Honestly, he’s such a contradiction. Part of him wants to keep his distance from my kids—that came across loud and clear when he balked at the idea of watching them play hockey—but then he does something like this. I just don’t understand him. What happened in his past? What secrets is he carrying, tight and hidden?
Not your business, Maria.
“Thank you,” I say, my voice low. “This means a lot…to the boys, to me.”
He shrugs, casual as ever. “Just don’t expect me to snuggle the damn thing.”
As soon as the words leave his mouth, Marbles climbs up his neck like it’s where he’s always belonged.
“Careful, Tuck,” I warn, trying to sound steady.
“Careful?” he repeats, one brow quirked.
“You just might find yourself liking him.” I think someone should be giving me the same warning. “Coming up?” I ask, as he cradles Marbles.
“Nope. I’ll keep him out here, give him a bit of fresh air.” He sets the tiny kitten on the grass, crouching protectively beside him, and my heart does a little wobble.
“I’ll be fast.”
“No hurry,” he says, as I dash to the side steps.
Inside, I peek into the boys room, and find them shoving clothes into their bags, their voices bouncing off the walls.
“I can’t believe we’re staying at Tuck’s,” Josh shouts, excitement practically vibrating through him. “Jacob’s going to lose his shit when I tell him.”
“Language, Josh.”
“Oh, sorry. I thought you were still outside.”
I duck into my bedroom and grab a bag, and honestly, Josh has a point. I can’t believe we’re staying at Tuck’s either. He must have enough bedrooms for all of us…right?
“Mom.” Josh’s little head peeks around the doorway, a sheepish grin on his face.
“What’s up?” I ask, bracing myself because I know that look.
“Do you think Tuck is ugly?”
I laugh. “You heard Stella too, huh? That little girl is going to be the death of her parents someday.”
He chuckles. “Yeah, she’s hilarious. She said Tuck isn’t married because he’s not in love.”
As he draws out the word love, my stomach twists. Wait…has he ever been in love? And how does a five-year-old know more about a man’s heart than I do? “Where does she come up with this stuff?” I ask.
“Beats me. But you didn’t answer my question.”
Ah. Right. My stomach tightens as the real reason behind this conversation sneaks up on me. “Of course I don’t think he’s ugly, Josh. Tuck’s…handsome. Really handsome. And one day, he’ll find the right woman and get married.”
He steps cautiously into the room. “Do you…think about getting married again?”
I force a smile. “I have my two boys. That’s all I need.”
He eyes me carefully. “Yeah, but you must think about it. You’re single. Tuck is single.”
Oh boy.
“Tuck and I are friends, Josh. Just friends,” I add carefully. “We’re staying at his place tonight because of the kitten. No other reason. Don’t get your hopes up about something that’s never going to happen.” A mischievous grin spreads across his face and I give a final warning. “Josh, put an end to those thoughts.”
“Okay,” he says, bouncing away, but I catch that gleam in his eyes, the one that says he’s already scheming.
