Page 43 of Everlasting Promises

Seb’s eyes widen, and he reclines against the seat. “You’re a better man than me. I wouldn’t want her thinking of anyone else but me.”

I shrug and lean forward. “That’s the thing. Normally, I’d feel the same way, but I’d be satisfied with even a fraction of her affection.” I smile a little when I remember how she was checking me out at the soccer field. “I think she’s attracted to me. I’ve caught her checking me out, but I don’t think she’ll ever act on it. She still wears her wedding rings after six years and is fully committed to the promises she made her late husband.”

Seb leans forward, engrossed in my situation. “What are you gonna do?”

“I’m not proud to say I’ve been creating situations with Evan so I can spend time with her.” I drop my eyes to the table, ashamed that I’ve stooped so low, but desperate times call for desperate measures. “Don’t get me wrong. I love hanging out with Evan. He’s an amazing kid, smart, and easy to be around.”

Laughter erupts from Seb, and he takes a good minute to get himself under control. “I’ve heard everything now.” He slaps his palm against the table. “Just ask her out, man.”

“Did you not hear me? She’s still in love with her husband.”

“I heard you, but I also heard you when you said you caught her checking you out.” He takes a drink of his beer and swallows. “Ask her out. She may surprise you and say yes.”

I shake my head. “I doubt it. I just need to keep spending time with them. Hopefully, if I give her enough time, when she’s ready to move on, I’ll be right in front of her.”

“Yeah, but by then, you’ll probably be in the friend zone, and she’ll be asking you to babysit her kid so she can go out with some other dude.”

My pulse pounds in my ears and my hand forms a fist at the idea of her going on a date with someone else. “Fuck that.”

His eyebrows shoot up, and he gives me that look that says,you know I’m right. “Unless you want to let her slip through your fingers, you need to step up your game.” I nod thoughtfully, trying to formulate a plan for when I see her tomorrow.IfI see her tomorrow. “So, what are you gonna do?”

“I’m spending the morning at the shelter and had planned to ask Hope and Evan out for lunch afterward. Other than that, I have no idea.”

“I’m sure you’ll figure it out.”

I hope so. I don’t like the idea of being in the friend zone.

20

BEN

I rock backon my heels, twisting the leather band around my wrist. Rex looks up at me, tilting his head to the side as his eyebrows shift and move. “I’m okay, boy.”

He gives a short, shrill bark, then licks his lips, turning his attention back to the driveway where the kids will arrive any minute now. I do the same, but my mind won’t stop working through my options with Hope. I don’t think she’s ready for me to ask her on a date. I’m certain if I take that step too soon, I’ll ruin any chance I may have. My best course of action is to spend time with Evanandher, giving more of my focus to Evan until she grows more comfortable and relaxes a little. If I take the time to get to know her and give her time to get to know me, I think I’ll have a better chance of her agreeing to a date when the time is right. I nod to myself, happy with my plan.

Michael and Peter arrive first and, after our usual greeting, wander inside. The rest follow soon after, leaving Donnelly and Evan still to come. I should go inside since most of the kids are here, but I don’t want to miss seeing Hope. Even if it’s from adistance, I need to get my fix. She pulls into the parking lot and makes a wide circle to drop Evan right at the front door. He waves from the back seat and jumps out as soon as the car comes to a stop.

“Hi, Ben!” He slams the door and Hope winds down the front window.

“Remember, we can’t stay today, and please come out on time. I’m in charge of the cookie booth at 12:30.”

Cookies?My eyebrows shoot up in interest and my stomach growls.

“Yeah, Mom. I know.” He rolls his eyes as he heads inside, waving at her over his shoulder.

I lean on the roof of her car. “Hey.” I can’t stop myself from tracing every freckle and curl with my eyes.

“Oh, hey.” Pink makes its way up her neck, and her slender throat bobs. “I’m sorry we were late, but I had to wait for the cookies for the bake sale to finish baking.” Her eyes scan my face, then dart toward the windshield.

“Cookies, you say?” I ask lightheartedly.

“Uh, yeah.” Her eyes flick back to me. “Evan’s school is fundraising for some new gym equipment, so they’re holding a giant bake sale today. I need to get home and make a few more batches, then come back to collect Evan before heading to school for my turn to manage the cookie booth.” She looks a little overwhelmed with everything she needs to get done.

“I can bring Evan to school after the session today to save you a trip.”

“Oh, I couldn’t ask you to do that. I’m sure you’re busy.”

What is it with her always assuming I’m busy?

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