Page 36 of The Opposite of Romance
“Actually, I needed some help, and she offered it.” Logan shrugs and Liv’s grin gets even wider. My heart skips a beat.
David never fully accepted that Liv wasn’t interested in girlie stuff. She wanted to help with everything he was doing around the house, but he had no patience for it.
“Will you come help me with dinner?” I ask.
“Sorry, but I really need her help right now. She can come after we’re done,” Logan answers and my little girl bounces, literally bounces on her feet, nodding with enthusiasm.
“Ok, sure,” I respond. “But be careful, please. I want to see all ten of your fingers when you guys are done.”
Liv giggles, and Logan shoots me a warm smile. Somehow, I’m certain he will take care of her. Asher runs around the backyard with his sword, obviously in his own world, so I get back to the kitchen to finish dinner.
Not able to look away, I move the chopping board to the side of the kitchen island in direct view to the backyard. They aren’t super close to me, but I can still see how Logan takes his time, making sure Liv knows exactly what she’s doing. In return, she’s getting a sense of accomplishment. The experience of learning something new and making something yourself.
My eyes glued to them; I barely escape slicing my flinger. “Shit,” I mumble under my breath.Guess I should focus.
I finish dinner while Liv still works with Logan. I wanted to tell her to give him some space a few times, but they fell into a comfortable rhythm, like they’ve been working side by side for years. She hands him the tools, assists him when needed and he lets her try out all the power tools. Under his surveillance, of course.
My oven timer dings, and I grab my mitts to take dinner out. Immediately, I’m engulfed by the scent of the roasted chicken and veggies, with rosemary from our backyard. I place the pan onto the stove, so it can cool down a bit, and walk outside to get the kids.
“Dinner’s ready! Go wash up and I’ll see you at the table in five.”
Liv and Logan are just tidying up, putting everything away. She places the measuring tape and the level into Logan’s toolbox before going inside.
“Thanks for that. Again. If construction doesn’t work out, you could make a killing in babysitting,” I joke, making him chuckle.
“Funny. I’m not that great with kids, typically.” His t-shirt is tight around his chest, a few damp spots evidence of how hard he works. Saliva pools in my mouth, but I swallow it down.
“Really? You’re a natural with Ash and Liv.”
“Well, they’re pretty great.” His lips turn up.
Pride blooms in my chest. “Erm, do you want some dinner? I made chicken and veggies.”
It would be impolite not to offer him dinner when he knows I just made it, right?
“I’m kind of dirty.” He points to himself.
“Yeah, you are,” I blurt out, my voice breathy. “I mean, it’s ok. We won’t mind, unless it’s uncomfortable for you.” My cheeks are burning up.
“I don’t mind getting a little dirty.” He winks, his tongue wetting his lips playfully. My brain short-circuits, so he continues. “Thanks for the invitation. I’ll go clean up the best I can.”
He leaves and I’m still unable to move, trying to calm my breath. Our flirty banter has always been fun, but after theincidentthe other day, it’s getting harder to see it as playful, rather than … well, foreplay.
Those are crazy thoughts, Sadie.
Releasing a sharp breath, I head inside.
“Is Logan going to eat with us?” Asher asks.
“Yeah. Should I let him go hungry?” I press my finger to my chin, as if contemplating.
“Nooo! I can give him my veggies,” he quips.
“Good thinking, Ash. Unfortunately, I wasn’t born yesterday, so tricks like that don’t work on me.” I pat his head.
He groans before sitting down at the table. Logan approaches, a gray flannel now covering his tank top.
“Where should I sit?” he asks.
