Page 25 of Holding You
I drop the smile and groan.
“You’re so annoying.” I walk off, but Allie Simmons, the mom to one of the kids who’d been in Max and Susie’s class, stops him.
“Declan, hi!” she says in a tone I can only describe as flirty. “Fancy running into you here.”
It’s a small town, Allie. We have one grocery store.
“Ah, yeah, well, kids got to eat and all that. Thought I’d make Susie her favorite for dinner tonight,” he says. I look over my shoulder; he’s watching me.
Our eyes lock just as Allie says, “Gosh, look at you just mastering this single dad life. What can’t you do?”
I glance away and turn into the next row.
He’s freaking grocery shopping and still winning medals.
Gah.
I finish my list, and by the time I check out, I have an answer for Allie.
You know what Declan Young can’t do?
Convince me to be his friend.
CHAPTER FOUR
DECLAN
Summer at the lake in Wyoming was something I always missed while I was living in Chicago. Yeah, there were piers, but this is different. Lovers Lake feels more intimate and relaxing—less to worry about and more time to enjoy being in the moment.
Which is why when Luca asked if Susie and I wanted to have another lake day later that week, saying yes was a no-brainer.
However, I wasn’t exactly aware that Ruby would be here too. At the same time, it shouldn't surprise me. Now that all the Asher kids are living in the same town again, they make it a point to spend more time together.
My watch vibrates at the same time my phone dings. I glance at my wrist to read a text from Steven. He’s been working with our PR team on the news that leaked of both my company and Davenport Inc. looking to purchase Collins Corporation. Too many media outlets want a comment on the feud it sparked. Little do they know that, for the past few years, all three companies have been walking around to see who was going to light the match first.
Looks like we all got tired of waiting.
Susie hollers at me while I scan his text. It’s just another update, same as the others over who has been reaching out.
“Dad, you said you wouldn't work today while we were at the beach.” Her lips are turned down.
I did say that.
“I’m not,” I reply and hold my hands up.
I can reply later. There is a reason Steven holds the position he does. He can handle this.
“Yay, okay, will you be on my volleyball team?” Susie runs up, kicking sand along the way.
She’s clearly up to something.
Three.
Two.
One.
“My mom is going to be on my team,” Max says, appearing at my daughter’s side as if they were magnetized together.
