Page 45 of Off-Limits Love
Someone like him?
People liked to think as adults they’d grown out of such petty judgments, but he’d experienced it far too many times for that to be true.
Actions spoke louder than words, and in this, he was a card-carrying member of the freak club. An adult who couldn’t function publicly wasn’t highly sought-after. He wasn’t one of his smooth-talking brothers who could schmooze with anyone and everyone, anywhere.
He stayed on his farm, worked his business and showed up for his family, but that was the extent of his life. Maybe he was existing more than living, but some things couldn’t be helped.
His grip tightened on the steering wheel. Why was he torturing himself with thoughts of Mak? Especially after she’d made her wishes known?
The closer he got to Sam’s house, the slower he drove, his mind filled with warnings as he crawled along the long driveway that ran along the fence line between the two properties.
A part of him felt compelled to keep trying because if he didn’t, Hudson would go after Mak in a heartbeat, just to bust his chops, if for no other reason.
Hudson wasn’t what Mak needed, though. He was too young, too into playing the field still. Not the type for a single mom of a young child.
But was that to say that he was?
Better than Hud, he thought with a scowl. He might not be able to speak properly, but at least he didn’t play women. Hud didn’t take relationships seriously, and Mak wasn’t the casual type.
She was picket fences and cupcakes. A woman who wore her heart on her sleeve for the world to see. To hurt.
And he’d never want her to get her feelings hurt on his behalf because someone—like her ex—called out his stutter and made her feel less than because of being with him.
Finn muttered a curse beneath his breath.
What was he doing?
He should’ve turned Sam down. Should’ve said no. Shouldn’t have kissed her. That would’ve been smarter.
And what if her ex was there?
He wasn’t sure what the visitation arrangements were for coparenting, but he hated the fact Emi’s father was a bona fide bully. Both for her sake and her mother’s.
The truck ran out of the tree line and into the open area by the house.
Emi came running out the door onto the porch, a mile-wide grin on her sweet face. Sam wasn’t far behind her, and the man lifted a hand in greeting when he saw Finn.
Since he couldn’t turn around now that he’d been seen, Finn made himself park and get out.
On the walk to the porch, it was easy to imagine Mak as a girl since Emi resembled her mama so much. Emi practically vibrated with energy and happiness. All big blue eyes and tousled curls.
“Finn! Look what I made at Bea’s house!”
Surprise rippled through him at the news. He’d seen Emi playing with his young nieces at Hud’s party, but to hear she’d spent more time with them?
The friendship bracelets on her tiny wrist were a colorful assortment of beads and letters. He ran his finger over them lightly and smiled down at her from where she stood atop the steps. “Pretty.”
Surprisingly, the word came out clear. But then, Emi was a child—no pressure there—and not her gorgeous mama.
Emi grinned at him and held out her hand. “Mommy’s making dinner. Are you going to eat with us?”
He glanced at Sam. The old man had invited him, but had he not told Mak and Emi?
“Course he is,” Sam said. “Come on in.”
Finn met the man’s gaze and saw the challenge sparkling in Sam’s faded blue eyes, similar to Mak and Emi’s gorgeous, blazing blue but nowhere near as vibrant.
Uneasy, Finn moved toward the steps and up them, all the while hoping Sam wasn’t springing him as a surprise on Mak.
