AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Rowdy nodded. “Think they’ll like me?”
Toben ruffled his son’s curls. “I know they will.”
“Rowdy.” Poppy’s voice interrupted them. “It’s almost ten.”
“Bedtime?” Toben asked.
“Nine,” Rowdy said. “Guess she’s breaking the rules tonight,” he whispered, then said, “Coming, Ma.”
Toben hugged Rowdy tight. “Thanks for the coffee.”
“Thanks for the talk,” Rowdy said.
“You think of more questions, I’ll give you the answers.”
“’Night...Dad.” Rowdy winked at him, then hurried from the kitchen.
Toben’s heart was so full. He ran a hand along the back of his neck and stole a look at the woman in the doorway. Poppy smiled at Rowdy as he brushed past, her unfiltered love for their son a thing to see.
He stood, finishing off his cup of coffee, and washed out the cup before he leaned against the counter.
“You need a shower and a bed,” Poppy said.
He nodded. “I’ll get out of your hair.”
“You...you can stay. There’s room. You’d have your own room. If you want?” She shifted from foot to foot.
“I don’t mind a roommate now and then.” Sleeping in a bunkhouse meant that was more the norm than the exception.
“Oh, I know.” Her tone was tight and edged with temper. Her face told him she’d interpreted his comment in a completely different way. “Wouldn’t want to mess up plans for later on this evening.”
He chuckled. Was she jealous? He liked it. More than a little. “Nine times out of ten, I sleep in a bunkhouse on the ranch, Poppy.” He watched her posture ease, her expression clear. “And, just so we’re clear, I haven’t had plans since you came to Stonewall Crossing.” He saw the slight smile she wore and wondered at it. “Nice to know you care.”
“I do not care. Rowdy’d be devastated if you wrecked on your way home.” She crossed her arms , avoiding his gaze.
He crossed the room until they were so close he could see the unsteady rise and fall of her chest. “But you’d be okay with it?”
She stared up at him, blinking rapidly. She stepped back but there was nowhere to go. “W-with what?” Her words wavered.
He shook his head, his hand unsteady as he reached for her.
“Toben.” Her tone was soft, but he heard the plea.
He stopped, his gaze pinning hers.
“We’re not going to do this,” she said. “We’re different people. This is a different world. One I’ve worked hard to give me and Rowdy.”
“No room for me?” he asked, trying to keep it light—even if her words hurt.
“You’re his father.” She stepped around him. “I’m not going to interfere.”
He sighed and spun to face her. She wanted to pretend this didn’t exist? That this attraction between the two of them would fade? Maybe it would. That would be a damn shame. He’d been attracted to women before, too many. But nothing compared to the spark between him and Poppy. God knows he’d spent plenty of time hoping that wasn’t the case.
She was right about Rowdy. He was the boy’s father. He wanted to be that father. Looking at Poppy, he couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like to give the whole family thing a real chance. The shit that used to make him run for the hills sounded almost...tempting.
“We should work out a visitation arrangement,” Poppy was saying, pushing out the screen door and stepping onto the porch. “A schedule—”
“You think that’s necessary?” He followed, staring at her, waiting.
