Page 19 of More Than a Helping Hand

He runs a hand along his middle, in the same area I had my arms wrapped around him. “Every breath reminds me of you.” He winks. “And I forgive you for the Fred thing. Was that a yes or no to going out again?”

My head is bobbing before my mouth can put the brakes on this disaster in the making. “Okay. I’ll text you the next time Bailey is staying at my sister’s. And I’ll meet you somewhere.”

He leans in closer.

And I tense up.

He whispers in my ear. “Not only do I find you incredibly attractive, but you’re funny, smart, and very good with your hands.”

My cheeks heat, and I press a hand to his chest while shooting daggers at him. “Anderson Lane!”

The name sounds ridiculous said as a threat.

He chuckles. “You really need my middle name to make it not sound funny, and we definitely aren’t there yet. Middle names can’t be exchanged until at least the third date. And that’s only if you’re lucky.”

“I think you like making me blush.”

“And I also like it when you touch me. Nearly choking to death was kind of worth it.” He pulls back and crosses his arms. “I enjoyed your company tonight. Very much.”

This is the time to make my retreat. “Thanks for dinner, cowboy.”

I drop into my seat, and he catches the door. “Be safe driving home.”

“Anderson, it’ll likely be two weeks before Bailey stays over again. If you change your mind between now and then, my feelings won’t be hurt.” I hit the ignition button to start the car.

He leans down. “I’m not going to change my mind. I’m interested. But you get to set the pace.”

I manage to mumble a “thank you” without bursting into tears.

He taps the top of my car, then closes the door.

And I sit in the driver’s seat, breathing in and out until he gets in his truck. If I set the pace, we’ll be stuck here forever.

But I’m trying to focus on the positives. For me, that’s about as easy as asking for help. I’m working on that. Overall, tonight was a success, and I wish I’d asked that lady for her name and number so that I could thank her. Her makeup job did the trick.

* * *

Sunday evening,I’ve just gotten dressed after showering when I hear a knock. I run down the hall and open the door.

Bailey jumps into my arms. “I had so much fun, Mom. But I missed you.”

“I missed you too.”

She slides down and hugs Paisley. “Thank you for letting me stay over.” As soon as she lets go, she runs down the hall, dragging her backpack. “I’m gonna shower so that we can watch a movie.”

“Coffee?” I nod toward the kitchen.

“Sure. That sounds good. Chris said he’d get the kids to bed, so I’m not in a rush.” She follows me into the kitchen. “And I’m glad we have a few minutes because I have two questions.” There’s an eagerness in her tone that has me on edge.

“Okay?”

“One, how did last night go?”

“Last night?” I press the button on the grinder, giving me time to think.

She rests her hip against the counter and crosses her arms. “You showed up with real shoes on. Not slippers. And the corner of your makeup bag was poking out of your purse. So I figured you were meeting someone.” She sounds so hopeful, and I don’t have it in me to lie or dash her hopes.

So I give her part of the truth. “It was just dinner. He’s pretty good-looking. More like incredibly good-looking. But I’m not sure if it will work. So I wasn’t planning to mention it.”

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