“Dick,” he whispered under his breath.
“You’re not wrong,” I agreed. “But I try to stay impartial for the kids’ sake. I talk my frustrations out with the girls and Tristan, but never in front of the kids. He is their dad after all, and he’s always been a good one until recently, when he met his new girlfriend. She doesn’t get along with Gabby, so DJ automatically hates her too, because he’s protective of his sister. Gabby’s a daddy’s girl, and Rachel doesn’t seem to appreciate their closeness.”
“There shouldn’t be any contest,” Donovan pointed out. “Kids come first.”
“I hear ya, but I’m assuming today’s drama is about something Rachel’s said or done to Gabrielle, and DJ’s jumped into protective mode.”
“What's your ex like with DJ?” he asked.
“The kids know why we split. Gabby’s got a forgiving soul, and seeing us get along means she doesn’t have to feel bad about loving her dad. DJ, not so much.”
“Ahh,” Donny murmured. “Momma’s boy.”
“Not really,” I corrected. “More like a decent boy with a high moral compass who loves me and sees how I pick up most of the slack. He doesn’t have much respect for his dad.”
His mouth quirked. “You’re a good mom, Posy. It’s obvious where DJ gets his good heart from.”
I smiled back. “Thank you. There’s no greater compliment.”
He reached out, took my fingers, and pulled them onto his thigh, keeping my hand covered with his.
My gaze lowered to study the gesture. It felt tender, like my hand was meant to be held by his. It felt warm while at the same time, exhilarating, but then I knew what those fingers could do. The memory of it had been seared into my brain for the last three years.
“Are you seeing Lucy Bloom?” I blurted out.
My eyes widened, and my cheeks heated as mortification set in.
Christ. Why thehelldid I ask him that?
He glanced at me again. “No.”
“Cara saw you with her recently, out the back of the Shamrock,” I admitted.
His eyebrows pulled together as he thought back, then I saw his expression slacken as it dawned on him. “I took the trash bags out, and she followed and tried to kiss me.”
“Cara said it looked passionate...” My words trailed off.
Oh my God, Rosie. Shut your mouth,I berated myself.
He glanced at me again, grinning. “You jealous?”
I sniffed haughtily. “I don’t want to get involved with a guy who’s got something going on with another woman, especially a woman I know.”
“Nothing’s ever happened between me and Lucy Bloom,” he denied. “We’ve flirted some and shared a kiss or two, but nothing more. Last weekend looked like something it wasn’t.”
I sat back in my seat. “Hmm.”
“Got no reason to lie, Rosie. I’ll always be honest with you, even if the truth hurts. If I had a thing with Lucy, I’d explain it, ask you to hang fire for a couple of weeks while I tied things up with her, then I’d take you out.” He shot me a furtive look. “What about you? Any guys on the scene?”
I shook my head. “Nobody.”
His dimple flashed. “Good.”
A notification pinged from my cell phone. Picking it up from the seat beside me, I saw Gabby’s name on the display, and I clicked to answer.
“Hey, baby girl.”
“Hey, Momma,” she greeted softly. “Our tow’s here. Lucie’s hooking DJ’s truck up now.”
