Page 24 of The Cupcake Cottage

“I heard your ranch is a woman-free zone.” There was a teasing hint in her tone.

“It is,” he said somberly.

“Why?”

“It’s my escape from the world. My retreat.” He shifted, unsure how to explain without insulting her. Especially since he could see her breaking his rule and coming over—welcomed, even. “It’s not somewhere I take my dates.”

“I see.”

“Not that…well, friends can come over. It’s just that I…” He couldn’t find the right words to express that this was his retreat from the world. A safe place with no drama.

“It’s a sanctuary?”

“When my mom isn’t there handing me a hammer or an oil can, it is.” He gave her a smile to show he didn’t actually mind his mom giving him tasks. With her direction, the house was shaping up a lot faster than he’d anticipated. That and the eagerness of his teammates to come over and help. Somehow working on his place on their days off had become a thing. Maybe because his mom kept them all fed, and some players lived far away from their own families and his mom made them feel welcome.

“What happened to your beach house? I heard you sold it because you’re broke.” The cab of the car was dark, but the light from her porch caught the twinkle in her eyes even though her tone was soft, curious.

He let out a huff of amusement. “Yeah. And the police had to break up drug parties there, too.” Her eyes widened, and he quickly spilled the truth in case she actually believed him and the stories. “No, none of that. The place was gorgeous, but it never really felt like home. I hired Katie Reiter-Leham—I believe she’s a friend of your friend Mandy from Blueberry Springs?”

“Oh? That’s so cool!”

“Yeah, so she was in town while her husband was doing something medical somewhere. I can’t recall the details. Anyway, she took care of the decorating.”

“But you didn’t like it?”

He shrugged. “I didn’t give her any direction. I was gone for playoffs and just wanted to have some bedding and dishes when I returned, you know? I gave her free rein. It was gorgeous, but it never felt like home.”

“I guess that makes sense if she didn’t know you, and you didn’t give her any insights. I know Brant and April loved using it for their honeymoon.”

“That’s probably the only good memory. Some friends borrowed the house for a weekend, had a big party, police came, press came…”

“Tainted?”

“Yeah.”

“What about your city apartment?”

“Sweetheart Creek has always felt like home. I like seeing trees and wildlife outside my window. Think you’ll stay?” he asked, curious if she’d soon be making the opposite move and head into the city he’d left.

It was her turn to shrug. “I don’t know. I’m sure commuting will get old. Violet’s talking about getting us a small apartment so we can crash there a few nights a week.” She was staring out across her yard, off into the darkness. He would give anything to know her thoughts right now.

It made sense for them both to live in the city. And yet, here they were. Living just outside Sweetheart Creek.

“Some of my work I can do from home. But I need a desk.”

“Yeah?” he perked up. “Need help finding one?”

“They’re pricy! At least the ones I like.”

“My mom keeps showing up with furniture. She might know where you can find something suitable.”

“Would you mind asking her? I’d like something older and with personality.”

“I can text her. She’s a bit of a night owl.” He waved his phone, pretty certain that texting your mom at the end of a date was a faux pas. Actually, things like that could be why he didn’t get many second dates. He held up his phone. “If you don’t mind?”

“No, of course. Please.”

“I just thought it might be uncool to text my mom during our date.”

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