Page 6 of Hello Tease

“Let me ask your mama.” We pulled up in front of the house, and I noticed it in a way I never had before. Chipping paint, weedy yard. That was no place for a child to kick their shoes off and play. But I schooled my expression as I got out of the car and went to open the door for Miss Emily.

“Can you unbuckle me?” she asked.

“Sure thing, chicken wing,” I said.

She giggled. “My name’s not chicken wing.”

“Ohhh. I gotcha.” I unclipped the belt and she slid out of the car, running over to her mom, who was bent over the back seat, pulling out her baby. I had to look away to keep from ogling her curvy backside. And then a fresh wave of frustration rolled over me. What kind of guy cheated on a woman? Especially one who carried his children?

From what I could see, she was good-looking and had enough spark to burn down half the prairies in Texas. Was there something under the surface I hadn’t noticed?

“Can we, can we?” Emily begged.

Larkin approached with Jackson on her hip, wearing a confused expression. “What is she asking about, ‘local hero’?”

Oh, she was a feisty one. If only that didn’t intrigue me more. I held my hands out, trying to make her more at ease. “I’m having some family over for dinner tomorrow night, and I think Emily would love to meet my niece. Well, nieces, but one of them’s just a toddler, so they might not have much to talk about.”

Larkin chuckled, as if despite herself, while Emily tugged at her shirt, revealing more of Larkin’s ample cleavage.

Good God, I need to keep my eyes above her damn shoulders.

Pulling back up at her shirt, Larkin said, “That’s awfully nice of you, but don’t feel like you have to invite us.”

“No trouble at all,” I said. “I’m sure my sister-in-law would like to meet you too.”

She shifted Jackson to her other hip, and he looked up at me with wide brown eyes just like his sister’s.

“You’re welcome to come too, Jackson,” I said with a smile. “He’s a cutie.”

Larkin’s smile seemed unrestricted now as she grinned down at her son. “We’re fond of him.”

Emily tilted her head. “Well, I wasn’t so sure at first, but he’s okay.”

I chuckled.

“High praise from this one,” Larkin said, running her hand over her daughter’s wavy brown hair. “It would be great to meet some new people. What can I bring for food? Or do you and your girlfriend have that covered?”

Most people might not have noticed the hint of color that tinged her cheeks or the way her eyes quickly glanced down before meeting mine again. But I was trained in reading people, and Larkin was curious about me.

What I didn’t understand is why that thought had a light feeling bubbling up in my stomach. She was freshly divorced with two children. Dating me was probably the last thing on her mind. “No girlfriend, and no need to bring anything. I’m actually a pretty decent cook.”

“Is that so?” She raised her eyebrows like she didn’t quite believe me.

“When you lose your mom young, everyone has to learn to pitch in,” I said. The wave of sadness that came along with that fact was a regular part of my life, but Larkin’s features fell since it was news to her.

“I’m so sorry, I—” she began.

“No need to apologize,” I said quickly. “Just bring your appetite and your kiddos. We’ll have a grand old time.” I gave a little wave to Jackson, saying, “See you tomorrow, buddy. See you later, Officer Cappes.”

Emily grinned and waved, and I swore, I saw a small smile on her mother’s face as well.

I walked away and got in my car. As soon as I was out of sight, I pulled over along the curb and got out my phone, sending a text to my family’s group chat.

Knox: You’re all coming to my place for supper tomorrow night. Bring something good to eat.

4

LARKIN

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