Page 22 of Could Be Worse

“Let go,” I whispered and pulled out of his grasp. Was he crazy? “Where’s your wife?”

“With her latest lover, I assume.” He backed me up against the counter. “Nothing is going to happen between us. Last Friday was a one-time thing, a hookup with a stranger I never thought I’d see again.”

Wow, his words hurt for some weird reason. “Agreed. I’m not staying in town long anyway.”

His blue eyes traveled over my face and landed on my lips.

“Stay focused,” I snipped as a tingle wormed its way between my legs.

His gaze lifted to mine. “Don’t hurt my girls while I’m gone.”

“You’re a jerk.” I shoved him back. How dare he?

“I’m a father who needs to protect his children. I mean it. If you aren’t able to watch them properly, tell me now. I’ve never left them with a stranger before. It won’t end well if something happens to them.” Jesus, the warning in his voice was stabbing me in the heart.

“I respect your protectiveness, but I don’t have to stand here and be insulted by you.” Harm a child? I would never. I slipped past him and headed for the door.

“Sadie, stop.”

I opened the door and left.

“Sadie! What’d you expect me to say? They’re my whole life, all I got, and I need to protect them.” He trotted after me. “I don’t know anything about you.”

I whirled around to face him. “So you just jump to me being evil and out to hurt your girls? No benefit of the doubt? I’m just good enough to screw in your truck.”

He dragged his hand down his face. “Look, I’m sorry. I’ve never left them with anyone other than my nana.”

Shit. I believed him. Could see the genuine worry in his baby blues. “Bryce—”

“Don’t go. I really do need this job. I’ll mind my mouth and trust you like Nana said to.”

“Your nana knows I’m watching your girls?”

“Yes. She trusts your dad and apparently knows all about you.”

I smiled. “I remember her. She was at my grandma’s funeral and gave me a white rose to hold.” My heart ached. I hadn’t had the chance to know Grandma Donna for very long after my mom had met my dad.

“Will you stay?” he asked.

“Yes, but to babysit. Nothing else.” It was a relief to know he wasn’t married. The sparks between us at the restaurant were alive and well, but I wouldn’t get involved with him. What good would it do if I was leaving the first chance I got? His girls might get attached. I might get attached more.

“Okay. Deal. Let me show you around before the girls wake up.”

I followed him back inside, less nervous than before. Bryce gave me a tour of his home, pointed out a menu on the fridge he’d made so I knew what the girls liked to eat, and had even prepared a pot of spaghetti for their supper if he got home late.

Leaning against the doorframe of the girls’ bedroom, I watched him gently wake them up. He kissed their heads, rubbed their arms until they opened their eyes, and smiled at him. It was the most endearing thing I’d ever observed.

“Do you remember me telling you Sadie was babysitting you today?” He was on his knees between their beds, a hand on each one. This man melted me. “She’s right there.” He nodded my way.

“Hi,” I whispered and waved.

“I remember,” Cat said.

“Not me.” Tori’s bottom lip quivered.

“Sweetie, you’re going to have fun with Sadie and Cat.” He took Tori out of her bed and cuddled her. “It’s going to be great, and when I get home from work, we’ll drink cocoa and watch a show. How’s that sound?”

She buried her face in his chest. “Sounds good.”

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