Page 117 of Delinquent Daddy (Banks/Kincaid Family 2)

The two men shared a companionable look, like two dogs that had chewed on the same bone. Ellie nearly hurled.

With the need to escape itching through her bloodstream, she said, "Let me just get these in some water."

But when she turned around, she almost ran flat into Boston's chest. "Excuse me," she murmured, but still had to move around him because the aggravating man refused to budge.

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Delinquent Daddy

by Linda Kage

"Cassie!" she called loudly. "Time to go! Your dad's waiting."

Hurry up, kid! she wanted to shout. I can't take too much more of this.

Just as she was exiting the room, she heard Ted ask, "So, how long have you and Ellie been divorced?"

"We're not," Boston's answer echoed back to her.

She cringed, hoping he'd explain they'd never been married in the first place, but when she returned to the living room, both men were standing stiffly with their hands in their pockets, keeping their distance from each other. Ellie wondered what all Boston had actually said, because suddenly Ted seemed on edge and ready to scram.

Boston just stared at him.

Thank God, Cassie finally came into the room with Keller at her heels and happily cried, "Dad!"

As she threw herself at him, Boston swept her up in a big hug. Keller paused by Ellie's elbow to watch. He looked so heartsick and jealous of all the attention Cassie's father was giving her, she set a sympathetic hand on his pale blond hair.

"Keller," Boston greeted, keeping Cassie in his arms as he nodded to the boy.

"Hi," he mumbled, clearly disheartened.

"I'll see you Sunday night," Cassie said, waving at her friend, yet she

couldn't feel the same depression Keller obviously felt at their parting.

"Uh huh," the boy answered and turned away to leave through the back exit.

Ellie watched him go, her heart breaking for the child.

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Delinquent Daddy

by Linda Kage

"Hey, Cassidy," Ted said, cutting into Ellie's thoughts. "Do you remember me?"

Ellie came back around just in time to see Cassie huddle closer to Boston's chest as she glanced at Ted with no enthusiasm whatsoever.

"You work with my mom," she answered.

Cassie and Ted had met maybe twice when Ellie's law firm had gatherings like ice cream socials with their clients.

Everyone brought their families and mingled.

Ted gave the girl an overeager smile. "That's right. You do remember."

But Cassie didn't seem all that impressed, and judging by the way Boston frowned and tightened his grip, he didn't like Ted talking to his daughter.

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