I hesitate for a second and Callan rolls a shoulder, leaving it up to me. “We’ll see,” I say.
“Kaitlyn, go brush your teeth and finish your packing. We’re leaving shortly.” Callan’s knuckles brush mine, and he nods toward the kitchen. “Breakfast is ready.”
Delicious smells reach my nose and my stomach grumbles. My breakfast usually consists of coffee and toast, but after building up an appetite last night, I’m game for something meatier. “If it’s anything like your pizza last night, I’d say I’m in for a treat.”
I follow him to the kitchen and lower myself into a chair and he puts a box of cereal in front of me. My jaw falls, and Callan laughs.
“Chocolate Puffs, breakfast of champions.”
I shake my head at him, but I totally love how funny he is. He’s not had it easy, but he’s so easy to be around.
“I’ll stick to coffee, thanks.”
He takes the box away and sets a plate with scrambled eggs, sausage, and toast in front of me.”
My stomach grumbles louder. “Now this is what I’m talking about,” I say and pick up my fork. I dig in and moan as the flavors hit my tongue. “This is delicious.”
“I aim to please.”
I grin at him. “Consider me pleased.” He sits beside me. “Did you already eat?”
“I ate with Kaitlyn.”
I frown. “Sorry I slept in.”
“Don’t be. It’s Saturday.”
“Next time, I’ll cook for you.” As soon as the words leave my mouth, I shake my head. “I don’t know why I said that.”
He opens his mouth, about to answer, but Kaitlyn comes into the room. “I can’t find my pink bathing suit.”
“I’ll help you.” He pushes to his feet, and I go back to finishing the food on my plate. They both appear back in the kitchen by the time I’m done. I rinse my dish and set it in the open dishwasher.
“All set,” I say and pick up my purse. “Wait, what did I do with my phone?”
“I think I saw it on the coffee table. You were on it last night when I came downstairs after tucking Kaitlyn in.”
“I only lose it about ten times a day.”
I find it on the coffee table, and cringe when I see all the texts from Brad.
“Everything okay?” Callan asks.
“Yup,” I say and five minutes later, we’re piling back into the car, and I note the suitcase and duffle bag Callan is putting in the trunk. Kaitlyn sure packs heavily for her grandparents’ place. In the back seat, Kaitlyn plays on her children’s iPad, and I sing along quietly to the song on the radio.
“You have a really nice voice. I never knew that.”
“Thanks. Singing lessons when I was young.”
Warm contentment settles in my stomach as I take in Callan’s profile. It’s going to be hard going to his place once a week to give Kaitlyn lessons, and keeping my hands to myself. He awakened my body in glorious ways last night, ways unlike any other man. That thought fills my stomach with dread. Dammit, I want to go to my parents, but on the other hand I’m really sick about it. Maybe I’ll get lucky and Brad will be on shift. It’s wishful thinking.
“Something on your mind?” Callan asks, when he turns to find me staring at my lap.
“No, I’m good,” I say and force a smile.
“Yeah, I hope you don’t play poker.”
“I’m that easy to read?”
He reaches across the seat, takes my hand into his and gives it a little squeeze. “It’s going to be fine, I promise.”
I nod, even though I know it’s not going to be fine or something he can promise. I’m not even sure why he’s saying that to me. I guess he’s just being kind and supportive. I go quiet, and Kaitlyn perks up when we pull into his parents’ driveway. I smile. I have fond memories of hanging at this house when we were in high school.
The front door opens and out walks Mr. and Mrs. Ward. Kaitlyn unbuckles, jumps from her seat and dashes up the steps for a hug. My heart swells.
“That’s sweet,” I say.
“Yeah, it is. Kaitlyn is the best thing that ever happened to me.”
I angle my head and take in the love shining in his eyes as he gazes at his daughter. “Do you think you’d ever have more?”
The words are barely out of my mouth before he’s giving me a fast, “No.”
“Okay,” I say, the look on his face tearing at my heart. He loved and lost and he’s so goddamn frightened to lose again, he won’t even try. A guy like him deserves a good woman in his life, in his daughter’s life. “I’m sorry, that was none of my business.”
“I don’t mind you asking. You can ask me whatever you want. It’s just that more kids aren’t in the cards for me. What about you, Gemma? Do you want kids? Is it okay if I ask that?”
“You can, and yes, I’ve always wanted a big family. I’m just not interested in a relationship right now. I need time for myself, time to just heal emotionally, and I have a hard time trusting. It’s going to be a long time before I open myself up to anyone again. I might not ever, but I guess it’s the twenty-first century and I don’t really need a man in my life to have a child, right?”
“You’re right, you don’t.” His fingers lightly graze my arm. “But you opened yourself up to me,” he says, as he rakes his teeth over his bottom lip, his gaze going to my mouth.
A hard quiver goes through me. “Yeah, but that’s different.” I glance up to see Mrs. Ward still on the deck, waiting for us, while Kaitlyn drags her grandfather inside.
“I know. But I’m glad we went for it.” He squeezes my hand again. “Come on. Let’s go say hello.”
I open my door and step from the car. Callan grabs the suitcase from the trunk, and we walk to
