Page 37 of Keeping the Single Dad
A smile pulled at my lips. “I like your style, Brodie. Keep those options open. Don’t let yourself get tied down.”???
Alex shook his head and squeezed Brodie’s shoulder. “Lana is my friend, who happens to be a woman.”
Brodie shrugged. “If you want her to be your girlfriend, then you just have to ask her. That’s how I got all my girlfriends.”
?Alex shot me a rueful smile, but his eyes were dark and unfathomable. “Thanks for the tip, pal.”
?
“You were amazing in there. You’re a natural.”
I laughed at Alex’s compliment as we walked out of the school gates. Compared to Alex, I hadn’t had a clue what I’d been doing. Alex had stayed in goal, larking about and letting the kids score past him. He had the perfect mix of fun but sensible. I’d hardly been able to concentrate on anything other than watching him. It was getting harder to deny the obvious attraction. Alex McAllister was definitely a DILF.
“I’m not a natural, not like you. I’m terrible with children.”
He nudged me lightly in the ribs. “Are you kidding me? Don’t sell yourself short. You were great. Those kids were hanging off every word. I think we’re going to see a few of those girls in the club in ten years’ time.”
"The girls were great. They had fire. You need fire on the pitch."
"Right, and discipline." His voice was velvet-edged and dripping in authority. The smile in his eyes contained an irresistible flame. "You need fire and discipline."
Warmth spread through my body. A wry smile touched my lips. The fire part came naturally to me. The discipline was a work in progress. Alex thought I was good in there? Once I’d loosened up, I’d enjoyed it. It had been fun playing with the girls. They’d thrown themselves into it. Everybody had been laughing and messing around. My heart glowed with a sense that I’d done something meaningful. I’d made a difference, even it was small.
“I still don’t think I’m good with kids. You’re just being nice to me.”
His expression became still and serious. “No. I’m not. I mean it. You were great. The kids loved your energy. You should keep doing this. It’s good for children to have a role model they can look up to.”
I rolled my eyes. “Now I know you’re not being serious. I’m not a role model.”
“Of course you are. Everything you said was right. You’re a woman in a man’s world. You’re an inspiration.”
A pang pulled my chest. No one else had ever thought that. Everybody had their own ideas about me, and none of those ideas were good. I sighed. “Try telling Claire that.”
“Claire hasn’t seen this side of you, but the way we show people we’ve changed is through consistent action. Keep up this good work and no one can deny your commitment. This is bigger than the team. This is about doing something good for these kids. This kind of thing feels small but its life changing. Maybe some of those girls will remember your words this afternoon for the rest of their lives. Who knows? You might have set the future England captain on her path.”
I leaned in to him. I’d never had a conversation like this with anyone. Alex gave such sensible advice.?
“You think this will impress Claire?”
“Maybe, but does it matter? Do it because it’s good to help these kids. Anything else is a bonus.”
We rounded the corner, and he stopped next to a huge shiny silver minivan. What was it about being a parent that made you feel you needed to drive around in a tank?
He opened the passenger door for me. “I’ll give you a ride back to the club.”
Uneasiness washed over me. No. This was too easy. Alex was so easy to talk to. He was so kind and encouraging. Alex was the kind of man that you could fall for and lose yourself over. If I wasn’t careful, he’d get under my skin. I didn’t want to get heavy with anyone. It would only lead to heartache.
“No thanks. I’ll walk.”
He hesitated as if he was going to say more, then shut the car door with a gentle click. A light drizzle misted my face. Gray clouds rolled overhead. A crack of thunder pierced the sky.
Alex angled his face upward. “Are you sure you don’t want a lift?”
My chest tightened. Yes. I wanted a lift. I wanted Alex to tell me all the ways he thought I was good. To tell me again that I was a role model and inspirational, because I wasn’t any of those things. Everybody looked at me and saw a problem. When there was a party my phone blew up, but nobody called to ask me about my dad. Nobody wanted to see me sad. My best friend didn’t want me as her maid of honor because I’d fucked up and kissed her scumbag ex-boyfriend. And why? Sean Wallace had been a let-down. All men were a let-down. None of them ever took me seriously or treated me with respect. A sudden sadness made my chest hurt. I shook it off and faked a smile.
Alex watched me with an unreadable expression. He was so handsome. My fingers itched to touch him again. To fall into his powerful embrace. To feel the heat of his body against mine. My jaw tensed. Oh God. Really? This man was sending me soft. This was bad. Really fucking bad. I couldn’t catch feels for Alex McAllister just because I’d seen him larking around with kids. He didn’t want me, anyway. Alex had a kid for goodness’ sake. I might have been able to win a bunch of girls round for an hour of football, but I was hardly stepmum material. Why was I even thinking about this?
Get a grip.
