I laugh and shake my head. That’s just like Mara. Starts a conversation but then quits as soon as she gets bored.
“Someone tell a funny joke?” I hear a deep, masculine voice at my side. It makes me jump a bit until I see who it is.
“Geez, Matt. Give a girl some warning, would ya? And no, it’s just Mara being Mara.”
I take in his appearance next to me. He has a black ball cap pulled down over his wavy brown hair, paired with a dark Henley and light jeans. When a large grin splits his face, it reaffirms my original impression of Matt. He’s a nice guy, and incredibly handsome, but sadly, he doesn’t do anything for me. He’s hinted at us going out, but I just don’t feel any spark.
Matt comes almost every day to pick up his younger brother, who happens to be Noah’s best friend. Sometimes I get caught up in the fact that Matt picks up his brother, Dane, as a favor to his parents. He doesn’thaveto be here every day; he chooses to be here for him. Noah doesn’t have parents to rely on. He has me, which is truthfully better.
“Dane mentioned something about Noah trying soccer again. Did he tell you I’m coaching the team? I can make a spot for him, no problem,” he offers.
“Thanks. I’ll talk to him tonight, but I think that’s the plan.”
“That’s great!” Matt’s eyes light up. “Let me know for sure, and I can always pick him up for practice. We pass you guys on our way to the park anyway.”
“That sounds good. Maybe we can work out a system? I’m interviewing for a couple of part-time jobs this week.” I don’t want to be a burden, but it would be nice if Matt could pick Noah up so I could work.
“Sure, give me your phone. I’ll put my number in it, so you have it. I’m surprised we haven’t done this yet. The boys have only been friends for the last year.” He laughs. “Hopefully a new job won’t keep you too busy, ya know? All work and no play makes us dull.”
I try to think of the last time I went out but come up blank. It’s not something I really do unless Noah is with me. “That’s true. It’ll be nice to have them on the same team together. I think he was worried there wouldn’t be space for him.”
Matt nods with understanding. “I get that, but don’t worry. You have an in with the coach.” He winks.
I wish his winks and flirting stirred somethingin me, but for some reason, I have firmly placed him in the friend zone. Maybe I’m just not meant for relationships. Maybe watching my parents ruined me for that.
I laugh at his joke and turn toward the opening school doors.
“Cora!” Noah shouts as he runs up to us. “Dane said that Matt was coaching. Can I play?”
“I don’t know, Noah. I may not have any more room on my team,” Matt teases. “What do you think, Dane? Do we have one more open spot?”
“You already told Mom you were coaching us.”
“I saidifCora was okay with it, I would,” Matt cuts in quickly, looking sheepish.
“Yes!” Noah cheers. “We’ll destroy the other teams!”
“Good luck with double trouble here,” I say to Matt with a laugh. When these two get together, God only knows what can happen.
Even though he gets in trouble occasionally, Noah’s a good kid. I know I did the right thing when I decided to raise him. I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if he had gone into foster care or with Bea. God no. He’d be a shell of the kid he is now. The smile on his face is worth everything, and I intend to make damn sure nothing will ever take it away.
“I guess we’ll have to do some shopping then.” Turning to Matt, I ask, “Can you text me what he needs? I’ll make sure to pick it up.”
“You got it. It’s not much for their age,” he promises. “Let’s go, Dane. I told Mom I’d drop you off before I head to the clinic. Later, Cora.” Matt smiles at me, then heads off with his brother.
Turning toward our car, I ask Noah about his day. Moments like this remind me that even though he has someone to share his day with, I don’t really have anyone to share mine with. Yeah, I tell Noah bits and pieces, but it’s not the same. Glancing back at Matt, I find his eyes are on me, and I shake my head. I know it’s better this way.
Chapter Four
Atlas
“Itold you we need to hire a new receptionist. Someone Kash won’t sleep with.” Rhett props his feet on the desk in our office, leaning back in his chair. Fighting the urge to shove his feet off, I settle for glaring at him, hoping he takes the hint.
Not only is he one of mybrothers, and I’ll never admit this out loud, but he’s currently my favorite one. I hate going through all the administrative things on my own, so he’s been helping me when he can. It’s been a rough few weeks.
“Is that even a possibility?” I question.
Rhett tilts his head to the side, as if he’s actually considering the possibility. “Nah.” He shakes his head. “Probably not, but there has to be someone out there immune to his charms, right?”
