“I will, and kiss Grandad for me, Mom. Brad said we might make a garden.”
“Will do, and you know I love you.”
“You too.”
“A garden?” Macy looked at Brad.
“Your place needs brightening up, but don't you worry about it now, honey.”
“I'm scared.” The words rushed out before she could stop them.
“Want me to come in with you?” His hand settled over the one she had clenched.
“No, but thanks.”
Inhaling, she opened her fingers briefly and squeezed his before she got out. She felt Brad's eyes on her as she walked to the house. She shot them a final look before walking inside.
Chapter 15
Brad watched Macy until the door closed behind her. She was scared, and after seeing her father's condition, had every right to be.
“Where we going to?”
“Well, it's my bet Razzle's still enjoying his nap, and I could do with another coffee. Shall we go see Buster?”
“Yes!”
He looked in the mirror to where Macy's son sat. His responsibility until she told him otherwise. He wasn't sure why he'd offered, but he liked the boy, and they seemed to get on, and, hell, the woman carried around way too much weight on those slender shoulders of hers, so he thought to relieve her of some.
He hadn't enjoyed hearing her say last night was the last time he'd touch her, or kiss those sweet lips, but now that he'd calmed down he knew she was right. They'd been governed by lust, pure and simple, and that wasn't right, not when that little man in the backseat could be hurt by their actions.
“Don't tell me, let me guess. You want a milkshake and chocolate muffin?”
“Can I?”
“Don't see why not,” Brad said, hoping he was right.
She'd opened herself up to him last night. Given so much, and taken everything he gave her back. His body hummed at the memory of her cries as they made love. Brad couldn't remember a time when he'd had such a connection with a woman, but was sure he would again one day. He just had to find someone else when he was ready to settle down. If ever he was ready to settle down. It wasn’t likely, but the fact he was considering it was a major step as far as he was concerned. He could thank Macy for that.
She'd exposed him, if he was honest with himself, and that alone should be enough to get him on his bike and leaving town. But still he stayed.
The sun was starting to climb as he parked, and the day once again promised to be a warm one.
“Morning,” he said, walking into the Hoot, where Buster and Willow stood behind the counter.
“Hey there, boy.”
“’Lo, Buster.”
“How's Razzle?”
“He's sleeping, but he did a poop and pee outside this morning, didn't he, Brad?”
“Sure did.” Brad felt two sets of eyes studying him. “You go on and get a seat now, and I'll just order our food.”
“Kind of early for you to be over at Macy's, don't you think?” Buster rested his hip on the counter, which suggested he wasn't going anywhere. “Where is she anyway?”
And this, Brad realized, was what Macy was worried about. People asking questions about them.
