“Savvy—”
She was gone, and Austin didn’t know whether to go after her or let it go.
Savvy was right. He could uncomplicate things if he really wanted to, but did he want to?
He doubted Debbie would be willing to downgrade to his lifestyle, and he could never live hers. Besides, if by some miracle, he and Debbie did get together, he didn’t want his kids ending up spoiled like Cheyenne.
He wouldn’t get his children’s hopes up where Debbie was concerned. It was best if they all pretended the kiss never happened.
CHAPTER18
Austin’s phone pinged as he climbed into his truck. He pulled it from his pocket. His heart skipped a beat when he saw Debbie’s name on the screen.
No soccer game tonight, right?
Austin checked his calendar. Debbie was right. He’d forgotten the boys didn’t have a game tonight. And he was actually getting off a little early, because the superintendent on this project canceled today’s meeting. Which meant he and the kids could spend all evening at Debbie’s house if they wanted.
Do I want to?
His heart screamed “Yes!” But his head said, “No!”
Tuesday night’s soccer game hadn’t been as uncomfortable as he’d expected, but once again, it had felt like he and Debbie were a couple as they sat on the sidelines cheering on Dallas and Cody together. A scene he could easily get used to.
Then last night had only been mildly tense as he and Debbie worked together to get dinner on the table. His heart only raced a little every time he glanced at the pantry door or stood too close to her.
When she touched him, though, intentional or otherwise, his pulse skyrocketed. He doubted she meant anything with her innocent touches. It was just the way she was, but it nearly drove him crazy. Every. Single. Time.
He texted Debbie:No game tonight.
She responded right away:The boys are begging for a movie night. Do you care if they stay late?
A movie night? In Debbie’s dark theater room? The thought of sitting close to her sounded very appealing.
He started the engine and turned on the AC to cool the suddenly hot truck. At least she asked his permission before promising his boys something. If they started the movie right after dinner, it would finish about the time a soccer game would.
He lifted his phone.A movie sounds fun.
But he’d make it a point to sit as far away from Debbie as possible.
Checking the clock on the dash, he decided to hurry home and take a quick shower before heading to Debbie’s. He wasn’t trying to impress her or anything. He just felt especially grimy and had the time, so why not?
He turned his thoughts from Debbie to Savannah. She’d said she wasn’t ready for a serious relationship, but she sure was excited last night when they arrived home from Debbie’s house to find roses and chocolates on their front porch from Caleb, along with a cheesy poster saying,Roses are red, Violets are blue, It sure would be sweet, To go to Prom with you.
She’d taken a picture before touching the roses or chocolate to send to her friends—and he suspected, Debbie. Then she’d spent an hour on the phone with Rainey trying to figure out a creative way to respond. Austin had a feeling he’d be forking over some money once they decided on a plan.
Unless Savvy involves Debbie.
He couldn’t decide whether to be upset that Debbie might step in and interfere again or be grateful that Savvy had a supportive woman in her life that she enjoyed sharing things with.
Traffic was lighter than Austin expected, and he made good time getting home.
Is this a sign?
He laughed at himself.
A sign of what? That I’m falling for Debbie?
No. He couldn’t go there.
