One to Love (One to Hold 4)

“The crews won’t be in port for another week or two. When they come, most of them won’t want a trainer. You’ll just make sure they don’t wreck the place.” We stopped at the juice bar, and Mariska slid over a white cup.

“Try that out and tell me what you think. No charge.” I glanced at her, and she winked. “It’s a new recipe. Supposed to build muscle mass. I need to know if guys will like it.”

It was a ruse, but I smiled and took it. Soon I wouldn’t be such a fucking charity case.

Rook continued. “You’ll need to hang around the gym more than you do now. Kenny and Pete’s schedules are pretty full with our regular members. You’ll pick up any overflow.”

“Got it.” I said, nodding as I took a big gulp of the protein shake. It was good—thick and not too sweet.

“Tammy will make you a timecard, and you’ll punch in and out. No more Sundays off.”

“I knew that was too good to last.”

He smiled and held out a hand. It was the first time he’d offered to shake, and I couldn’t help feeling honored. I gripped his large palm, and he finished.

“No more probationary period.” He held on a beat longer, and I was about to make a crack about not being his girlfriend when he blew me away. “You’re a good man, Slayde Bennett. Keep up the good work.”

His words hit me so hard. I had to clear my throat before I answered. “Thanks.”

“Oh!” Mariska cried, clasping her hands under her chin. “Where’s my damn camera when I need it?”

“Don’t spoil it.” Rook deadpanned, and I laughed. He released me, and I looked at my palm. Then I headed out. I had to make a quick stop before I was ready for tonight.

Chapter 22: “Live in the sunshine, swim in the sea, drink the wild air.”

Kenny

Patrick was dressed to go out when I arrived in Wilmington. Jeans and a polo were his standard going out attire, and his dark green shirt made his hazel eyes glow... as he narrowed them on me.

“What’s different?”

“You’re so suspicious!” I dropped my bags on the floor. “Nothing’s different.”

“Liar. This is not the pensive, angst-ridden Kenny who visited us last time.”

Rolling my eyes, I stopped at the refrigerator to grab a bottle of water. “You’re so full of shit. That’s a total exaggeration.”

“You’re full of shit.”

Elaine entered the room carrying Lane, who only wore a diaper and a towel. “Baby here—no more swearing,” she called. “He just had his bath, and I barely got a diaper on him when he heard your voice.”

Laughing, I scooped his wiggling, grinning body from her arms. “How’s my big boy?” I kissed his chubby neck and took a deep breath of Baby Magic. “I’m sorry I was gone too long this time.”

He struggled in my arms, and I loosened them. Putting his hands on my cheeks, his blue eyes grew round. “Two mommies.”

Behind me I heard Patrick snort, and I cut my eyes at him. Back to the baby, I held my expression neutral. “Yes. Lane has two mommies who love Lane very much.”

“Ah, now you’re making it sweet.” Patrick pretended to complain.

Elaine breezed into the kitchen at that remark. “What’s sweet?”

“Lane has two mommies.” I said, and she paused.

Her hand went to her hip, and her expression grew thoughtful. “I guess we never really talked about that. Should we make out now or wait until later tonight?”

Patrick almost choked on a laugh, drinking from my water bottle, but I hugged Lane closer. “Do you think it’s confusing? I mean, should we call me... something else?”

She walked over to us, rubbing Lane’s little back. He reached out and stuck his fingers in her silky hair. “Two mommies.”