Page 71 of Summer Heat
We hadn't talked to anyone about what was going on between us. I'd deferred to her since she was the one with a small child. I wasn't sure if she wanted Maya to know.
Now that Elena and Hudson were here, I could see how awkward it was to hide our relationship. I was used to touching and kissing her when Maya wasn't looking. But now I had to be on guard so that I didn't do anything while Elena or Hudson were watching.
Dad had already warned me not to screw this up. But I'd gone and gotten involved with her anyway. He'd be disappointed in me again.
I couldn't help wondering what it would be like if Kinsley and Maya lived here permanently. We could be a family.
Sure, we had to share Maya with Derek, but that was more people to love her. We could be happy together, couldn't we?
We'd worked together to get the bathrooms renovated, cooking meals, and navigating homework and bedtime with Maya. I was more than capable of being someone Kinsley could rely on, despite what my family had said over the years.
I was doing everything in my power to prove to her that I was the man for her. But what if she didn't want something permanent with me?
My stomach rolled with indecision, and the tightness in my chest persisted. After lunch, Maya wanted to go for a swim, and Kinsley took her upstairs to help her get ready.
I walked Elena and Hudson to the front door.
Elena hugged me. "Thanks for letting us use your home for the wedding."
"This is the family's home, and I want everything to be perfect for your big day." I never thought I'd say something like that. But it felt good to be there for my family. To help them in this way. I wanted to be someone that my family could count on too.
For so many years, I met everyone's low expectations of me. It was the first time I was allowing myself to rise up, to be better.
Elena hugged me. "It will be. Even if the renovations aren't completed."
"What kind of contractors do you think we are?" Hudson asked, pulling her back over to him. "We haven't met a deadline that we couldn't meet."
It felt good that Hudson sided with me. Maybe he'd developed a respect for me through this project. Whatever prompted the change, I appreciated his support.
Elena smiled at him, and my heart squeezed. I longed to have that kind of relationship with Kinsley. Where we could show everyone that we were together. I wanted to be free to touch and kiss her whenever I wanted.
I just wasn't sure if she desired the same thing. I couldn't forget that she talked about moving out. Maybe she didn't feel comfortable living here with me or the idea of us. I needed to talk to her about it.
Hudson pulled away from Elena and clasped my shoulder. "Let me know if you need any help. This is my project now too. Hell, it's all of ours. If you want this to be the family gathering place, then everyone should chip in."
My throat tightened. "That's not a bad idea."
"With all of us pitching in on evenings and weekends, we'll be done in no time," Hudson said.
"I'm not going to turn down help," I said as I opened the door for them. I'd turned over a new leaf. Not only could I do it myself if I had to, I was capable of asking for help. My pride wouldn't get in my way anymore.
"Gram would be proud of you," Hudson said as he passed through the doorway.
I waited for Hudson's truck to back out of the gate before I headed inside. I heard the splashes and squeals coming from the pool. I didn't want to miss out on any time with my girls, so I hurried upstairs and slipped on my trunks.
I headed downstairs and through the sliding door. I couldn't imagine living alone again, coming home to an empty house. This place was meant to be filled with love and laughter.
Kinsley sat on the edge of the pool, her feet dangling in the water.
"Watch me!" Maya said to me before she ran along the diving board and jumped into the pool, cannonball style.
I waited for her to surface and then yelled, "Ready or not! Here I come!"
I landed in the water with a huge splash. When I resurfaced, Kinsley wiped the water from her face. I gave her a sheepish grin. "Sorry about that."
She grimaced. "I don't think you are."
"It was fun. Wasn't it, Maya?" I swam to where she was treading water and lifted her into the air. She loved when I threw her into the pool.
