“Not necessary.”
“Humor me.” He holds out his arm, and the three of us walk up the stairs.
“Say good night and thank you to Hayes,” I tell the kids, unlocking the front door.
They each hug him, and Lincoln tells him good luck tomorrow.
“Hit me a home run?” Monroe asks, jumping up and down, probably from a sugar rush.
Hayes laughs and runs his hand down the back of his neck. “I’ll try. If I get a hold of one, it’s for you.” He winks at her.
Her eyes widen, and she looks at me. Then the two of them go in, and I shut the door.
I wasn’t prepared to be alone with Hayes on a porch after a great night together, and my heart picks up its pace.
“I’m gonna need you to go in and flip the lock so I hear it.” He nods toward the door.
“Funny thing, I’ve managed well all these years on my own without you telling me what to do.”
“Well, that was before I promised my sister to make sure you’re good.”
His reminder that he’s only here because of Callie feels like a plunge in Lake Michigan in the middle of January. He’s not here for me, but for his sister.
The lightness I felt dissipates with the warm breeze.
Why am I standing here all googly-eyed over this man? I have real problems to worry about. A court appearance that will help to decide whether I get to keep the kids or not. His words were painful, but they were the reminder I needed.
“Thank you,” I say, my voice all business now. “Today was a really shitty day, and this was… nice.”
His forehead wrinkles, and he opens his mouth and closes it. “What happened?”
I shrug, not wanting to involve him anymore than he needs to be. “Go kick Texas’s ass, okay?”
He leans forward, and I want to tell him all about how I have to fight for these kids, how scared I am. But he needs to do what he needs to do. As Decker said, Hayes is the dark horse, but this year will change that. Not if he’s playing house with me though.
“Leighton?”
I shake my head. “I’m fine. Just getting used to all this. Thank you so much for a great night.” I put my hands on his shoulders and turn him around. “Now, go, so you can get some sleep and play a great game tomorrow.”
He hesitates but walks down two steps. “Can I have your phone number?”
“You have it,” I say, although I’m not sure how many more times I can do this with him.
Having him help me, seeing him with the kids and how he is with me… it’s making me want him—a lot more than just a crush on my best friend’s older brother.
His eyes widen. “So same number?”
I nod. “Same.”
And you never used it.
“You should go.” I point toward the Uber.
He glances over his shoulder. “I’ll call you.” Then he jogs down the rest of the steps.
“Go Colts,” I blurt, raising my fist like an idiot.
I don’t wait for him to get in the car. I go into the house and lock the door, so I don’t run after him. My heart pounds, but I take a few breaths, reminding myself that the fairytale I envisioned a long time ago will never come true. They were just the imaginings of a naïve girl.
