“What makes this so different?” She understood what he was saying. It was one reason she’d been so anti-dating, especially since Will was still so young. She didn’t want Will to get attached to someone who would leave.
“You.”
“Me? That’s it?”
One corner of his mouth tilted up. “That’s all I got.” He brushed his thumb against her cheekbone and stepped back, putting some space between them. “For tonight, we’ll keep it simple. Tell them I’m a friend you invited over for dinner. You’ve had friends over for dinner before, right?”
Abby crossed her arms. “Yeah, but not friends who are men.”
“You don’t have any friends who are guys?” He went back to unloading to-go containers.
“Work friends, but not personal friends.”
“Why not?”
“Because inevitably being friends isn’t enough and they want to sleep with me, then get mad when they’re ‘friend zoned.’” She emphasized with air quotes. “So, I don’t bother.”
His grin grew. “I want to sleep with you. But I won’t pretend to be your friend to get in your bed. You’ll let me in when you’re ready.”
Her mouth worked to make words, but no sound came out.
“You should let the kids know dinner’s ready.” He swatted her on the butt and started opening cabinets. “Where do you keep your plates?”
Post dinner
Tinker plunged the scrub brush into the soapy water, then ran it over the plate to remove the stuck-on bits of barbecue. He glanced to his right where Olivia rinsed and placed the clean dishes on the drain board.
She hadn’t said much at dinner to anyone other than Will. He’d caught her glaring in his direction a few times with assessing eyes that had seen too much in her short twelve years.
“You have some questions for me?” he asked.
“How long have you known Abby?” There was an accusing edge to her voice.
“About a month, I think.” He shut off the water and dried his hands on a dish towel.
“Are you dating?”
“Not yet, but I’d like to.”
She crossed her arms and leaned against the far counter of the galley-style kitchen. “Does Abby want to date you?”
He suppressed a smile. “I hope so, but that’s up to her.”
“Why were you here on Friday?”
He leaned against the opposite counter and slid his hands into his pockets. “I’m friends with Katherine and we work together in the same organization.”
“What organization?” she asked.
“Veterans Against Child Abuse. We help kids feel safe again, especially when they have to testify in court. We go with them so they know they have someone there to protect them. That’s how Katherine knew who to call—she’s helped other kids and families.”
“And that’s your job?” she asked.
“No. I work for a company as a security specialist. I volunteer with VACA.”
“Are there other guys like you who volunteer?”
He nodded. “Lots.”
