Page 28 of Mine to Keep

“Thanks.” Without thinking about what he was doing, he lifted her from the chair and held her by her forearms. He stared into her eyes, losing himself there for a long moment. He thought about what it might be like to kiss her but decided that might not be a good idea.

Yet.

Shit. There should be no future thought there, either. Not only had she just had a baby, she was still grieving.

They were friends. He needed to keep it that way.

“When you’re feeling up to it, I’d like to show you around town. Better yet,”—he smiled—“why don’t you come with me to my sister-in-law’s birthday party? It’s next weekend, so that gives you some time to recover. It’s going to be huge, so you’ll meet just about anyone who is worth knowing in Lighthouse Cove. And kids are welcome, so bringing Zadie won’t be an issue.”

“Oh, no.” She shook her head. “I don’t think going to a family party is a good idea.”

“It’s a great idea,” he said. “Trust me. And, because I’ll be giving Nancy a piece of your jewelry, it will be a great way to start talking up your business, especially if you’re wearing some pieces. Hell. If you carry a men’s line, I’d even consider displaying something as long as you don’t make me look like I’m some freak or something.”

She covered her mouth and laughed.

God, he loved that sound. If one could hear hot fudge being poured over cold ice cream, that’s how he’d describe her laugh.

“I’m serious.”

“And I’m seriously saying no. I’d feel like a fish out of water.”

“You’ve got to meet people sometime, and this would be the perfect place to start. Besides, you’d be doing me a huge favor.”

“How so?”

“Everyone in my family would be focused on you, your awesome jewelry, your adorable little girl, and not the fact that, for the first time since the world found out that Dalton Kirby isn’t my real father, Steve and I will be in the same room.”

“I see. You’re just using me,” she said with a wicked grin.

He’d thought he wanted to kiss her a few minutes ago, but now, he found her so insanely irresistible that he had to take a step back. “Not totally. I honestly believe it would be good for you. Not just for your business, but another of my brothers is married, and I think you’d get along with both Nancy and Farrah. Not to mention, there will be a lot of other ladies there around your age. It will be a good place for you to get to know the people of Lighthouse Cove.”

“And for you to continue hiding and not dealing with your family.”

“I won’t deny that.”

“At least, you’re honest.” She nodded. “Can I think about it? I have no idea how this new parenting thing is going to go over the next week. For all I know, she’s going to become a holy terror.”

He laughed. “I’ll behave as if you’re coming. But if you bail on me at the last minute, I’ll understand.”

“One of these days, I’m going to find out what your faults are.”

“Oh. I’ve got plenty of those, trust me. Just ask my ex-wife. She’ll be happy to tell you. While I wouldn’t believe everything she says, some is true.” He leaned in and kissed Bryn on the cheek without even thinking. “I’ll be back tomorrow to start on your project. I’ll text you in the morning to let you know what my day is looking like.” He stood there for a long moment. Longer than what seemed normal to say a quick good-bye. It wasn’t awkward, but if he didn’t move, his mouth was going to crash land on hers, and the kiss would be wild and out of control

For fuck’s sake. She’d just had a baby.

And he’d delivered that sweet little girl. What the hell was wrong with him?

“I can let myself out.” He didn’t wait for a response as he maneuvered around her and strode toward the front door. He didn’t bother glancing over his shoulder as he hopped behind the steering wheel of his Jeep.

His gut hadn’t been this tied up in knots over a woman in years. He didn’t understand it. Even his ex-wife hadn’t jumbled his ability to think straight, and he’d been madly in love with her in the beginning.

He hit the brake and pressed the start button.

Bryn was a good person and would make for a great friend. Besides, the last thing she needed in her life right now was a man. She’d made that clear without even trying.

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