Page 20 of Could Be Worse

“I can turn this place into a dance school if you want. The structure appears solid.”

She tilted her head with attitude. “And you know that just from being in it for five seconds?”

“Yes. I’m that good. What timeline are you looking at?” I directed my question to Zander.

“I haven’t agreed to anything.” Sadie turned toward her dad and lowered her voice. “We need to discuss this privately. I never said I would open a dance school.”

“Bryce, when can you start?” Zander asked.

“Dad,” Sadie snipped. Boy, she was ticking me off. She didn’t know shit about me, yet she was acting as if I were an awful person. I’d say she was awful and judgy.

“Tomorrow,” I replied quickly, just to annoy her. “If I can find someone to watch the girls. Ya know Nana can’t.”

“Sadie can watch them. She has nothing going on. Right, honey?”

“Um…” She cut her eyes toward me, then her dad.

“That’s okay.” I adjusted Tori on my hip. “I’ll make some calls when I get home.” No idea who I’d call, but I couldn’t have Sadie alone with my girls, not when she clearly didn’t want us here in the first place.

She whipped her head in my direction. “You don’t think I’m capable of watching your girls? I assure you; I did a lot of babysitting at the club.”

“And I can vouch for her too. She’s fantastic with kids, which is why she should be a dance instructor.”

“Um…” I didn’t know what to say. “It seemed like you weren’t interested.”

“I’m not.” She winced. “I mean, it couldn’t be long term. You need to find someone permanent, but I can help out until then.”

“Great!” Zander clapped his hands together, obviously excited about moving forward with the project. “What time do you want Sadie at your place?”

“Seven thirty, I guess.” Why had I agreed to allow this woman to watch my kids? I didn’t know her, so why would I trust her with my precious girls? Because I’d had one night with her? And not even a full night. Hours. We’d been together for only a few hours.

Honestly, I didn’t know what the hell was going on with me. Zander driving the conversation and controlling every detail was intimidating. He was a badass biker, and I was a single dad with a failing business. That was it. I was letting everything play out however Zander dictated because I needed this fucking job.

“Perfect.”

“Can we go now?” Cat asked. “It’s stinky in here.”

Tori nodded in agreement.

Sadie giggled. “It is very stinky in here.” Her gaze flitted to mine, then darted away. “Let’s all go. I have some things to do. Bye, girls. I’ll see you soon.” She waved and sashayed out of the building.

“That went better than I expected.” Zander put his hand on my back and led me toward the door.

“Really?” I didn’t agree. Sadie wasn’t excited about turning the building into a dance studio, but I saw Zander’s vision. It’d be perfect, and I was sure my little girls would love to take lessons, if I could afford to pay for classes.

“Oh, yeah. She could’ve shot it down on the spot, but she didn’t. My girl doesn’t stand down when she wants something. I tell ya, she’s a fighter.”

“Interesting.” What had happened in the bar made more sense. She’d gone after what she wanted, the seat next to me. Then later, she wanted a release which I stupidly provided and enjoyed.

I didn’t want to feel anything for her. Well, indifference would be welcomed.

“How’s eight in the morning sound?” Zander asked.

“What?” I’d gotten lost in my thoughts. Idiot.

“To meet here.”

“Oh. Yeah, eight’s fine.” I stalked out toward my truck with my girls.

---