Page 52 of More Than a Helping Hand

I pick it up and walk outside because I’m pretty sure this is a variation of being asked to go with him to get ice. “The steaks smell amazing.”

“Thanks. Hold that platter next to the grill.” He piles steaks on the platter. Once he’s finished pulling them all off, he looks at me. “Please tread carefully with my girl. She’s still a bit tender.”

“Absolutely, sir.”

“I get keeping things a secret, and I applaud your willingness to do that. And I’m also impressed that you were brave enough to show up today.”

“She asked nicely.” I walk toward the door. “And I like seeing Bailey smile. She’s a fantastic little girl.”

“A lot like her mama.” He opens the door, and the conversation ends.

CHAPTER19

PRIMROSE

Islide in behind the wheel and glance at Anderson packed into my passenger seat. “You could be a rent-a-boyfriend. My parents loved you. And my phone keeps beeping, which is probably Paisley raving about you. Or Parker adding his thoughts.” I reach over and clasp his hand. “It’s weird for me to be dating someone my parents like.”

“Now that’s a huge teaser.” He wiggles those eyebrows. “Are you the type who goes for the bad boys?”

“Sadly, I’ve managed to find them. Repeatedly. But I never went in search of them.” Just before we make it to the highway, I pull over. “Would you mind driving?”

“Not at all. Is everything okay?”

“I’m nervous and distracted. We’ll be safer if you drive.” I’ve been nervous since he texted earlier and told me to pack a swimsuit.

He runs around and opens my door. “No need to be nervous. I don’t think Bailey has any clue that we’re going out. And I doubt the others have any idea of our plans.”

I hug him before going to my side. “You mean no one guessed that you have an overnight bag in my trunk?”

“I hope you have one for you in there too. Otherwise, we’ll have to share my toothbrush. My T-shirts will be big on you, but they’ll look cute.”

“We are not at the sharing-a-toothbrush stage in our relationship.” I buckle the seat belt. “And, yes, I brought a bag also.”

“Having me stash the bag in your trunk while you were at work was a stroke of brilliance. You have a sneaky side.”

“And it’s gotten me in trouble plenty of times.”

He reaches for my hand. “I hope I get to hear those stories too.”

“We’ll see.” I tilt my head back, trying to silence the voices trying to warn me that Anderson will leave like the others.

“I need to make one quick stop. I left some stuff with a lady in town. And my truck is there. She said we could leave your car in her garage if you wanted.”

The part of my brain that’s screaming a warning about this being way outside my comfort zone is being shushed by the side of my brain that trusts Anderson. Maybe more than any other man I’ve dated. Which should probably scare me, but it doesn’t. “Sure. And you have me intrigued.”

He pulls into the driveway of a ranch-style home on an oversized lot and hops out. “I’ll be just a second.”

An older woman swings open the front door, a wide smile on her face. She hands over several bags, then disappears inside. A second later, the garage door opens.

Anderson sets the bags in his truck before running back to my car. “I’ll move our bags to the truck, then pull the car in. Want to wait in the truck?”

I climb out and wave as the lady steps outside. “Hi. Thank you for helping him.”

“My pleasure, dear. I love seeing happy couples. And sneaking around adds a fun layer.”

“We are kind of new at this dating thing. I really appreciate your doing this.”

“I write romance. This is inspiration.”

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