Page 61 of I Got You

“Can we keep them in the tub this time?”

“Yes. I’ll be very careful.” Liv uses my shoulder and leg to get down off the counter. “Let me get Ariel. She needs a bath, too.”

I hold my arm out, preventing Maggie from leaving the kitchen. “How about you tell me what you want, and I’ll make your dinner?”

“You don’t have to do that. I’ll get something once the kids are in bed.” She tries to push past me again.

“You can tell me what you want, or I’ll just make something. Your choice.”

“Well, you’re bossy tonight.” Her lips curve into a smirk.

“Yep.” I wait. She doesn’t give me anything. “You know you don’t have to do everything.”

She shrugs. “I’m not used to having help.”

“Well, I’m here, so let me help.” I see how tired she is. I want to ask how she’s feeling about this morning, but I don’t want to bring that up right now. “I know it’s not good timing when I’m going to be away this weekend and many of the upcoming ones, but I can help when I’m here.”

“Ok.” Her eyes shift to the floor.

“Have the calls slowed down any?” My phone has been ringing non-stop, and Rob’s breathing down my neck about more interviews since news of Tim’s death broke two days ago.

She weighs her head side-to-side. “Ed’s trying to keep them off my back as much as possible, but some are breaking through. It’s mostly kind messages and condolences.” She takes a breath. “I did get a call from the principal at the boys’ school wanting to talk.”

“Yeah?”

“He wants to discuss how this might be impacting them.” She rolls her eyes. “I’ll stop by in the morning and see what this is about. Surely, Mr. Pascal has seen the other news.”

Something about how she said that last part pricks my grizzly instincts. “What other news?”

She looks at me like I’m dumb. “That we’re married.”

I sit back slowly, keeping the bear tamed. “Wait a minute. Has this dude asked you out?”

Maggie’s slender shoulders move up and down like this is no big deal. “Uh, yeah. He’s a single dad, seems to find reasons to call me about the boys, and suggests we get together.”

“How many times has this happened?” I keep my tone calm and cool, but I feel like roaring. How many more are there?

One side of her face scrunches. “I don’t know. It doesn’t matter. I’ll go tomorrow, flash my ring around, mention you, and he’ll get the hint. He’s not like Hank’s coach.”

“I’ll go with you.”

“Shane, it’s fine. Besides, you can’t be with me whenever some guy tries to be nice and see if I’m interested. Just like I’m not going to be with you at all these games, where basically naked women with long legs and self-tanned skin are shoving their number into your pocket.”

She sounds huffy. Is she worried about that? I sense a bit of jealousy, and I like it. I allow one side of my mouth to perk up.

“What?” She crosses her arms over her chest, and her blue eyes turn a shade darker.

“Firefly, are you worried?”

“About what?”

I’m going to make her squirm. “About gorgeous women cornering me and slipping their number in my pocket.”

“Oh my goodness, get over yourself.” I think it’s possible I see a hint of a blush. This might be what happiness feels like. I laugh, and her eyes form slits, hiding those beautiful blue irises. “If you’re not too busy taking names and numbers, don’t forget Hank has homecoming this weekend, and Liv’s party is Sunday.”

My head tips back with a laugh at her ridiculousness. Her eyes grow wide, and her nose flares. She tries to push past me again, but I throw my arm out, catching her by the waist. She stills, her arms wrapped around her tightly.

“Did Hank find a date?” I wonder if the kid most like me took a leap or shied away.

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