Page 25 of Unexpected Love
Her gaze narrows. “In exchange for what? I don’t have a whole lot of money left. Stupidly, I paid for all of the supplies and half of his labor fee up-front.”
I take a bite of my food, enjoying the tension simmering between us. This time, it’s not antagonistic or driven by anger. It’s teeming with anticipation of what might be.
“Helping me with Charlie.” I hold up a hand to stop her from interrupting. “I have to go back to work, and I’mhaving trouble finding overnight childcare. So here’s the deal. I’ll finish your build, and you play nanny for me every third night, maybe sometimes more if I have to work mandatory overtime.”
My offer hangs between us like a juicy morsel.
I think it’s a good plan. Mutually beneficial. But she doesn’t look as assured as I feel. She’s studying me, trying to figure out if I’m conning her or not, meanwhile I’m trying to hide that I kind of like her eyes on me.
The way she’s looking at me now is different from any other time. Well, except for last night in my kitchen after she helped put Charlie down. Last night, I caught a hint of something other than disgust. Now, she’s looking at me with interest.
“Have you talked to Nancy about the overnight thing?”
“She told me she couldn’t. My friend Mac has a teenage daughter, and I don’t mind letting her babysit sometimes, but she’s not old enough to do overnights. Especially not every third night or so. And I do have a backup of letting Charlie go to Mac and Liv’s, but she’s been through enough. It would be better if I could get someone to come stay at my place while I’m at the station.”
Silence falls between us, so I finish my meal while she mulls over my proposition. Around us, the park is hopping with activity, but we sit staring each other down while I try to manage my hopes. Everything is riding on her decision, because I’m out of options.
I want to know what she’s thinking, but I’m also giving her space, and I’m praying that she takes me up on this offer.
“Cal…” she starts, and a little shiver runs through me at hearing my name on her lips. “I don’t really do… kids.”
Damn.
“It wouldn’t be forever.” I’m not above begging at this point. I have to go back to work or quit and find a new job. “She goes to bed around seven. You wouldn’t have to spend a whole lot of time entertaining her. Just a few hours, and then she’ll be sound asleep.”
“And what are you going to do once the shop opens and I can’t help you anymore?”
It’s a good question. One I don’t have an answer to. “I don’t know yet, but if we make this deal, it’ll at least give me time to figure it out.”
“And you can do all of the construction parts?”
She’s side-eyeing me like she doesn’t believe me. I can’t really blame her. I’m coming at her from left field, and though we’ll both benefit from this arrangement, the stakes are high for both of us.
“What I can’t do, mostly plumbing and electrical, I know a couple of guys that can help.”
A huge sigh leaves her as she closes her eyes. I’m losing this battle, and so much is riding on her making this deal with me. I fucking hate working construction, but I will do whatever I have to for Charlie.
“Jules, please. I need help with Charlie. I don’t want her to have to go into foster care. And I’m terrified that’s where she’ll end up if I can’t sort out a solution. But I’m also at the point where I have to go back to work so that I can afford to take the next steps.” I lay it all out for her and hope it’s enough to persuade her.
“What are the next steps for you and Charlie?”
“I honestly haven’t had much of a chance to explore my options. All I know is that my sister is in the wind.”
“What about Charlie’s dad? Or grandparents?”
I’m shaking my head before she even finishes speaking. “Her sperm donor is a piece of shit. In and outof jail. And there’s no way in hell I’m letting my mom near her, or the paternal grandparents, for that matter. I left home for a reason, and I want a better life for Charlie than what I had.” It’s the raw, honest truth.
Not many people know about the shithole I was raised in. It’s a part of me I hide. Because while Jules grew up in a loving family with her parents and brothers, I didn’t have the same experience.
Meal complete, offer extended, and too much truth on display, my guts are now churning.
Jules is no longer looking shell-shocked, so that’s at least one win for the day. I ball up my trash and collect hers and dispose of it. By the time I return, she’s standing by the table, waiting for me.
“Okay,” she says.
“Okay?” I watch her. Even though I heard her clearly, I need to be certain that I heard her correctly. I might be in the business of saving people, but I’m certainly not used to people saving me.
“I’ll help you out with Charlie, temporarily, in exchange for you helping me complete my coffee shop.”
