Page 55 of Succeeding Love

I laughed, “Yes you are.”

She looked at me like I was crazy, which just made me laugh more.

She forced herself to swallow, then said, “You’re pretty good looking yourself. Some of those other moms couldn’t take their eyes off you.”

I shrugged. “I didn’t notice. I was too busy watching you.”

Her cheeks flushed over, making her look even more adorable. Then that dejected expression returned seconds later, and I could take not knowing why any longer.

Leaning forward, I used the edge of my cloth napkin to wipe access salsa from her lips, making her lips turn up in one of her shy smiles. I ran my thumb over her pillowy lip, then asked, “Is something bothering you? You’ve looked a little sad since we left your kids.”

She leaned into my touch, and I swear my heart was going to hammer out of my chest. Her sweet, apologetic face was so fucking cute.

“I’m just a little off, I guess,” she admitted.

I pressed my lips together, then cautiously asked, “Because of something I did?”

She quickly shook her head. “No. You’ve been great. Preston told me you saved him from another year on JV. You, knowing the coach was awesome to him.”

I smirked. His coach mentioned his assistant having a little thing for Lynn and being disappointed to see her with a date and her ex-husband. Seeing the other coach’s face when I shouted we were dating was more than satisfying.

“Then what happened? Are you tired from the drive, or….” I hesitated for a second. “Or…. did your ex do something?”

She frowned, and I knew my suspicions were spot on.

“He just said something I didn’t like.” She sighed, sitting back in her chair and staring off at the river. “I shouldn’t even be letting it get to me, but the nerve of the guy…. Every time I think of what he asked me, I get mad all over again.”

“What did he ask you?”

She gnawed on her lip for a second. “He wanted me to fly back with them.” Her face turned apologetic. “He didn’t want me to stay here with you.”

Scoffing, I crossed my arms, not knowing whether to be happy my presence was bothering him that much, or if I should go punch his lights out for upsetting Lynn like this.

“I don’t get it. He’s with his girlfriend and has the life he always wanted now. Why can’t he let me be happy, too?”

“Because he’s not over you,” I said flatly. It’s written all over the asshole’s face every time I see him. He might have a girlfriend, but he still calls Lynn his wife. He’s not over her. At all.

“He left me,” she muttered. “He was over me before we even separated. I think he just doesn’t want me to be happy sometimes. Maybe I’ve been too much of a pushover with him, even after our divorce. I tried to keep everything civil andfriendly for the kids’ sake. Now that I’m ready to move on, why can’t he extend me the same courtesy?”

“Because he’s not over you, Lynn. I’m not just saying that. It’s clear as day.”

“No,” Lynn curled her fingers on top of her bottom lip. “No. He’s been in a serious relationship with Arlene for almost two years now.”

I shrugged. “My ex tried to pull this shit with me for years after we divorced. Even when he was with the guy she cheated on me with after our divorce was final, she would reach out to me constantly to take her back. Cheaters have regrets. I don’t think your ex is any different.”

“Maybe.” She didn’t look convinced. “Not likely, but maybe. You haven’t seen his girlfriend. She’s beautiful, successful, in shape and driven. I’m the boring house wife that would rather eat a bucket of nachos than look at a treadmill.”

“What if you ate the bucket of nachos while using the treadmill?” I laughed.

“Oh, two birds, one stone!” She looked excited. “I’d rather float in the pool with my bucket of nachos, though.”

“I would too,” I grinned. “I don’t think you realize how cute you are, Lynn. You’re fucking perfect. Success and a gym membership don’t make the perfect woman.”

“You’re sweet to say that, but I still don’t think Nick feels that way about me.”

“Okay,” I said levelly. “What do you think he’s trying to do then?”

“He was the controlling type. He liked everything a certain way and in order. I think he’s just trying to keep me in line or something. That’s why it’s bothering me so much.”

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