Page 25 of Thoroughly Innocent Intent

“How long have you lived here?”

“Bout five years.”

“Seems like a lot of space for one guy.” She studies me thoughtfully.

“I s’pose it is, but this is my cage during the season, so I want to be able to spread out. Come on, I’ll give you the tour.” I offer my hand, and this time she takes it without hesitating. I try to keep my expression blank to avoid spooking her but inside I’m gloating. I’m finally getting through.

Her heels click along the wood as I show her the main floor, which includes two bedrooms and an office in addition to my bedroom, and the walkout basement including a second living room, game room and theatre room, plus a wet bar that’s really more of a second kitchen.

Then we head outside where I get to show off my new pool and outdoor kitchen.

“This only got finished a few months ago.” I tell her as we step outside. “I haven’t even had a chance to break it in yet. I wanted to have the guys and their families over, but people have so much going on outside training camp I haven’t found time yet.”

“It’s lovely,” Samantha says. “Is there something on the bottom of the pool?” She squints for a better look.

“Yeah, it’s the Stallions logo. My contractor thought it would be a nice addition, but he used these sort of translucent tiles that blend in with the rest of the pool so it doesn’t overwhelm the design. His words.” I wink at her astonished expression.

“He did a nice job.” She blushes as she looks back at the pool.

“He did.” I stroke my thumb over the back of her hand and feel her shiver. “What do you say we eat out here?”

“Sure.” She nods, casting those wide gray eyes to the dining table on the patio.

I leave her at the table and go inside to grab the food. When I come out, I see that she’s relaxed enough to take off her suit jacket, and I get a glimpse of the smooth shoulders that aren’t covered by her businesslike dress. That’s a nice benefit of the outdoor setting. Not one I planned on, but I like it.

As I set the food down my phone buzzes in my pocket, and with a brief apology I dig it out to find Jen’s name. In the past I would’ve ignored a call from Jen while entertaining, but over the summer I learned that interacting with Jen and Sawyer on my schedule makes them feel like they aren’t important to me, so I’m making a better effort to be there when they need me.

“Just a minute,” I tell Samantha. “This might be important.”

“Did that man of yours put a ring on it?” I answer, quickly pulling the phone away from my ear when Jen squeals.

“Wait, how did you know to ask that?” Jen’s excitement is trumped by her confusion.

“Anthony mighta asked for permission.” I rub the bridge of my nose, wondering how much I’m supposed to reveal about the proposal I knew was coming her way.

“What? Why would he ask you that? You don’t have any say.”

“Not for you, Sweetheart. For Sawyer. He wanted to know if I was good with him being her stepdad.” Anthony’s a good guy with a responsible kid of his own. He isn’t just good for Jen, he’s good for our daughter.

“Oh. Are you okay with that?”

“Course I am. Is that why you’re calling? To tell me the good news.” I selfishly steer her back on track so I can get back to my date.

“That and to ask you to sign some papers for the school. I want to list Anthony as another emergency contact for Sawyer, and give the school permission to release her to him if he ever needs to take her to an appointment or something. Would that be okay?”

Jen knows all about my availability, or lack thereof during the season, and she long ago stopped relying on me for help for that part of the year, except in absolute emergencies.

Being available for Sawyer is one thing I’m trying to improve on, but having another helping hand for the times when I’m on the road, especially if it’s Anthony, is a good thing.

“Course that’s okay. Just send me whatever it is, and I’ll sign it.”

“Great, thanks Colt.”

“No problem. Congratulations. You got yourself a good one there.”

“I know.” She sighs contentedly, “Talk soon.”

“Sounds good, Sweetheart. Take care.” I end the call and turn back to face Samantha, who’s now sitting ramrod straight in her chair. Shit.

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