. “Well, have a great time. I have some pirates to attend to.”

He holds out his hand, blocking my exit. Clearing his throat, he says, “Just a moment.”

“Okay,” I say hesitantly, backing up as he comes closer.

He approaches until my back is against the counter, and I have nowhere else to go. Extending his arms on either side of me, he grips the granite, caging me in. “So I’ve noticed the way you’ve been looking at me lately.”

“I’m sorry?” I croak.

“I’m not stupid, Delaney. I know you want me as much as I want you.”

Mr. Newmeister is a good-looking man, but there isn’t an ounce of me that would ever want him. He may have been gifted with good looks, but he’s cursed with an evil heart. He’s the worst kind of man. Not to mention, I would never be attracted to a married man. There was a revolving door of home-wreckers in and out of my house growing up, and I’ll never be one of them.

“Mr. Newmeister…” I hedge gently. My usual spunk is gone because this isn’t just some douche in a parking lot. This is my boss—the man who funds my lifestyle and the father of the children I love. Turning men like this down is an art. It takes finesse. I can’t hurt his ego.

“Call me Kyle,” he whispers, his voice low and seductive.

A little bile rises in my throat. I swallow it down. “Kyle.” His name comes out lighter than I wanted.

“I knew it!” A shrill voice cuts through the air, and Mr. Newmeister jumps back from me. “Stay and have lunch with the girls, babe! We have time, babe! You were a little too eager tokeep me away from the house. I knew something was going on between you two!”

I wave my hands in front of me, eyes wide. “No, Mrs. Newmeister. There isn’t anything going on, I promise.”

She closes in on me in record time, her finger jabbing into my chest, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. “I knew you were trouble the moment I saw you.”

“I swear, I would never?—”

“Get out!” she seethes. “You’re fired. Don’t you ever show your face here again.”

“Please,” I plead. “Let me explain.” My mind races toward the four little angels downstairs, waiting for me to play pirates, and my heart shatters. “I have never, and I would never?—”

She cuts me off again. “Get out! I know you’re a slut, but are you stupid, too?”

“Mrs. Newmeister.” I try one last time, but my efforts are in vain.

Her voice trembles with rage. “If you’re not out of my house in three seconds, I’m calling the police. Don’t ever show your face here again.”

I step around her and shoot her husband a glare filled with nothing but hatred. She may be swinging the fatal blow, but he gave her the axe. He’s to blame. He took my boys away from me, and that’s a heartache I will always carry.

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