Page 91 of That One Heartbreak

Funny how much more relaxed he felt when she was around. Like he could breathe easy again.

“I told him it was okay,” Kate said, still holding his hand. “As long as the offer is real.”

“It’s real. Nathan broke his arm.”

“At the station?” she asked, sounding alarmed.

“No, playing football with his brothers. Did an amazing tackle but then ended up with his arm twisted the wrong way beneath his body.”

“Ouch.” Kate grimaced. “Poor kid.”

“And lucky James.” He was pretty happy that her son was the first reserve for the place. Not just because he loved the kid – and he did. But because he knew James would step up to it. Sure, he’d had his moments this year, but overall he was a great kid. And he’d thrive at camp.

The camp was run by the fire service at their state academy within the university, and had a mixture of class based learning and practical training taught by professionals. Marley had taught there himself a few times, but not this year.

“I was thinking,” Marley said, his thumb brushing against her wrist. “Maybe we could drive James to camp together.” He gave her a half smile. “Stay the night there and come home the next day.”

“The two of us?”

“Yeah. We can find a hotel somewhere. Break up the drive.”

She smiled at the way he was looking at her. His gaze was pointed. Needy. “It’s only a couple of hours away,” she pointed out.

“Yeah, but a very tiring drive.” He lifted a brow.

“Addy and Ethan will have to come with.”

“I thought about that. I know Pres and Cassie would love to have them stay over.”

“They already have three kids. I’d feel terrible dumping two of mine on them.” Kate shook her head, the smile still lingering because the thought of spending the night with Marley, just the two of them, with no need to worry about kids, was kind of enticing. Yes, it was great when he’d climbed into her room, and when she’d gone back to his after their date.

But being away, just the two of them, if only for a night, felt like something they needed.

“I’ll ask Shana,” Kate said. “She’ll jump at the chance.”

“You sure?”

He wasn’t just asking about Shana babysitting. She could tell that. He was asking if she was ready for them to be alone together.

For people to know they were together. Because James wasn’t stupid. If they drove him together he’d know there was something more than friendship there.

“Yeah, I’m sure.” She ran her tongue along her bottom lip, lifting her gaze to his. “I trust you,” she whispered. “To take care of my kids’ hearts. And mine.”

And damn if that didn’t feel like he’d just won the lottery.

“Good. Because I’m not going to let you down.”

Chapter

Twenty-Four

“Marley? You have a delivery.”

He was at the back of the construction site when he heard his name being called. His face was red with exertion and covered in dust. The house was nearly complete, thank god, because summer was heading toward its peak. Whenever they could, they took a needed break in July and August. Not just because it was hot from dawn until dusk, but because a lot of their crew had kids and Pres liked to give time off during the school vacation.

Marley wiped his face with the back of his hand and walked around the building. He wasn’t expecting any deliveries today. And then he saw a girl looking completely out of place in the mess of the construction site, holding a huge bouquet of red roses.

He blinked. “You okay?” he asked her.

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