Page 15 of Designs on You

He got up and went through the back door, wandering outside of the caged pool area to investigate the oversize backyard.

There was plenty of lawn area for the kids to play, lots of trees that provided privacy and shade, and even more space to the side to build out a guest house, pool house, or even a playhouse for the kids, if that’s what Natalie wanted to do.

“I’m sorry,” Natalie said, coming up to stand beside him. “The kids wanted two stories tonight.”

He turned to face her and smiled. “Hey, they come first. Besides, it gave me time to check out your awesome backyard.”

“Oh, thanks. It is nice, isn’t it?”

“Yeah, it is. Do you like it?”

She let out a short laugh. “You know, no one ever asked me that. Sean chose the house. The location. It came with a membership to the country club. Status symbol, of course. Important for his business. I thought the house was nice, the pool awesome for the kids, and lots of space for them to play.”

“But you didn’t get input.”

“No.” She wandered around the yard, her thoughts obviouslysomewhere else before she turned to him and smiled. “But it’s fine. The kids love it here, and the schools are outstanding.”

“That’s good.” She looked so wistful, and he figured her heart was still hurting over the divorce. All he wanted to do in that moment was pull her into his arms and let her know everything was going to be all right. “You miss him?”

She frowned. “Miss—oh, my ex? No. I miss the life I thought we were going to have, way before we got married. But do I miss him, the person? No. He wasn’t who I thought he was going to be, husband-wise. I wanted a partner. He wanted something else entirely.”

“Wanna talk about it?”

She shook her head. “Not tonight. But thanks for the offer.”

He followed her inside, sat with her, and showed her how to work the game console. Even played a game together from start to finish so he could make sure she had a handle on the buttons.

“Oh, that’s pretty easy.”

“Yeah, it is.”

She laid the console on the sofa. “The kids had fun. I appreciate you showing them these games. We’ll have fun doing this together.”

“I know you will.”

Their gazes met, and something electric passed between them. They had chemistry. An energy he felt even without touching her. He wanted to explore that.

“Go out with me.”

He wasn’t sure how to read the surprise on her face. Hopefully it was a good thing.

“Excuse me?”

“A date. Dinner, or something.”

She shook her head. “No. Thanks, but no.”

That was pretty definite. He stood. “Okay. Thanks for dinner, Natalie.”

She looked pissed as she walked him to the door. “Sure.”

“I’ll see you later.”

She nodded and held the door open while he walked out.

He half turned and gave her a smile and a wave as he walked down the steps toward his truck. She gave him a short wave, then closed the door.

Frowning, he stopped at his truck, leaning against it, sending her a text.

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