Page 29 of SEAL's Secret

“Hi.”

It wasn’t much as far as greetings went, but she suddenly felt too nervous to say anything else.

“Who is it, Mommy?” Caroline asked, racing up behind her. Layton’s breathing calmed, and she put a hand on her daughter’s head, grounding herself.

“This is Mr. Hudson,” she said. “He also knows Aunt Emersyn.”

“She had a big flood in her apartment!” Caroline said knowingly before scampering off.

Hudson’s curious gaze slid to Layton. “I’ll explain in a minute. Come in,” she said, stepping aside to let him pass by. The smell of fried food made her stomach do a funny little tumble, but she realized with surprise that he also had a frozen treat in his hand.

“You’re bringing me shave ice?”

“You’re probably dehydrated. And you said that you were surviving on popsicles. I figured this is similar. I brought one for Caroline, too, if that’s okay with you,” he added in a low voice, leaning closer so her daughter wouldn’t hear. Hudson’s clean,pine scent washed over her, and she felt goosebumps prickle her skin. It was exactly like every other time they’d been close to one another—the electricity arcing between them.

Layton was in so much trouble.

***

“You’re mommy’s friend,” a little voice said, and Hudson swung his head around to the little blonde, pig-tailed girl who’d crept up behind him. How she’d reappeared without him noticing was a mystery. Kids were damn scary sometimes. It wasn’t often that someone got the jump on him, but this little spitfire had managed it. Of course, he’d also been distracted by Layton’s retreating figure. And what a nice figure it was.

“I am,” he said, trying to look as nonthreatening as possible.

“I’m Caroline.” She stuck out her little hand, and Hudson reacted with surprise. He shifted the bags he was holding to one hand, gently gripping her tiny one and shaking it. Damn, she was cute. He hadn’t ever paid much attention to children given that none of his friends had any. He hadn’t ever dated a single mother either. Life was complicated enough.

And yet here he was, unable to stay away from Layton.

“I’m Hudson. Did you know you look just like your mommy?”

“Duh. Everyone says so.”

He pressed his lips together, trying not to laugh. He tried to remember how old Layton said her daughter was. Four? That meant she was preschool age, although in daycare, from what he gathered. She was eyeing him curiously. “How do you know my mom? We just moved here and don’t know anyone.”

“Well, you know your Aunt Emersyn. My friend Aaron is her boyfriend.”

“Ewww,” Caroline said, crinkling her nose. “I hope they don’t kiss.”

“Caroline,” Layton said, reappearing as she shook her head. Hudson tried not to laugh. Hopefully it was a long while before this kid learned where babies came from. He’d done a hell of a lot more than kiss her mother.

“It’s best to keep some thoughts to yourself,” Layton continued, looking stern. “Go wash your hands so you can have dinner.”

“Sorry, Mommy.” Caroline ran off down the hall again, and they heard the water running from the bathroom.

He stilled, his hands vibrating with tension. Hudson didn’t know how to be a father. His own upbringing had been shit.

Ten foster homes.

Verbal abuse. Physical.

But that little girl right there? She was something precious. And so was the baby growing inside Layton. Hudson was almost afraid that anything he touched, he would tarnish. Layton was goddamn beautiful. A light in the middle of the darkness. The fucking sun.

But could he do this? Date a woman who had a child—who was pregnant with his own child?

He hadn’t even told her the extent of the feelings he’d been having, just shown up at her doorstep like a damn delivery driver.

But she’d let him in. Accepted that he was a part of her life.

Hudson frowned as he glanced around the home, taking in his surroundings. “This place is empty.”

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