Ken’s fingers flinched, hovering uncertainly, as if torn between restraint and the urge to offer a comforting touch. “She’s lucky to have you.” His eyes met mine and for a suspended moment, we looked at each other. Something flickered in Ken’s gaze, a flash of heat, of possibility.
My breath caught—then Mia’s giggles shattered the charged silence, breaking the spell.
Swallowing hard, I busied myself with applying the patch. “There, good as new.” I glanced down and caught him looking at me with a hint of hero worship.
Oh fuck, this situation was a mess, but seeing him look at me like that felt good. “Let’s get this back on your car.”
We made the short drive back to the school, and in ten minutes Ken’s car was ready to go, along with a fully inflated spare. “I can’t thank you enough, both of you.” Ken smiled, his eyes sincere. “You saved my bacon today.”
I chuckled at the way he talked, so innocent and mild. “Happy to help,” I said, meaning it. “That’s what friends are for, right?”
The word “friends” hung in the air between us, weighted with unspoken possibilities. For a moment, I let myself imagine what it would be like to be more than just friends with Ken, to have someone to share my life with again.
No, that was impossible. Ken was Mia’s teacher, the second most important human in my daughter’s life right now. Even more, he was a sweet guy, a genuinely decent person who deserved the best partner he could find.
Not some loser jacking off online for money.
“I mean it, though,” Ken continued, his voice earnest. “I’m not sure what I would’ve done without you today. Let me repay the favor somehow, maybe lunch? My treat.”
I hesitated. On one hand, I wanted to spend more time with Ken. On the other hand, my heart wasn’t ready for a relationship, even if I could openly date Ken. Even worse, the thought of bringing in another person into Mia’s life, only for them to break her heart as well was a hard pass.
But one look at Mia’s hopeful face, and I couldn’t say no. “Lunch sounds great,” I said, a smile spreading across my face. “Lead the way. We’ll follow you.”
We followed Ken to Rooster’s Cafe, a cozy little building tucked away on a quiet side street. Warm, earthy tones and rustic wooden accents gave it a homey, inviting vibe.
“I used to work here when I was in high school,” Ken said as he held the door open for Mia and me, flashing me a shy smile as we stepped inside. The place was bustling with a lunchtime crowd as the hostess led us to a corner booth, the vinyl seats cracked and worn from years of use. “Everything’s good here.”
“Well, something smells delicious,” I added, inhaling deep as my stomach rumbled at the aroma of burgers and fried chicken.
Mia grabbed a kids’ menu and a handful of crayons, her eyes lighting up as she scanned the colorful pictures. “Daddy, can I get the chicken nuggets?” she asked, bouncing in her seat.
I shook my head, laughing at my daughter’s one-track mind. “Of course, sweetie. You can get whatever you want.” I turned to Ken. “I think at this point Mia is about fifty percent chicken nugget.”
As Mia colored in her menu, I sneaked glances at Ken across the table, grinning as I pretended not to notice him sneaking glances at me, like two teenagers pretending not to like each other.
Oh, yes. I was in trouble.
I looked up to see the server approaching our table, his eyes fixed on Ken. “Kenny?” he said, a grin spreading across his face.
Ken blinked, surprise registering on his features. “Alex? I didn’t know you were back in town.” He turned to me, a sheepish smile on his lips. “Marc, this is Alex Henderson. We, uh, we used to know each other.”
Alex’s gaze flicked between us, his smile widening. “Yeah, it’s been a few months since I moved back. Small world, huh?” He pulled out a notepad, his eyes never leaving Ken’s face. “So, what can I get you two gentlemen and the little lady today?”
Kenny?I felt a prickle of jealousy as I watched their exchange, the familiarity in their body language and the way Alex’s eyes lingered on Ken.Get a grip, Mendez,I chided myself.Ken’s a grown man, he can have friends.
Still, I didn’t like how Ken’s cheeks flushed slightly under Alex’s intense gaze. There was some history there, and I wondered what kind of relationship they had shared.
Then again, did I really want to know?
“Uh, I’ll have the cheeseburger and fries,” Ken said, his voice a touch unsteady. “And Mia would like the chicken nuggets, right sweetie?”
Mia nodded enthusiastically, her crayons forgotten as she beamed up at Alex. “And extra ketchup, please!”
“You got it, kiddo.” Alex scribbled down the order, his eyes lingering on Ken. “And for you? he asked, turning his gaze to me.
“I’ll have the same as Ken. And a side salad.”
Alex nodded, his smile never wavering. “Coming right up.” With a final, lingering look at Ken, he turned and headed back toward the kitchen.
