Page 57 of More Than a Helping Hand

Chuckling, I wiggle my fingers against her sides. “Wouldn’t you like to know.”

She squirms and squeals, then rolls out of my lap. “I’ll take that as a yes.”

“The beard is a detractor to the glam look.” I stand and stretch.

Her revenge comes quick, and laughing, I drop my arms to my sides, twisting and trying to get away from her nimble fingers. “Okay, okay, I guess I deserve that.”

“I had no idea you were so ticklish.” She hugs my waist and rests her head on my chest. “I’ve enjoyed tonight. A lot.”

“Me too.” I thread my fingers through her hair. “And I’ll keep your secret, Prim. But you shouldn’t feel ashamed. He lied to you.”

“Others saw it. Just not me.” She tilts her head, and her lips part in invitation. “But everyone likes you, so I’m taking a chance.”

As our mouths meet, I pick her up and carry her to the counter. And this time, I give the counter a quick swipe to make sure there isn’t anything sticky on it.

With each conversation and every kiss, Primrose is stealing more of my heart. But now is not the time to tell her that.

* * *

I tiptoeout to the kitchen and pull breakfast fixin’s out of the fridge. The listing for the cottage advertised an outdoor griddle, and that’s perfect for making breakfast. I dice up potatoes, beat half a dozen eggs, and mix up some pancake batter.

Then I carry it all outside.

After firing up the griddle, I give it a few minutes to heat.

It’s quiet, and as much as my brain is racing after yesterday’s conversations, I need music. So I put in my earbuds and start my playlist.

I lay bacon slices on one end of the griddle, then add potatoes to the middle. Once I’ve poured a few pancakes, I run inside to grab a platter. I’m flipping pancakes when a call interrupts my music.

“Hello.”

“Anderson, hey. You didn’t call me yesterday, so I wasn’t sure if we were going to meet this morning.” Brooke sounds like she just woke up.

“I’m so sorry.” I can’t believe I didn’t let Brooke know I wouldn’t be there today. “I should’ve called you. I can’t meet this morning because…” I’m not even sure what I should say.

The silence lasts for a couple of heartbeats.

There is no hint of hurt or accusation when Brooke says, “You met someone.”

“I’m making breakfast for us now, but we’re not?—”

“No details. That would be weird.” She laughs. “I’m so happy for you, Anderson. Truly.” Her voice cracks on the last word.

“It’s complicated, but I like her. A lot.”

“Then she’s a lucky lady.” Brooke sniffles. “I heard what Sally Jo said that night so long ago. When you broke up with her.”

Telling Primrose that I hadn’t asked anyone out in years wasn’t a lie. I had a girlfriend when my parents died, but that was short-lived. And after that, I promised myself I wouldn’t date until Brooke was an adult.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t know you were still awake when we argued.”

“Sally Jo wasn’t exactly quiet. Ever.” Brooke laughs. “I held my breath when she asked how long it would be before child services came to get me. But you shut her down so fast. That’s what I needed to hear. But now, I feel bad that you put your life on hold to raise me.”

“I don’t. Not a bit. And it’s not like I’m old. I’m not even thirty.”

“You’re the best, Anderson. I love you. Now don’t burn the pancakes. I’m going back to bed.”

“Love you.” As I end the call, I feel a hand on my back.

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