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“Hiya, mystery man,” she said by way of greeting.
“Hiya, yourself, pretty lady. You here alone?”
“No, and I wouldn’t flirt with me, or my big, bad boyfriend might turn you into cheese whiz.”
“Oh, he sounds like a bad guy. Trust me, I can take care of him. You’re worth the risk.”
Her laugh was something that I’d always consider the sweetest music. The fact she could do that around me kept the ache and the anxiety building.
The lamb was still in her hand, boosting the ache in my heart. When she noticed my expression, a frown crossed her face. “What’s wrong? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
“Nothing is wrong, little peach. Is Dillon having fun?”
“He’s having a blast. Thank you,” she said simply, turning so she could continue keeping an eye on him. “This was unexpected.”
“Why? Because I’m a brutal killer?” The words slipped out so easily, before I could stop them. When she tensed, I exhaled, rubbing my tired eyes. The headache had never left and was grating on my nerves. “I’m sorry. That was fucking asinine of me.”
“Because you’re busy,” she said gently. “But I can tell something is going on.” Her eyes were imploring and she was waiting to see if I’d answer.
I merely looked away.
“Well, this outing is very special to my son and I wanted you to know I appreciate your kind gesture. I won’t bother you again.”
“Wait,” I said as I grabbed her arm, pulling her toward me. “I’m not usually this much of an asshole.”
“You’re not?” Her question wasn’t as challenging as they usually were. In fact, her eyes were twinkling.
I half laughed. “Well, okay, sometimes. I’m not trying to take anything out on you. I wanted to make today special.”
“You have. I’ve been able to see a completely different side of you these past couple of days, and I find myself liking the man standing in front of me.”
“You do, huh?”
“More than I should.”
Exhaling, I glanced toward the little boy, feeling the same old ache that had never faded. “You’re right. You should continue hating me. It’s better that way.”
“Why? Tell me why?”
“It doesn’t matter.”
“It does to me. Trust me enough to tell me what’s going on.”
I pressed my hand against my heart, trying to will the ache away. “My life is complicated, Georgia. I have a past just like you do. Why don’t you leave it at that for now. Okay?”
She opened her mouth to retort but was stopped by the sound of her precious little boy.
“Mommy!” Dillon said loudly as he raced toward us, a huge teddy bear in his hand. “Can I have Mr. Bear?”
“I think we have enough toys, bub,” she answered.
I couldn’t seem to take my eyes off the lamb, but I had to get my mind off the past. That wasn’t going to do me any good.
“Nonsense. A growing boy can never have enough toys. You should know that by now.” I took the bear from his hands, the basket from hers.
“Hmmm… Is that why you have so many toys at your house?” Thankfully, her playful side had returned.
“You haven’t looked in the garage yet or in the marina.” I laughed as I shoved the huge bear under my arm, tossing a few more toys into the basket.
