Page 10 of Tangled with the Tight End

But I’m filled with regret as I watch Gino play with his cousin. I was too busy to do much more than hold him a few times a week and missed most of his firsts. Even if Sloane wasn’t who I envisioned marrying and having children with, I should’ve done better for my son.

“Hey, Daddy.” Gino grins and holds Angelo’s hands as they clap together. “Ang-lo can clap. I teach him.”

“Yes, you did, Buddy. Good job.” Gino’s smile grows wider.

My parents assured me it wasn’t too late to bond with him, but I didn’t believe them. Of course, it didn’t help that our first opportunity happened when I was in pain and pissed that I wasn’t at the game.

“Brother, seeing you and Gino growing closer is good.”

“Thanks. It does feel good. Earlier today was the first time he called me Daddy. We were at this little shop in town.”

“Oh….” Eden’s eyes light up as she claps her hands together. “What do you think of Evergreen Lake? Don’t you just love it?”

What do I say? It’s like stepping into Mayberry when I love the city. I’m not sure she’ll appreciate that comparison.

“It’s nice.” Gino helps Angelo stand, and they walk together to the open toy box.

Marco laughs and smacks his thigh. “I told you he’d hate it. Gabriel is a city kid through and through. The first chance he could escape country life, he sped away with dust kicking up behind his tires. If he could’ve squealed the tires on gravel, he would’ve.”

Eden frowns. “What’s wrong with small towns? You don’t have to own a country estate to enjoy a small town.” Her small hands curl into fists on her hips.

“Don’t get upset. I didn’t say I hated the town. I said it was nice. I can appreciate the quaint shops, the friendly faces, and the small-town charm. But I prefer the standoffishness of the city where everyone isn’t talking about your business 24/7, and I can get a caramel macchiato delivered to me.”

“Norah sells caramel macchiatos.” Marco shoves his hands into his jeans’ pockets. “They’re delicious. And–”

“And she delivers to the lodge, so it’s like having an Uber driver bringing you a treat. I bet she’d bring you a steaming hot cup tomorrow if you asked nicely. She’d already be on her way up the mountain anyway.” She shrugs like the idea makes perfect sense. “What’s adding one more item to her delivery?”

Marco walks over to the toy box and removes a block set for the boys to play with.

“Thanks, Unc Mar.”

“You’re welcome, little man.” He ruffles his dark hair.

“Lips & Hips?” I only stopped at one, take that back, two places yesterday, but there was only one that served coffee items. Lips & Hips. And there’s no way she’d deliver coffee to my hotel room.

The woman’s face flashes through my brain. Soft, full lips. An upturned nose. Enormous blue eyes that studied me like a science experiment. Curves that beg to be touched and explored. Those hips and thighs. Norah, she’s as different from Sloane as day is to night.

What’s wrong with me? The woman can’t stand me.

“Yes, that’s her.” Eden rubs her hands together.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea. She’s–”

“She’s what?” The sound of the voice that woke me from a dead sleep this morning now causes the hairs on the back of my neck to stand.

I clear my throat and turn to face her. “Hello, again. Norah, I presume?”

“That’s me.” Her eyes dance as she bobs in a small curtsy. “Norah Stone at your service.”

Once she’s standing again, she tilts her chin upward and those eyes stay trained on me. “And you must be Gabriel, the long-lost brother who missed his brother’s wedding and the birth of his first nephew.”

Jesus. The woman won’t stop with the low blows. “I was at a game and couldn’t get away when Angelo was born, and out of the country when they got married.”

“Norah….” Eden’s voice is sharp. “Gabriel can’t plan his life around us. He’s a busy man, and we knew he couldn’t be there for either event.”

Norah returns her attention to me. “I’m sorry. I wasn’t aiming to put you down.”

Marco groans, “Don’t apologize. Gabriel has thick skin. He’s fine.”

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