AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Oh, of course. You’re fine.” Jen stepped forward and waved her concern away. “I have to dress up since I’m helping to run the show, and Blake, here,” she glanced adoringly up at Blake with a little smile, “he doesn’t know how to do casual. I think the only time I’ve seen him in jeans and a t-shirt has been when he’s working on a bike.”
Blake frowned for a moment as he glanced down at Jen. What was she saying? Of course she’d seen him in jeans. Hadn’t she? He mentally calculated the last year in his head, all their encounters. While it was true he always wore a suit any time he was to be in her father’s presence, and a shirt and tie most other times, he had to have dressed casually when they were alone. Hadn’t he?
A silent slideshow flickered in his head. Images of the clothes he kept in a locker at work being among the most prominent. Had he always showered and changed after working in the shop? Or just when he started seeing her? There had to have been times, hanging at her apartment, where he lounged in sweats and a hoodie. But he couldn’t recall one, and Jen’s place wasn’t really made for lounging, at least he never thought of it that way. Even at her place—somewhere he should feel comfortable and at home—he felt on alert, like he needed to be the best version of himself he could be to impress her and raise himself up to her level.
The thought churned in his stomach, and he realized he’d been silent for too long. Both Jen and Mel stared at him. Jen’s smile growing tight, and Mel’s expression unreadable as she quirked a brow.
“Oh, sorry.” Blake rubbed his eyes. “Bad night of sleep,” he mumbled. Then, after making brief introductions, muttered to Jen, “Excuse me a moment,” and pulled Mel aside.
“Hey, I was thinking,” he said, pulling a face, “this whole thing is actually kind of lame, not as great as I thought it’d be. Maybe we should just bail.”
“What?” Mel’s eyes widened, and she glanced down at the kids, who, for all their energy, were actually quite contained, which led Blake to wonder what she threatened them with on the ride. “But Peter wanted a corn dog, and Kinsley and Brady are dying for a funnel cake. I promised them.”
“I want a corn dog too,” Brady protested.
“I know,” Mel said, squeezing his hand.
“And I want to ride the carousel,” Kinsley murmured, wide-eyed and pink-cheeked as she stared at the whirling horses.
“Okay, but why have stale corn dogs when I can treat us all to something even better? We’ll go anywhere you want in the city. Then maybe we can go somewhere fun after,” Blake said, trying to entice them.
Mel laughed. “You’re being weird. I think this looks great. The kids will have a nice time. Besides, don’t you want me to meet the Garwoods? You know, to verify you’re working for us?” she asked, nodding toward Jen. “I assumed that was part of why you wanted me to come.”
Blake avoided glancing back at Jen in case she was watching the exchange. No doubt, she’d be annoyed if he left so soon. “Nah, that can wait. I haven’t even seen her father. In fact, don’t think Mr. Garwood is here.”
“Daddy,” she heard Jen croon behind him.
Crap. Somebody save him.
Mel arched a brow and moved around Blake toward Jen.
With a sigh, Blake followed, still trying to think of a way to get around this. Maybe he could avoid Mel finding out this was actually a charity event. The moment he made introductions, he’d sweep Mel off to the other side of the hall, claiming the kids were hungry and steer clear of any and all booths, other than the f
ood and carousel.
“I was wondering when you were gonna show up.” Jen smiled up at her father.
“Well, I knew everything was in good hands.” He turned his shrewd gaze as Blake approached and took him in with an air of superiority.
He wore a sharp, black suit with a blue silk tie, and cuff links that probably cost more than one of Mel’s paychecks. His blond hair was combed perfectly into place. His skin was sun-kissed from long days spent on the golf course year-round. He reeked of money, and as Blake readied himself to introduce him to Mel, he instantly regretted this encounter. Why had he thought this was a good idea? When he had spoken to Jen, it felt right, fun even. Now, with all of them together in the same room, his palms began to sweat.
“Mr. Garwood,” Blake said, in greeting.
“Blake.” He offered a hand, which Blake shook before turning slightly toward Mel and her children. “This is Mel Clark and her wonderful children, Brady, Kinsley, and Peter. Mel, this is Jen’s father, Mr. Garwood.”
Mr. Garwood offered Mel a hand and smiled. “Please, call me Kent.” Then he leaned back and smiled at the kids. “So, I hear Blake has been watching you during the day.”
The three little heads bobbed. Brady and Peter looked slightly intimidated, their small lips pressed into tight lines. But Kinsley stepped forward and mustered a smile that could melt a cold man’s heart, even Garwood’s and said, “Mr. Blake is awesome. He’s so fun.”
Mr. Garwood smiled wider at that. “I guess I’ll have to take your word for it.” Then he glanced up at Mel. “I’m glad my little bargain I struck with Blake could help you out, at least.”
“He’s been really great,” Mel said with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes, either uncomfortable with Garwood or unimpressed. Blake hoped it was the latter.
“Six weeks of free childcare is a pretty good deal. Make sure you get your money’s worth,” he said with a wink.
The smile froze on her lips, and Blake turned to him with a murderous glare.
“Free?” Mel mumbled, her smile faint. “I don’t understand.”
