Page 4 of Hello Tease

I listened for a moment, gauging how Knox engaged with her. He didn’t act bored like most guys my age did with little kids. Or like he was just placating her. He actually appeared interested in hearing what she had to say.

I couldn’t hear them while I walked over the concrete driveway to Nancy’s car and took out the other car seat for Jackson. We kept the base in Nancy’s car since she was getting older and it was easier for her to use, and I set it in the back of my car before going to get him.

Nancy kissed the top of Jackson’s head, leaving a ring of red lipstick before passing him to me. “That Knox really grew up well. It was touch and go there for a moment.”

I glanced over at the car where he was standing, talking with my daughter, who had buckled in. “What do you mean?”

Shaking her head, Nancy replied, “Always pulling pranks around town. Saran Wrap over the pool, sombreros on the Sinclair dinosaur, you name it, he did it. About got in serious trouble.”

“And now he’s the one in charge of town safety?” I observed.

She shrugged. “Someone’s gotta do it.”

I shifted Jackson to my hip, holding him tight and looking him over, from his short soft brown hair to his dark blue eyes, pale skin, and rosy cheeks. “I’m so happy to see you, sweet pea.” I pressed a kiss to one of his full cheeks then blew a raspberry, and he giggled happily.

Nancy said, “Getting settled in at the new place?” There was a tinge of sadness to her voice. She was way more disappointed in the divorce than her son.

“Trying to, at least,” I said. “Thanks for watching the kids today.”

A frown tugged at her lips. “Too bad you and Seth couldn’t make things work like some couples do after a slip. I know a marriage is hard but—”

“I know it is,” I said, trying to hold back my frustration. He was the one who cheated, not me. Itwastoo bad. But this was reality. I wasn’t going to stay with a man who could sleep around on me while I carried his child. “You’ll watch them for my first day at work on Monday?” I asked.

She nodded, pushing up from her rocking chair. Then she called over to Emily, saying, “See you soon, Em!”

Emily waved back before Knox shut the door.

Then I carried Jackson to the minivan and put him in his seat. He instantly started fussing and fighting. I swore no one was stronger than a toddler who didn’t want to be put in a car seat or have a diaper changed.

When I was done, I pushed the button to slide the door shut and looked over at Knox, who stood at the open door of his cruiser, forearms resting on the doorframe.

“Where are we going?” he asked.

I told him the address, and a look I didn’t quite understand spread on his face. “I know that place.”

“How’s that?” I asked.

His grin turned into a smirk. “I’m your new neighbor.”

3

KNOX

Her full pinklips parted as annoyance and shock warred in her pretty green eyes. Her nose, dusted with freckles, scrunched, and she said... “Neighbors?”

I nodded. “You rented from Dustin Jenkins, right?”

A frown was all the confirmation I needed.

“Trust me, I don’t bite.” I had to wink.

She groaned and walked to her minivan with me chuckling silently behind her. Before opening her driver’s side door, she said, “Drive my daughter safely, okay?”

I held up two fingers. “Scout’s honor.”

“And stay away from Sinclair dinosaurs,” she retorted.

That was the first time a woman had surprised me in quite a while. I was about to ask her where she’d heard about my high school escapades, but she got in the van and slammed the door.

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