Chapter 6
Dash
Withalittleover an hour until sunset, Arden and I drive down to the park so we don’t have to walk back to Paddy’s later. I was shocked when she suggested I join them at the park, but like hell would I decline. Watching her smile from across the room somehow eased the pounding headache I’ve had for the last couple of weeks.
Wait, am I really trying to romance a single mom? I put my truck in park and kill the ignition. Next to me, Arden is leaning through the back door of the Saturn, unstrapping Holden from his car seat. I watch her in my side mirror for a moment before stepping out.
The gentle late spring breeze carries the scent of freshly cut grass. It’s a scent I’ve experienced throughout my life, but somehow tonight it’s crisper and refreshing.
Arden’s gaze meets mine, and when she smiles, any hope of talking myself out of pursuing her melts.
“Thanks for joining us. I...” She falters for a second, as if trying to figure out her own reasoning for inviting me. “I guess I miss having adult company outside of work.”
“I’m happy to oblige. I mean, you’ve seen the company I keep. Sometimes hanging out with your bosses gets old. Even when you have a toddler as an excuse to not pay attention the whole time.”
The corners of her mouth tug up. She’s so fucking enchanting when she smiles. She’s trying to hide it, but it keeps creeping back.
We head over to the smaller fenced-in area designed for younger children and take a seat at a picnic table to watch Holden while he plays. Arden pulls out her salad, which smells like it has nearly as much hot sauce as lettuce, and drizzles ranch dressing over the top.
“I take it you like things spicy.”
“This is mild.” Those full lips of hers pull apart, causing her cheeks to rise, and her eyes to squint. “I take it you don’t.”
“Oh, I do, but I usually regret it afterward.” I stare straight ahead, watching Holden attempt to climb up a rope ladder. Keep the immature comments to yourself.
“Isn’t that part of the whole experience?” She holds a forkful of lettuce to her lips, then stops.
At first, I was convinced she and I were thinking very different things, but now I’m not so sure.
Without breaking eye contact, she takes the bite and chews. She repeats the process with a larger bite, nearly dripping with hot sauce. My balls ache, needing to get to know more about this woman.
I have never dated a woman with a kid. Normally, I’d be fine to engage in a battle of adult banter, but watching her kid play ten feet away, and knowing someone has hurt her before, I freeze in place.
“How’s work?” she asks.
“It’s shit.” I explain the supply chain issues without even considering the fact that she probably wasn’t expecting a complete rundown. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to keep ranting.”
Arden clicks her tongue and laughs. “It’s okay. I don’t understand half of what you said, but sometimes it’s easier to just let it all out. Besides, the longer you drone on, the longer I can eat without interruption.”
I chuckle. “True, true.”
Holden happily climbs up and down the monkey bars, and every once in a while, calls out for Arden, making sure she’s paying attention.
It’s not long before I forget we’re supposed to be watching Holden. The way she looks at me is not only distracting, but the way her full lips move with every word has me mesmerized. I’m a horny bastard trapped in a world of my own making.
Arden’s cheeks flush and she clears her throat. “Anyway...”
I’ve been watching her too long. There’s nothing I want more than to tuck those stray strands of hair behind her ears and see if her cheeks catch on fire when I kiss her. “Right, so what’s it like working for Janelle?”
I realize after asking that I’m now forcing her to do the talking instead of enjoying her salad, but I need a moment to get my brain to cooperate.
“Well, I get all the hours I want—as long as he’s in daycare or with the babysitter. And she doesn’t completely freak out when I have an impromptu bring-your-son-to-work day.” A hint of crinkle appears between her eyebrows. She’s nervous. I don’t know why, but it’s fucking adorable.
She twists toward me and narrows her eyes. “You know, you’re the first person I’ve talked to around here for more than fifteen minutes who hasn’t asked about Holden’s dad?”
“I figured if you wanted to discuss it, you’d bring it up.”
The shift in her expression is subtle, but she immediately goes back to her salad.
Slightly confused by her reaction, I tilt my head forward to see her face. “Do you want me to ask?”
She shakes her head. “I want to pretend he doesn’t exist.”
“He hurt you?”
The color drains for her face and she stares across the playground at Holden with a somber expression. “He just got out of prison a couple of months ago.”
Holy fuck.