Page 116 of Driven Daddy

“So, who’s the chick?”

“Rita Savage.” Dammit, I hadn’t meant to say her name.

“No way. The woman you were rude to?” He looked at me hard. “Mating dance? Sorry, off my game. She’s gorgeous though. Seems really nice too. Be careful with her.”

How had he picked up on that before I had? “Why do you say that?”

“Because I wasn’t as careful as I should’ve been and I didn’t tell Bridget exactly how I felt enough so she got scared over everything and didn’t feel she could talk to me about it. She had her own stuff from her past, and it messed her all up. Which, of course, affected us too. And she blamed herself for everything when I didn’t do half of what I should have to make her feel loved and protected and like I put her first. Carrington too, of course,” he added.

“Yeah, she had a rough home sitch too, right?” I held up a hand. “Not trying to pry, just help.”

He paused for a moment, then he sighed sadly. “Yeah, her mom had mental health issues. Her sister was a bit older, and I don’t think they were that close when they were younger. She had friends, but no one super close, and people need that. Especially women. I mean, seems like everyone has a bestie.Theyneedbesties.” He cleared his throat. “I mean, not only. You have a best friend too. And you’re super tight. I just don’t. I never made time for friends when I was caring for Carrington on my own. I don’t regret putting her first, but yeah, I wish I had someone closer friend-wise. I mean, John is a friend, but…”

Had I really been so blind about how separate and lonely he felt? The Mastersons were a tight bunch. “Do you need a bestie, Trav?”

“I wouldn’t turn one down, no.” He grinned. “Got any lines on some available ones?”

Another reason to tick on themove homecolumn. “No, but I can stand in here and there.”

“But you’re not even local.”

I raised an eyebrow. “Like you are?”

He shrugged. “I may be sticking closer to home for a while.”

“If you want to make a go of things with Bridget, you probably need to stay planted long enough to grow some roots. And there are plenty of guys around here that miss you. Dads by the dozen around here too.” I rolled my shoulders. “I don’t know what I’d do without Larsen.” Just the idea of it had me chilled. “Don’t want to find out, either.”

“I envy how close you two are. Just having someone who will listen to whatever is spinning in your head makes such a difference. And who always has your back. It’s worth so much.”

“Yeah.”

God, I was missing so damn much by getting sucked under by my own bullshit. Sure, Duality Press was a huge part of me, but I was beginning to see it didn’t have to be the only thing. I had Larsen, sure, but today had reminded me how much else there was to life.

“But I’m so grateful for all of you. You keep me sane. Sure, you all can be judgmental as hell, but I never doubt you all havemy back and want what’s best for me. And I fucking appreciate it. I won out in the sibling lottery. No doubt.”

I stepped forward and hugged him tight. He paused for a second before clapping my back hard before stepping back.

He grinned. “So, are you doing it with Rita yet?”

I tipped my head back. “And we’re back.”

He laughed. “C’mon, I’m still me. But I won’t press you for more than you’re ready to give. Just want you to know I care. And I will talk about anything you need to work through with you. Don’t even have to ask. Just give me a teensy tiny opening.”

Man, my brother was on mush factor twelve tonight. “Teensy tiny is a kid phrase. Or a phrase you’d use with kids. Dad speak is its own language.”

“So, help me out here with some adult conversation. Save a brother.”

“I’m still figuring things out. And hell, I definitely don’t get the kid thing. And you want more? Like plural?”

“I fucking love being a father. Can’t hold me back there. Though I don’t want to push Bridget.”

She stepped up beside him and slid her arm around his waist like they’d been doing it every day. “You’re not pushing me. I’m on the same page of our book. Hi again, Penn.”

“Hi, Bridget. Sorry to steal your guy for a few. Guess we needed a brotherly heart-to-heart.”

“All good. Take your time.” She leaned up to nip my brother’s earlobe as she whispered, “Some of the clothes did not fit, as predicted. But I stole one of your shirts to go with my jeans post-shower.”

“Looks good. Steal anything you want, babe.” He nuzzled into her.

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