Be Mine (Jackson Boys 2)

“There’ll be some post tomorrow online about you and me and Cass.” Two years ago, that would’ve struck terror in my chest because I’d have feared what Chip thought, but he’s gone. I haven’t heard from him since I left Dallas. He must have forgotten about us, and while it sucks that Cassidy doesn’t have a dad that loves her, we’re better off for it.

“It won’t be the first time someone’s photographed us together. Charlie tells anyone who asks that you’re a family friend.” He peers at me from under the brim of his cap, his eyes shaded but his lips looking lush and kissable.

I tear my eyes away from temptation and tuck my hands under my thighs. We’re friends and friends don’t attack each other in the park or any other place.

“At least I haven’t made it on to any gossip blogs or message boards.”

“Would that bother you?” he asks. His tone is serious and quiet as if my answer is important.

I watch Cass’ legs pump her higher into the air. When I was a child, I thought I could reach the sky if I tried hard enough but there was a point at which I’d be too high and my stomach would fly into my throat. I’d drag my feet against the dirt to bring myself down to earth where I belonged. I do that now. “I’d hate it,” I answer honestly because it wouldn’t be nice comments on those internet spaces. “Mostly because I wouldn’t want Cass to see stuff like that about her mom.”

“Right. That would be bad.” He sighs and changes the subject. “If I told you something about Charlie, would you keep it to yourself?”

I swing a suspicious glance in his direction. “No.”

He grimaces. “I thought so.”

“But you’re going to tell me anyway.”

Nick adjusts his cap, sweeps his hair out of his eyes, plucks a few strands of grass, smooths out the picnic blanket, and a half dozen other tiny things until I snap my fingers. “Nick!”

He heaves another sigh. “Nate is coming to Texas to see Charlie.”

My mouth falls open. The elusive SEAL has surfaced? “What? Charlie hasn’t said anything.”

“She doesn’t know. He doesn’t want her to know. He thinks if she knows, she’ll run.”

“I hope she does.” I cross my arms indignantly.

“She loves him,” Nick reminds me. “And Nate loves her. Maybe this is finally their chance. Would you really want to stand in the way of that?”

“Yes.”

Nick gives me an exasperated look.

“Fine,” I reply. “I don’t want to stand in the way of them getting together if that’s what Charlie wants, but I’m not going to let her be ambushed by him. That’s not fair.”

“If you tell her, though, it’s as good as standing in the way of true love.”

“If a Navy SEAL can’t hunt her down, then maybe she deserves to stay hidden because he’s obviously not trying hard enough.”

A Nerf ball bounces close to us. Nick grabs it and whips it back to the boys at the playground. They don’t realize a Super Bowl winning quarterback has just tossed them a ball, but others do. I see more gasping and pointing. We’ll have to leave soon or be mobbed.

“We better get going,” I say, getting to my feet.

“I guess so.” He sounds bummed, but joins me. “At least think about the Charlie thing okay?”

“I’ll think about it.” Not very hard. I grab the blanket and shake it out.

Nick takes one end and helps me fold it. “Isn’t her business taking off? Shouldn’t she be concentrating on that?”

“Yes, but if her ex appears out of nowhere, that won’t help her to stay focused.”

Nick takes the blanket and tucks it under his left arm. A small crowd of people are starting to move toward us. He turns slightly and wraps a hand around my waist to steer me toward Cass. My entire side begins to tingle. That’s what he does to me. One little touch and I’m a mess.

“Won’t it?” Nick prompts.

I jerk in surprise. It’s hard to concentrate when he stands so close to me. It’s also hard to remember that we’re just friends, or some approximation of that sort of non-sexual relationship, when his hand is resting right above my ass.

“She does have more work than she can handle. I’m thinking of getting a nanny for Cassidy for a few hours of the day.”

“A nanny?” He stares at Cassidy climbing up a small rope ladder. “You better let me sit in on those interviews. There’s a lot of weirdos in this city. And no men.”

“Why not? Mannies are popular.”

A scowl spreads across his gorgeous face. “No. I should be the most important man in Cassidy’s life. If she has a manny, she’s going to like him more.”

“Doesn’t the same logic apply to me? I shouldn’t get a female nanny because I want to be the most important woman in Cass’s life.”