Page 20 of Stick Move

That brings a smile to her face and lightens the mood. “Pfft, says the guy who does take-out only.”

Something warm seeps through me. I actually love that she invited us to dinner, that she made something special for my little girl. “I think you’re going to be really good for Camryn,” I say quietly, and when her gaze moves to mine, and that warmth in my body settles deep inside me, I can’t help but think about how good she might be for me too.

Too bad we have so many strikes against us.

6

BRIGHTON

“That was absolutely the best pizza I’ve ever eaten,” Noah announces, and I arch a disbelieving brow.

“Oh, really?”

“Yup. Fresh meats, veggies, and despite the sauce coming from a can…” he says, a big grin on his handsome face. “...much better than what comes in a box. What do you think, Bean?”

“I liked it, Daddy.” I bite back a laugh as Camryn wipes the back of her mouth, spreading sauce across her face. But who am I to laugh? I have sauce all over my clothes, and probably on my face too. I guess I should just accept the fact that I’m going to be dirty during this stint.

Dirty…

Don’t go there, girl.

I wipe the corners of my mouth and hand Camryn a napkin as her eyes grow heavy. Noah stands, and even though my kitchen is big, his body overwhelms the place…and my senses.

He grabs his plate and mine. “Since you cooked, I’ll do the dishes.”

“Noah,” I say quietly. “I think someone needs to go to bed.”

His entire body stiffens, and if I’m not mistaken, heat just shot into his eyes. “What?” he asks and swallows. I nod toward Camryn and he stares at me for a second, balancing a plate in each hand as he slowly turns toward his daughter. “Right.” He glances at the dirty dishes—there’s that word again. “I wanted to do the cleaning. It’s only fair.”

“Like anything in life is fair,” I say with a half laugh, half snort. “Don’t worry about it. I don’t mind washing up. Go ahead and put Camryn to bed. It’s been a big day for her and she needs her daddy.”

Maybe you need her daddy, too.

I work to shut down that inner voice, because we can’t go there. No matter how much my body might want me to, no matter how much Melanie urged me to go for it, it’s wrong on so many levels, and everything about us is complicated.

Uncomplicate it.

I stand quickly, nearly knocking my chair backward and Noah’s head rears back as I hastily take the plates out of his hands. “I’ve got this.” A beat of silence as I hurry to the dishwasher, like I must have a hundred bees stinging at my behind, and drop the plates in. I try to keep myself together as I walk back to the table for the rest. Noah stands there, watching me carefully. Lord, he must be wondering what the hell is wrong with me.

“You’ll let me make it up to you?” he asks.

“Sure.” I’m about to walk away when Camryn slaps her hands on the table.

“No.” We both turn to Camryn as she pouts. “I want Ms. Brighton to tuck me and Charlie in.”

Noah frowns. “Honey?—”

“It’s okay,” I say quickly. “I don’t mind. It’s been a day,” I quietly explain to Noah.

“Are you sure?”

“I might as well start now. It’s what I’ll be doing every night when you’re away, right?”

He nods. “Okay, Ms. Brighton can tuck you in tonight.”

“Peachy,” Camryn giggles and I cock my head, a chuckle bubbling out of my throat.

“What?”

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