“More like a bomb crashed down and smashed it all to pieces.”
Duke’s brows rose high. “Now I’m intrigued.”
Lane scrubbed a palm over his jawline. He just needed to rip off the damn Band-Aid. “I’m a dad. Didn’t even know it. I have a freaking baby.”
A low whistle came from Duke. “This your baby mama’s house? I noticed a nursery in there. Pictures of Mom and baby in there but none with Dad.”
He turned to stare at Duke. “You’re pretty damn perceptive.”
“I notice things.” Duke shrugged. “So you and the mom used to be a thing?”
“A long time ago. I messed it up then, came back to town and messed it up again. I just hope she’ll give me a chance to be a part of the baby’s life. Prove I want to be there for my kid.”
“That why you installed the security system?”
“Yeah. She had a break in last night. I happened to stop by, or things could have ended really badly.”
“Shit, man. I’m sorry. But as long as you keep showing up and proving how much you want to be there for your kid, she’ll see how serious you are. Your head’s spinning, I’m sure, and I bet so is hers. Let the dust settle a bit and things won’t look so daunting.”
“Damn, dude. Never thought you’d have such good advice.”
Duke slapped him on the shoulder then stood. “You never asked for any before. What do you say we grab a burger and beer? Call it my fee for helping you out.”
Standing, Lane brushed the dirt from the back of his jeans. “I thought free room and board for however long you planned to stay was payment enough.”
“Good point. I’ll buy.”
Lane cracked a smile as he walked back to the house and made sure the security system was in working order. He needed to go over everything with Celine anyway. Might as well get some good food while he was at it.
A quick glanceat the clock ticking above the stainless-steel counter in the kitchen told Celine her break was almost over.
Tia bustled through the swinging door and placed dirty dishes in the sink. She spared Celine a concerned look before rinsing off the remaining food. “You can head home if you want. We aren’t too busy. I have enough staff to handle the rest of the lunch crowd.”
She nibbled on her last fry. “I appreciate the offer, but I can’t afford time off. I’m fine. Being busy takes my mind off everything.”
“You sure?”
If she was being honest, nothing would tear her mind from her troubles. But there was no reason to admit that to her friend.
“Positive,” she said, hoping her smile read sincere. “You haven’t had lunch yet. Sit and eat while I head back to work.”
Tia finished rinsing off the plates then slumped against the edge of the sink. “I’ll take you up on that. Thanks.”
Celine found her apron and tied it around her waist before heading into the dining area. Violet bustled around her section, the tables clearing out, so she surveyed the cluster of tables assigned to Tia.
Her heart sank at the same time excitement thrummed against the side of her neck. Lane sat with his back to her, a man she’d never seen before across from him.
With Lane home, she needed to get used to seeing him around. She’d expected it at some point today since he’d insisted on buying and installing a security system. At least this conversation would be centered around food and not something more personal.
Forcing her nerves to settle, she headed straight for his table and fixed a smile on her face. “Afternoon. Do you guys know what you want?”
She struggled not to cringe at the false, high note of her voice. As much as she strived for casual indifference she sounded more like a western valley girl.
And the amused half-smirk on Lane’s face told her he thought the same thing. “Burger, fries, and cola for me. Duke?”
“Same.” Duke set aside his menu and fixed a mega-watt grin on her. “You must be the owner of a brand-new security system?”
Frowning, she darted her gaze to Lane before refocusing on the man he’d called Duke. “Sounds like you know more about that than I do, which is a little unsettling since I don’t even know who you are.”
