The Single Dad (Red's Tavern 4)

“Listen, I’m sorry—”

“Don’t apologize,” he said. “There is something you can do for me, though.”

“What?”

“Make a bet with me.”

I scratched the back of my head. “I’m not the gambling type, really.”

“Simple bet,” he said, the softness finally returning to his gaze. “If I can finish that whole crossword puzzle in the next… let’s say, ten minutes, you’ll come home with me tonight.”

My chest lurched, which was a strange sensation combined with how hard my cock was getting under my pants. I liked this, even though it was completely unexpected.

I shook my head. “I’m not coming home with you tonight,” I said. “I… can’t do hookups right now.”

“No hookups?”

“God, no,” I said. “It’s against the rules.”

He cocked his head to one side. “Life has no rules.”

“Oh, my life has plenty.”

“So tell me your rules.”

I bit the inside of my cheek. He looked like he was ready to dismantle me, piece by piece, and some part of me loved that.

There was no doubt he could dismantle me if he wanted to. He could pick me up. Put me where he wanted me. Push me up against a wall.

Fuck.

I tried to keep my composure, sitting up a little straighter as I talked to him.

“The rules are: no relationships for at least a year, because I’m too recently divorced.”

“Hey, I never said anything about relationships,” Luke protested, holding up his hands. “I think you are fucking gorgeous, and I absolutely want to take you home and get you naked, but I don’t want a relationship, either.”

I shrugged at him. “That was just rule number one,” I said. “Another rule is that I’m not hooking up with anyone for at least two months.”

“Two months, huh?” Luke asked, amusement behind his eyes.

“What?”

“Do you have it down to a certain calendar date?”

“No, not a certain date, but maybe after summer ends. Something like that,” I said, suddenly a little flustered. I hadn’t given it that much detailed thought yet, and now I was wishing I had. “And the third rule is: nobody new over at my house whenever my kids are there. Because they deserve a stable place.”

He glanced up at me, curiosity in his eyes again. “You’ve got little ones, huh?”

I nodded. “Well, not so little anymore, really. Chloe and Cooper are twelve, and Dayna’s eight.”

“No wonder your life is falling apart,” he said.

I let out an unexpected, hearty laugh. “Damn, is it that obvious?” I said.

“Divorce is a different beast when you have kiddos. I’m really sorry, Cam.”

“I’m doing my best,” I said. “Really.”

I hated this part, too. The part where the whole world felt like a bad therapist’s office ever since I’d gotten divorced. People feeling sorry for me, trying to comfort me while I tried to act like a normal human being again.

“Well, you certainly look good, even if you are an emotional wreck.”

I laughed again. “Jesus.”

“I’m joking,” he said. “About the second part, at least.”

“You’re flattering me because now you know I’m a lonely single dad.”

“I am way too blunt to flatter anyone,” he said. “I just dig your style.”

I pulled in a breath. “This is a seriously tricky puzzle, anyway. You couldn’t finish it in ten minutes.”

He lifted an eyebrow, clearly doubting me. “Let me give it a shot.”

“Fine,” I said. “No hookups. But let’s see if you can finish it in ten.”

I tapped on my slim smartwatch, navigating to the timer.

“Those things are silly,” Luke said, looking at the watch.

“I love it. Helps me keep my whole life organized. I even got basic versions for my kids.”

“All right. Start the timer.” He sat up a little straighter and looking down at the paper.

I started it off, watching as Luke sharply focused on the crossword puzzle, the din of the bar carrying on around us. I glanced down at my outfit, barely remembering what I’d even thrown on today. Just an old pair of indigo fitted jeans, a light lavender T-shirt, and a heather grey hoodie on top. The only part of my outfit that could even be considered to have style were my worn leather boots, which I’d mostly only thrown on because they were comfy. Until a few months ago, style had always been fun for me. I loved wearing nice colors, finding things that fit me just right, and feeling confident when I walked out into the world.

But it had been a while since I’d really tried to be noticed. And Luke’s compliment warmed me up like a damn cup of hot cocoa in a blizzard. I’d missed that feeling.

I watched him work. It was strange to meet someone and be silent with them so quickly. I was usually the king of small talk—I’d always prided myself on being able to make people feel comfortable quickly, and always fill the gaps of silence in conversation during work meetings or group outings.