Page 29 of More Than a Helping Hand

I texted him just before leaving the house to let him know that Bailey was hoping to see her new favorite person, but he hasn’t responded. I’m dreading having to explain to a disappointed eight-year-old that her new favorite person isn’t going to be here after all.

She climbs out of the pool and runs to me. “Where’s DeeDee?”

“I’m not sure, sweetheart. Did you ask Uncle Parker?”

“He said he was coming, but he went to see his sister.”

“Then you know more than I do about where he is.” I tuck wet strands of hair behind her ear. “You are being very brave today. I saw you saying hello to lots of people.”

She nods. “Last time I was at the barn, DeeDee told me that all the people here are very nice and that I don’t have to be afraid of them.”

“That’s great.”

My phone buzzes, and I check my texts.

Anderson:Just pulled up. And is there any chance I could become your favorite person?

I like his text, then change the like to a love. Maybe I’ll regret it, but that’s how his question made me feel.

A few seconds later, Anderson rounds the corner. And my smile doesn’t go unnoticed.

Bailey whips around and screams, “DeeDee!” Then she takes off running, her flippers slapping against the concrete.

I should tell her not to run, but I’m a bit too choked up at the moment to do that.

He doesn’t care that she’s soaking wet and wearing goggles and flippers. He scoops her up and patiently listens as she holds his face. She’s done that for as long as I can remember, and the habit was too cute to tell her not to do. Right now is no exception. Even if she’s probably too old to be pressing her hands to people’s faces.

I cross my arms, trying to hold myself together.

When she’s done talking, Bailey wriggles out of his arms and jumps in the pool, and he starts scanning the patio. I don’t want to be caught staring, so I focus on Bailey until I feel him looking. Then I meet his gaze.

He quirks an eyebrow, and I can’t help but smile.

The idea of dating scares me. The thought of dating someone with such stand-out good looks scares me even more, but it would be rude to ignore him. So I make my way over as my brother starts talking to Anderson.

As I walk up, Anderson says, “That would’ve been too easy.”

“What’s too easy?” I can tell the man feels caught, and the wheels in his brain are spinning, trying to come up with an answer.

He grins. “Remember what I said about my best asset? You just tell me when you’re ready for me to rip this shirt off.”

Do I want to see him with his shirt off? Absolutely I do. But I can’t give him the satisfaction of knowing that. Not yet. So I roll my eyes and parrot one of Bailey’s lines from when she was talking to him a few minutes ago. “You can eat first.”

Humor glints in his eyes. “Like mother like daughter.”

“You wish.” This is definitely flirting. But I love how we can swap quips and understand each other. It’s an accepted fact that he’s her new favorite person. And he wants to be mine. It feels foreign to have a man treat me this way without an obvious endgame.

Anderson isn’t like the others I’ve dated. He isn’t rushing me. Hasn’t tried to end our dates with a kiss. He clearly stated that I could set the pace, but he may end up regretting that statement.

“I absolutely do.” He leans close, and his breath tickles my ear. “Do I get to see you in a swimsuit?”

“Not today, cowboy.” I rub his arm, then retreat back to my lounge chair.

It’s not long before Bluebonnet is making her way over. She sits down in the lounge chair beside me. “Hi. We’re really glad you could make it. Bailey seems to love the pool.”

“She does. Thanks for inviting us.”

“Why don’t you come sit with us and have something to eat?” She nods toward the table.

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