“I’d better go make some lunch.” She sighed. “I doubt they’ve eaten.”
I shoved my hands into my pockets and clenched my stomach. I was not letting it growl around her. She had enough to worry about.
“I should get home and get to work too.” I’d offer to stay, but I really did have shit to get done today.
“Okay.” Her shoulders drooped. “Thanks for, um, stopping by.” She winced.
I leaned in and dropped my voice. “Anytime.”
Her blush returned, but she giggled. “Goodbye, Holden.”
I didn’t leave. “Can I bring pizza over after practice this week?”
She blinked, and her gaze grew guarded. I cursed my timing. Her ex had just been pissy about me. She had the kids to think about. “Can I let you know?”
“No problem. Can you tell the kids I’ll see them later? I feel like if I go in after what happened—”
“It’ll muddy an already messy morning? Yeah. It’s one of those ‘let’s all sit on the couch and cuddle and talk about some feelings’ moments.”
“Thanks. You’re a good mom.” I’d have been told to suck it up and stay out of it.
She shrugged like it was nothing.
I wanted to give her a kiss before I left, but it was too soon for that. Not only might her kids see, but anyone in the neighborhood could. They all knew who I was. I walked to my pickup and hoped I’d hear from her about pizza. I wanted to be more to her than a good time.