Page 47 of Anchor Point

“I’m glad you’re both here.” He spoke over me. “She’s a good kid.”

Well, if his admission didn’t just stop my arguments right in their tracks.

I recalibrated by saying, “Looked like you two had fun out there.”

“Yeah, I’d forgotten how much fun a lazy afternoon of fishing could be. I suppose I owe you a huge thanks for letting me get to know her.” He met my gaze then. “I know it can’t be easy for you. I’m just letting you know I appreciate it.”

Dammit. He had to stop being so amazing.

Why couldn’t he be a jerk like Tim?

And how wrong was it to be wishing a crappy father on my daughter? I needed to check myself because this wasn’t healthy for anyone.

“She is a good kid. Thank you for noticing. And thank you for spending time with her. As you can tell, it’s made her very happy.”

Silence filled the void between us.

“She’s not the only one, Liv. I’m also glad you’re here.” He drew a long pull on his beer, my eyes drawn to the spot where his throat flexed as he swallowed.

I didn’t know what to say. No one had said anything like that to me in so long. Made me feel appreciated and seen.

Buster nudged my hand, his soppy head leaving a trail of dog hair on my hand. “Ew…”

Mac chuckled, low and sexy, and called, “Buster, come.”

Buster took two steps, stopped directly in front of me, and shook off his swim. A shower of doggy-scented pond water sprayed over my legs.

I squealed and drew them back, and Mac busted out laughing. A rich, deep, delicious sound that was worth its weight in gold. His big hand swiped down my leg, and he froze, hand just above my ankle. In slow motion, it seemed, his eyes went to my lips, and his fingers tightened on my ankle.

Every nerve in my body sat up and took notice. Warmth pooled in my belly. I was a breath away from sliding my leg through his hand, urging him to move it north. To touch me. Remind me again of how good it was between us.

“Supper’s ready,” Rosie called from inside, startling us both and breaking the spell.

Mac stood and offered me a hand to join him. I slid my hand in his and held my breath as I stood, coming so close it wouldn’t be anything to press my chest to his. I watched him swallow. Watched his jaw clench. And watched him take a step back to open the door for me.

I also didn’t miss the reflexive way his hand fisted as he let go of mine.

I didn’t know if I was going to survive staying here, but I was beginning to think going up in flames might just be worth it.

Chapter Fourteen

Mac

Friday afternoons into early evening were an interesting time in late August. With school back in session and vacations completed, people were restless. And the citizens of the city of Newman weren’t any different. Traffic in town increased as folks cruised through, looking for their next stop, especially on Friday game nights. Teenagers, and those reliving their teenage years, had a nice one-way, two-lane drag to see and be seen.

Station One, headquarters, located right off the square in downtown, was an old cinderblock building painted a neutral off-white color. The huge parking pad and painted brick retaining wall made the perfect hangout spot for the crew to do some people watching.

“Hey, Captain. What’s up? What are you doing here? You get bored out at Four and miss wall-sitting?” Firefighter Cal Roberts, the one guy who always managed to skip his turn at buying rounds at the bar, hitched a leg on the wall so he was half sitting, half standing.

I shifted the toothpick in my mouth. Biting into it was supremely less satisfying than lighting a cigarette.

“Just came by to drop some paperwork off.” And possibly see the chief before she headed out, since I’d be spending my night at the station. It was little comfort knowing she’d at least be at my house, though she and Rosie would be alone.

Not for the first time did I feel every one of the long nights ahead. Usually this dread was because I was tired already and knew I faced a long night of calls. But even if we had a blessed zero-call night, I would be awake worrying about the two females at my house. A regular day job held more appeal than ever.

Cal’s lips tipped up in a knowing grin as he waggled his eyebrows. “You sure that’s all? Word is there’s a certain person staying at your house.” His eyes flickered up to the area where Olivia’s office would be.

This was exactly the kind of bullshit we didn’t need.

---