Page 40 of Sworn to Protect

I laugh and shake my head but indulge her anyway. I don’t know where things will go with Nate, but the hope bubbling in my stomach is a sensation I haven’t felt in years. Maybe it’s time to see where it leads.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

NATE

“You didn’t haveto take the boys tonight. I finished my homework and only have to study for an exam on Monday.”

“As I told you earlier, it’s no trouble. Get a jump on studying tonight. That way, you can relax tomorrow at the game.”

Those pink lips stretch to a warm smile and stir something inside me. It’s been a week since those lips were on mine. I thought of that kiss a little more than I should. When I grab my coffee, I flirt a little more every morning. It’s becoming a routine, almost a game. Helping her with the boys gave me a purpose to stay in town, but we have spent no time alone.

“I really appreciate everything you do. You have no clue how these few hours help.”

“That’s why I do it.” My schooling was intense enough, and I was single. I can’t imagine studying with two kids.

“Mom,” Liam comes running into the living room, holding a phone to his ear. “Grandma said we could sleep over tonight.”

“You have a game at eleven tomorrow morning.”

“She said she’d feed me a protein-packed breakfast.” He looks at his mom with pleading eyes. I can’t help but chuckle. “Please. Uncle Jordan promised to let me work on his car. His car, Mom.”

“How can I say no to that?” she asks through a sigh. “Hurry up and pack. You need to leave for practice.”

“Mom said yes.” There’s a pause. “Okay, I’ll see you after practice.”

Liam darts back into his room. “Hurry up, Nick. We’re going to stay at Grandma’s.”

Mackenzie turns to look at me. “I guess I’ll be childless tonight.”

My dick twitches as my mind goes straight to where it shouldn’t. But damn, the thought of being alone with her is too good to pass up. “I guess so.”

Her lips press together as she glances down at her feet. I know I shouldn’t ask, but taking care of her also means taking care of her psyche, right? Shouldn’t that be the whole package? Since I’ve been in town, all she’s done is work, study, and care for those boys. She does nothing for herself.

“When was the last time you went out?” I ask.

Those sea-glass green eyes flash to mine. “I don’t know.”

“How about after you drop the kids off, we meet up? I saw the bar, Halfway Inn. We could go there. It’s not much, but a night away from the house might do you good.”

Conflict wars in her eyes. I give an encouraging nudge. “You deserve to have some fun. I know what all work and no play can do to you.” That has been me most of my life.

She glances over her shoulder and then shakes her head slightly. But the humor flickering across her face relaxes me. Score one for me.

“I can’t believe I’m going to agree to this, but you’re on.”

“What? No argument?”

“Maybe I’m ready . . . to have fun.” She smirks. If her goal was to get a reaction from me, she just got one. Damn.

“We’re ready!” The kids pile into the living room with their duffel bags filled to the brim.

“You’re only staying one night.” The bewilderment in Mackenzie’s voice matches her expression.

“We have to make sure we have enough supplies.”

“I don’t even want to know,” she murmurs, shaking her head.

I can’t help but chuckle under my breath. “Let’s get going so your mom can finish her work.” I turn back to Mackenzie. “I’ll be back soon.”

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