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He lifts his fork. “Gotta start somewhere.”
I have a big grin on my face, and I’m not entirely sure why Rob’s change of heart is giving me a bolt of elation. “Molly and I can look in the shops. I’ve never been to town out here.”
Her eyes widen. “We can check out the toy store. It has the coolest gadgets, and they let you try out everything there.”
Rob pokes around his plate and looks up at his son. “Does that sound good to you, Jesse?”
Jesse nods, trying to appear like he’s bothered by the idea, but says, “Yeah. That’s what I really want to do. Thanks.” He stabs at his steak and eats.
I look at Rob and give him a nod. He looks back at me. It’s a calm and composed presence. There’s no denying there’s a depth of wisdom there. A window to the stories carried within. I’m glad I can impart some of mine his way as well.
For the first time since I met him, I don’t think he’s looking at me like I’m a grown child he asked to help him for the summer. This look is a little different. I can see it in the softness of his stare that burns hot with its length and hold.
I think Rob is starting to see me as something more than my reputation. More than an impression.
In this moment, he sees … me. Perhaps it’s time for me to show him more.
CHAPTERELEVEN
After dinner, the kids go upstairs to shower and get ready for bed while Rob and I clean up the table. While Rob loads the dishwasher and hand-cleans a few others, I grab a towel and start drying the large tray that is too big for the dishwasher.
“Thanks,” Rob says, and I have a feeling he’s not talking about my helping him with dishes.
“For what?”
“Getting my head out of my ass. Maybe Jesse does need a little space.”
I place the platter back in the cabinet and turn to Rob. His back is now facing the sink, and he’s leaning against the counter with his hands behind him. That broad chest is outstretched, and I can see the swells of muscle peeking through the cotton of his shirt.
“This could be good for you too,” I offer. “Remember to enjoy your son and not feel the need to reprimand him every second. Let someone else do that.”
“You mean, you? He’d walk all over you.”
“Honey, I don’t let anyone do anything to me that I don’t allow willingly,” I state. If I wasn’t this close, I’d have missed the quick inhale he takes. I swallow. “You could use a little space of your own. Why don’t you go out to the bar or something? Try meeting someone.”
He opens his mouth to disagree, but I hush him.
“Don’t say it. We already know I have love on the brain. The question is, why do you deny that you don’t? I think one of the reasons you’re so stressed is that you don’t have any way to relieve it. You need to have fun. I know you want to. I saw you at Lone Tavern, remember?”
“That was not what you think.”
“I think you went to have a drink because you were stressed about the kids’ summer situation and you chose that bar because you were hoping to meet someone. When will you admit you might not need love but that you’d like some female companionship?”
I wait for him to answer, imploring him with my eyes as my heart hammers against my ribs.
He throws his head back and places his hands on his hips. “Fine. I’m not opposed to being with someone casually. I just haven’t met a woman I’m interested in exploring that option with.”
Triumph floods through me for being right, and then I wince at his words.
“Can I ask you a question?”
“I doubt anything I say would stop you from doing so.”
My mind tells me to resist asking the question, but my mouth refuses to listen. “Why is the idea of me wanting to date you so repulsive?”
Rob’s brows rise, and he stares back at me with a surprised intensity that burns into my soul and radiates down to my toes.
I keep going. “I just … I realized something before, when we were talking outside. You’ve obviously never hit on me, and I suppose I never truly thought about the why of it until now. Yes, you ran away from me because you knew I was on the hunt for a man, but you never took advantage of that. There have been plenty of men who assume my wanting love means I merely want attention. And I was wondering, the fact that you were so opposed to me that you grunted and ran away … well, am I that undesirable? I know I’m a catch in many ways. I don’t need you to boost my ego. I guess what I’m asking is—”
