Page 61 of Gifts

Saylor, who appears even more miniature than normal next to the SUV, reaches up and with all her might pulls open the back-passenger door to climb in. “It smells funny!”

“You bought this?” The blood drains from my face and all of a sudden, I feel the effects of me picking over my dinner and skipping breakfast. I’m a little woozy.

Asa’s arm comes around my back and he pulls my good shoulder into his side. “Granted it’s not bulletproof, but it does have every safety feature on the market today. I didn’t know what color you’d like, but I noticed your bathroom was gray, so I figured it was a safe bet.”

“What is it?” I breathe.

“Infiniti—the QX80. I told them top of the line, so it better be able to communicate with the International Space Station.”

“It has a TV!” Saylor shouts from inside the car.

Knox sticks his head out the door and corrects his sister. “Two TVs.”

Levi climbs in the driver’s seat and looks to his dad. “Nice.”

“It smells good,” Emma adds as she climbs in, speaking at will for the first time since we got to my house last night.

I shake my head, not knowing what to say or how to argue. He can’t just buy me a car. A booster seat for Saylor, sure, I’ll accept that. Him thinking about a booster seat is sweet, thoughtful, and very dad-ish, which makes my stomach flip again.

But a vehicle?

An enormous one, at that?

No fucking way.

I shake my head and open my mouth to argue, when he gives me a squeeze, speaking first. “Go get ready and get something to eat. We’ll give it a spin.”

“This is ridiculous. I can’t accept this.”

“I figured you’d say that.” He waves his hand like my refusal is a pesky fly he’s shooing away. “Consider it a loaner for now and know you’re doing me the favor of not having to be seen driving a minivan.” His hand travels south, landing low on my hip where he gives me a squeeze. “Go get ready.”

I shake my head and watch all four kids spanning the ages of five to eighteen climb around, checking out my new loaner. I shrug out of Asa’s hold and flop my arms to my side, feeling my stomach grumble.

I need coffee, food, and a shower. I’m not sure what I need most at this point, but that decision seems easier than dealing with Asa and his top of the line Infiniti.

I look up at him and mean it with all my heart when I say, “Thank you for the booster seat.”

“You’re welcome.” A vast grin spreads across his face and he starts to shake with silent laughter when he adds, “For the booster seat.”

Whatever. I’ll thank him for the loaner later—once I’ve had coffee, food, a shower, and after I’ve had the chance to call my insurance to see if drive-bys are covered under my policy.

Chapter 15

Day Drinking

Keelie

“That doesn’t surprise me. Asa Hollingsworth is a giver,” Addy Vega notes as she reclines in her cushioned patio chair with her feet propped on an ottoman. She takes a sip of her water. “Don’t get me wrong—Crew is, too. And Grady. They all have their gifts, but Asa just sees things other men don’t. He’s sort of the silent type that sits back and watches, then when you least expect it—boom. He provides and lavishes—and not just with stuff. His time, too. It’s who he is.”

“He’s not that way with everyone.” Maya shakes her head, peeking under the blanket where little Chloe is nursing and adjusts her shirt before bringing the sleepy five-month-old up to her shoulder. She leans back and pats her baby’s back without missing a beat. “I thought Grady had a small circle, but the more I’ve gotten to know Asa over the years, he takes the cake. It’s basically his kids, Crew, Grady, and now, by default, our families. As much as he and Grady go head-to-head about work stuff, they’d do anything for one another.”

“This is true,” Addy notes.

“I’ve never thought about it before, but I see it now,” Bev agrees.

“Asa’s the hottest older guy I’ve ever seen. Even more so than any famous person,” Mary points out, leaning forward and gestures to my glass.

I sigh and hold it out for her. I hardly ever day drink and will pay for this later.

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