Self-deprecation filled her gentle smile.
God, she was pretty. Felt like the drive of a knife through my chest every time I looked at her.
I blew out some of the strain, trying to keep my shit together and talk about this rationally. The same way as I did whenever I made plans with my crew.
Like it was business.
Detached yet focused.
Disconnected yet wholly committed.
“Which means you didn’t think you would?” A slight chuckle rolled out.
So much for professional.
Soft amusement swirled through her. “I honestly didn’t know what I would find when I came here. But once you discovered us on your property, I was pretty sure my chances were dwindling fast.”
“And what’s that supposed to mean?” Didn’t know how the fuck it came out playful.
She knocked her shoulder into mine, which meant she pretty much only hit me mid-arm, before she handed me another rinsed plate. “Oh, come on, you know we found a wild beast in the forest. A big, grumpy giant.”
I grunted, though there was nothing irritated or sore about it. “Am not.”
“Am not?” she teased, canting me a wry grin.
My laugh was slow and quiet, then some of the easiness was draining out. “Don’t spend a lot of time with other people, Daisy.”
She looked at me in question, silently urging me to continue.
“Even with my crew who I met in LA after I left West Virginia, I keep my distance. An outsider always looking in. It’s rare that any of them come here. Usually only if they need something from me. Their children have never even visited. So, it’s safe to say, this is all new for me.”
“I guess running from my ex and begging my old best friend who I haven’t seen in years to marry me and start adoption proceedings for my children is new for me, too.” It was all a tease.
“Just a small ask,” I returned, the softest smile tweaking the edge of my mouth.
“I’m so grateful,” Daisy suddenly rushed, peeking up at me.
All the casualness evaporated.
“Only doing it because I know it’s not going to come to what you’re worried about. Won’t let that happen. Not to you or to them. They need their mother, and I’m the last person who should act as their guardian.”
Her brow pinched. “I don’t believe that.”
“You don’t know me.”
“And you don’t know my ex-husband.”
Rage ticked through my muscles, but I held it back for the time when I got to use it.
“Okay, fine, I’m the second to last person who should act as father for your children.”
Father.
My chest burned.
A buzz of affection rolled out of her, and she knocked her shoulder into mine again, lightly jostling me to the side. “You’re wrong, Cash. You’re pretty amazing with them, especially if you haven’t really spent any time with kids before.”
“You know this is only temporary, Daisy.” I didn’t try to keep the warning from my voice.
