Page 20 of More Than Falling in Love

Heat blooms in my chest and floods my cheeks.This isn’t the first man to call me attractive, but it’s the first time that compliment has ever made me feel flush.Thankfully, logic convinces my emotions to stand down.

His fingers rake through his hair, and I motion toward the sofa.“Maybe we should sit.”

Nodding, he follows me to the couch.“And people on the ranch haven’t been subtle about pairing us up.The bouquet and garter only fueled that.”

He’s staring at his boots, and I bite my tongue, forcing myself to let the man say what he wants to tell me.

“But, Poppy, I have Mason.His mom died a little over a year ago, and he’s my focus.Myonlyfocus.That’s not going to change.I just—there’s more to it, but you don’t need to hear all that.My kid adores you, and I—”

I clasp his hand.“I consider you a friend, Kent.”

His shoulders relax.“Whew.I didn’t want anything to be awkward.”

“We’re on the same page.And I’ve been getting all the hints from the ladies, but I’m only here for a visit.Granted, I expect to be back again, but visiting and living here aren’t the same.”

“Exactly.Wow, talking to you about this is a lot less stressful than I expected.”He flashes a grin.“Hope you don’t take that the wrong way.”

I stand and open my arms.“Give me a hug, friend.”

He wraps me in a tight hug, and I hope this will be a hugging type of friendship because I’ve never felt more content in someone’s arms.When he pulls back, his brow knits, and he brushes my cheek.“Why the tears?”

“I’m not exactly crying.It’s more like when you finish a book and you’re glad the characters got a happy ending.”

“You cry about books?”

I pull him into another hug.“You’re funny.I’m glad we’re friends.”

“Me too.”He steps back and shoves his hands in his pockets again.“So we’re good?”

“We’re good.”I rub his arm.“Not sure what we should say to convince everyone else, but they’ll figure it out.”

He smiles down at me, and I ignore the flutter in my chest.

“You in town through the weekend?”

“Yep.”

“We can hang out at the pool on Saturday if you have time.Mason would love that.”He strides to the door.

At least now, I won’t be wallowing in confusion while admiring Kent’s bare chest.“Sounds fun.”

“And I’m glad you’ll be back to visit.Whenever you flutter into town, be sure to say hi.”

“Flutter?”

“Yeah.Maybe I’ll call you that.”

Even if my dad’s new residence wasn’t next door to Kent, I’d make a point of seeing him.And not just because of Mason.

Friendships are important.

Chapter 8

Kent

Parker steps out onto the porch as I get out of my truck.“Mason crashed.I managed to get him into pajamas.But the teeth brushing wasn’t anywhere near two minutes.”

“He can make up for it tomorrow.Thanks for doing this.”

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