Page 27 of One Unexpected Gift

“You’re having fun, and there’s nothing wrong with that. I shouldn’t have judged. I’m sorry.”

Nick reached across the table and placed his hand over hers. “Skylar, it’s okay. Really. You’re right. We both may crave the adrenaline rush, but you’re doing something good with it while mine is purely for entertainment. It’s a hobby.”

Was a hobby. Had he done what Skylar had done, found a rewarding career out of it, he could still be getting that rush. Instead, he had nothing. Slinging drinks behind his bar was fun and rewarding in a social way, but not something people would stop and say, “Wow, thank you for your service.” Nothing respectable.

It was why he volunteered so much and donated what he could to the community. If his job wasn’t something to brag about, at least he could give back. Not that he was looking for attention. Motocross, skiing, even the obstacle races he did were never to show off to anyone. They made him happy. Simple as that.

“There’s nothing wrong with your extra-curricular activities,” she said. “I understand the craving for adventure. Some people seek it in immoral or illegal ways. You’re at least having a good time.”

She squeezed his hand and instantly he felt better. There may have been a surge of blood to his groin area but that wasn’t what made him smile. Her touch, her genuine smile, those warmed his heart, which was actually beating stronger and faster than his dick.

Because he couldn’t help it, he turned her hand over and traced the lines on her palm. “I believe we share a mutual enjoyment in another extra-curricular activity.”

Skylar’s hand stiffened and then relaxed as she chuckled. “You have a two-track mind.”

“Two track?”

“Your wild adventures and sex.”

“Darlin’,” he drawled, “I’m a multi-tasker and can offer a two-for-one deal.” He drew his hand away, not wanting to press too hard too fast, and dove into his haddock.

She sat back and did a half-glare half-smirk thing at him. He grinned, wiggled his eyebrows, and kept eating. He’d let her decide if he was just teasing or not.

With a laugh and a shake of her head, she picked up her fork and finished her lunch.

***

Nick made her smile. A lot. There were layers to him she hadn’t expected to find. Still not husband material, but he would be fun to hang out with while she was on maternity leave.

Maternity leave. So not a sexy phrase. She picked up their empty paper plates and carried them to the trash barrel. Nick had a way of making her forget about her responsibilities, not that she considered Gabriella a responsibility.

She was her daughter. Her life. Guilt made its way into her head again as she turned back toward the picnic table. Nick had gotten up and moved down by the water. He was a pretty sight. All lean and muscular, and one hundred percent at ease with himself.

Like he didn’t have a care or stress or responsibility in the world. She envied him for this, but it also made him less appealing. She needed someone responsible in her life. Someone she could count on to help raise Gabriella.

A bar and bowling alley owner who thrived on dangerous behaviors was not a good emotional investment. Her heart couldn’t—wouldn’t—fall for someone like him. She liked him though. Liked him enough to take the risk and spend more time with him.

It was only temporary, which made the risk... less risky.

She joined him down by the water. “Thanks for lunch.”

“Thanks for texting me.”

That’s right. She’d initiated the conversation, which prompted the lunch date. Which prompted all sorts of naughty thoughts in her head.

“I should head back.”

Nick tilted his chin down to her and gave her a sad smile. “Okay.”

Damn. The sad mopey thing really wasn’t a good look on him. She’d hurt his feelings and insulted him earlier. He took it well and didn’t get mad at her, which he had every right to. She’d acted like a snob. Nick had been nothing but sweet to her, genuinely interested in her career, and she’d insulted him.

She couldn’t tell him why. That she still yearned to be on the medic chopper but her chances of being deployed were slim to none now that she’d had a baby. Or that if she was deployed again, she’d be working in a basecamp tent or military hospital.

Those were great jobs. Perfect jobs for a single mother. She struggled with guilt over leaving Gabriella and guilt over not fulfilling her role in the Army. On nights when Gabby needed her most, when the only thing that made her happy was being held, she thought about leaving the military. Her daughter’s life was more important than her need for an action-filled job.

The only way she could have both was if she had a responsible, reliable man in her life who could help raise her daughter. A man who would love Gabby enough to sacrifice his dreams for her daughter.

That man didn’t exist. What man in his right mind would give up his life to follow her to Virginia and then wherever the United States shipped her off to raise Gabby while she worked? Could she even fall in love with a man like that?

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