Page 9 of Securing His Family

“Is that okay with you, Lauren?”

How many men would ask that question? Lauren didn’t know the answer, only that she appreciated that Reed had checked with her. “It’s fine. I’ll come in after to say goodnight. Is that okay, Charlee?”

“Yep!” The little girl yelled and grabbed Reed’s hand, dragging him to their shared bedroom.

A flash of embarrassment hit her when she realized Reed would see the room they slept in. What would he think when he saw the two single beds that took up the small space?

Did it matter what he thought? She was doing the best she could and she was providing her daughter with a roof over her head. While Charlee didn’t have a vast array of clothes, what she had were clean. The most important thing Lauren provided was love and security.

Determined not to think about Reed’s impressions of her house and bedroom, she finished clearing up the table and putting the plates into the small dishwasher. There were other dishes she would have to handwash but she’d deal with those after Reed had left.

She was wiping down the table when Reed came out. “Charlee says she’s ready for you.”

Lauren chuckled. “She really said that?”

“Those were her exact words, I promise.” Reed placed his hand over his heart. “I had to bite my cheek so I didn’t laugh. She was so serious.”

There was so much about her daughter that amazed Lauren, the words and ideas that came out of her mouth was one of them. “I don’t know where she picks these things up, but I guess I better go in before she complains.”

She brushed past Reed and itched to slide her fingers across his chest, but she kept her hands firmly at her side. She walked into the bedroom, and Charlee was on her side, looking at Lauren’s empty bed. According to her it was her favorite way to sleep because she could see her anytime she woke up.

“Did Reed do a good job at tucking you in?” she asked as she came up and sat on the edge of the bed.

“He did. I had fun today at Marcia’s place but tonight was even better. I like Reed.”

Charlee’s eyes shone with hero worship as she talked about Reed, worrying Lauren. The only reason Reed had been around them today was because of Patrick. If Patrick hadn’t turned up it would’ve just been the two of them. Lauren had to remember that. This thing with Reed wasn’t because he wanted to be there of his own free will. It was because he was being the protector his job required him to be.

While tonight had been fun, Lauren couldn’t make a habit of it. She couldn’t let Charlee get attached to Reed, only for him to walk away when he decided he was bored with her annoying him. Or if Reed found being around Charlee was too much. She loved her daughter with her whole heart, but the enthusiasm she’d displayed tonight toward Reed was only a fraction of what her daughter was capable of.

“I’m glad you had a good time today and tonight. Now it’s time to sleep.” She leaned down and brushed her lips against her daughter’s cheek. “I love you, Charlee-Bee.”

“I love you, too, Mummy.” She yawned and snuggled down under her covers. It wouldn’t be too long before her daughter was in dreamland.

Lauren got up and went back out to the main living area, leaving the door open a crack so she could hear if Charlee needed anything—which she doubted but it was something she’d always done and Lauren didn’t think it was a habit she’d break anytime soon.

She stopped in her tracks when she saw Reed standing at the sink, washing the dishes she hadn’t been able to fit into the dishwasher.

Who was this man? He was too good to be true. Lauren had been fooled by a nice guy once, she wouldn’t let herself be fooled again.

ChapterFive

Reed was aware of Lauren behind him, watching him. He kept doing what he was doing, when all he wanted to do was wipe his hands and pull her tight against him, like he’d done a couple of hours ago.

He wanted to kiss her. Wanted to take away her worries, because as much as she tried to hide them, he saw them. He didn’t need to see her face to know she’d been concerned about him walking into her bedroom. Not because he had anything sinister planned, but because when he’d seen the two single beds, he knew she was waiting for him to judge her choices.

There was nothing for him to judge. Lauren was an amazing mum. What did it matter that she shared a room with her daughter. While the house they lived in was small, it was safe. Safer than some apartments. Safer than her living in an area where it wouldn’t be secure enough for her daughter to be able to go outside. But here, this house, tucked at the back of another property, was perfect for the single mum.

“You didn’t have to do those. I would’ve done them later.”

Reed glanced over his shoulder. “I helped make this mess, it’s the least I can do.”

Lauren didn’t say anything as she came over to him and picked up the tea-towel so she could dry what he’d washed. They worked together in a companionable silence. Everything about the evening had been easy. Conversation had flowed between them all. Admittedly Charlee had been the chattiest, but when he and Lauren had talked there hadn’t been any awkwardness between them.

His heart had almost exploded with happiness when Charlee asked if he could put her to bed. He may not have kids, but even he knew that asking someone new to do the task parents always did was a big thing. Which was why he’d checked with Lauren. If she’d had any issues, he would’ve made an excuse and told Charlee next time. Because there was definitely going to be a next time. Now that he’d gotten his foot in the door with Lauren, he wasn’t going to let it slam shut.

Ever since he’d first seen her he’d wanted to get to know her better, but she’d been prickly and he could understand why. She was protective of her daughter and her daughter’s needs.

“Thank you for everything you’ve done for me today, Reed. It was a lot and something you didn’t ask for.”

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