Page 8 of Longing for the Ranger

“You should’ve seen how many times he checked his phone this last week.” Rylan mutters.

I shake my head. “It’s not like that. Just helping out a single mom with her boys.”

Milo’s eyes narrow. “Wait, are you talking about Izzy Thacker? Are you the ranger who took her and the boys fishing?”

My lips turn down as my eyebrows furrow. “How do you know about that?”

Dom smirks. “Chelsey and Syd have been talking about it. They work with Izzy at the school. She was over with the boys this week so they could play with the girls. You seem to have made quite the impression on all three of them. Did she invite you over for dinner?”

“She did,” I nod.

Dom’s eyes narrow this time. “I take it you’re going then.”

“Was planning on it. I already told her I would. Why?”

He sighs. “It’s just she’s been through a lot and from what I heard from the girls, this is a big step for her. She’s got kids, and that’s a whole different ball game. You need to be clear where your head is at and what your intentions are. It’s not fair to her or the kids to be jerked around. You’ve spent time with the boys, so they’re already involved. This is an instant family. Just be sure you are ready for that if you proceed.”

My knee jerk reaction is to tell him to fuck off, but I process what he is saying for a moment before responding. I have to appreciate the fact he is looking out for her. He also knows what he is talking about, having been a single father himself before marrying Chelsey.

“You’re right, it is different. I know because I was raised by a single mom. I was lucky enough to have an uncle step in to help her when she needed it. So I understand a little of what she is going through. She is doing an amazing job, but needs help and won't ask for it. The boys are great, but can be a handful. I never imagined the instant family situation, but after spending time with them it feels right, like something clicked into place. They fill a hole I didn’t even realize was there. I would be happy to spend time with them even if I wasn’t attracted to Izzy.”

He nods, “Fair enough. I’m happy for all of you then.”

Thankfully, the conversation turns to the latest fire they had been working, and my budding relationship is no longer the center of conversation.

I’m thankful for his concern for Izzy, that she has people supporting her. It also makes me realize just how deep in this with her I already am. How quickly she and those little boys worked their way under my skin, completely changing how I see my life.

I thought I was happy with the freedom I have with no one relying on me, but now each day I come home to a much too quiet house and wish for noise and laughter to be filling it. I can only hope this invitation is an indication she is feeling something for me as well and not just the thank you dinner she says it is.

There’s only one way to find out and I hope laying it on the line so early on doesn’t send her running for the hills.

Chapter Seven

Izzy

They say silence is golden, unless you are a parent. Then silence means you need to move your ass and find out what fresh hell your children are currently getting into. My boys are certainly not the exception to this rule.

As I slide the lasagna, painstakingly made to perfection in hopes to impress a man who has invaded my every spare thought, out of the oven and pop in the french bread slathered in my special butter garlic spread, I realize the boys have been far too quiet while they are supposed to be cleaning their bedroom and playroom.

I hustle up the stairs where their rooms are located. There are two bedrooms and a bathroom on the second floor. We put the boys in one room together and used the second for their playroom. I suppose one day they will want their own rooms and we will turn the playroom back into a bedroom.

Half way up the stairs, a splash cuts through the silence. I groan because the sound is coming from the playroom, not the bathroom. There shouldn’t be anything splashing in there.

“What are you two doing?” I demand to know, in such a hurry to find out I don’t notice the puddles of water on the wood floor in the hall. My feet slide out from under me, a scream tearing from my throat as I flail before landing with a thud flat on my back.

The wind knocked out of me, I stay still as I struggle to catch my breath. Footsteps pound up the stairs.

“What’s wrong?!” Shawn appears, looking frantic. He starts to kneel beside me. “Are you okay?”

“Careful, there’s water everywhere,” I caution.

His head shakes. “It’ll dry. Are you hurt?” He’s on his knees beside me as his calloused hands run over my body as if looking for injuries, but leave a blazing trail of goosebumps in their wake.

My pussy pulses at the contact as my nipples tighten. I inhale sharply.

“Does it hurt there?” His hand returns to my hip where it had just passed.

It’s then I realize my dress rode up when I fell and my satin purple panties are now on display. My cheeks flame as I scramble to get up, covering myself. “I’m fine. Just got the wind knocked out of me.”

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