"That's easy; it's because Dalton's here and love makes you do crazy things … even move to a speck of a town in the Rockies."
She coaxed Maddie into two more bites and gathered the plates. When she came out with the trifle bowl full of pudding, they clapped.
With bellies full and everyone happy, Maddie went inside to sit on the sofa and read a book while Alex helped clean up.
"Thank you for helping." She wiped her hands on a towel and took a few steps toward the living room and Maddie when Alex reached out and stopped her.
"Mercy … I don't know how to properly thank you for all you've done. You have been a wonderful influence on Maddie and me."
She was close enough to see the specks of gold in his eyes.
"It's my job."
He shook his head. "No. It's more than that. I can hire you for babysitting, but I can't pay someone to care, and it's obvious that you do."
His proximity did crazy things to her body. Unlike her mother, she'd never been a groupie, but she was a real fan of Alex, not the musician but the man.
"She's amazing, and so are you." Her chin dropped. "It's been my pleasure, and in the short time she's been here, she's blossomed."
"You're making a difference in our lives."
"And you in mine."
He moved closer. " This might be a weird question, but can I kiss you?”
"Me? Why me?" She looked behind her expecting to see someone else.
"Why not you?" He ran his thumb down her cheek as he inched closer to her face.
"Because I'm me."
His lips brushed against hers. "And I like you."
"Well then, you better kiss me."
She expected a crash of lips and teeth, but the kiss was slow and sweet. She no longer had to wonder what his lips would be like on hers— this was her nirvana.
"That was perfect," he said against her lips. When he stepped back, he looked at her like she was the only woman in the world. "Since you made me dinner, how about I take you out for a meal?"
Her heart filled with fear and excitement. What was happening with them?
"Are you asking me on a date?"
He bit his lower lip, and when it popped free, he said, "Yes, I believe I am."
"It's a date then."
His lips touched hers briefly. "Friday? I'll arrange for a sitter."
"We can bring Maddie."
He shook his head. "It's a date, and that means two people having a nice time together."
"Okay." Energy pulsed through her. "What should I wear?"
"If it were up to me, you'd wear nothing, but something casual nice will do."
Her cheeks heated. What the hell was casual nice? "I haven't been on a date in years."
He rubbed his chin. "I don't think I've ever been on a real date."
She lifted her brows. "You should know, I don't put out on the first date."
He laughed. "Neither do I."
"You're such a liar." She tapped him on the arm with a fist.
"Seriously. I'm telling the truth. I haven't ever put out on a first date. Maybe that's only because I have never been on one.” He touched her lips again in a brief fly by. "I'm looking forward to you being my first, Ms. Mercy Meyer."
They walked into the living room where Alex hoisted Maddie to his hip, and after a wave goodbye, they left. The only thing that proved the night was real was the half-eaten bowl of banana pudding and the tingle on her lips.
Chapter Twelve
Since Samantha wanted to finish the album so they could have downtime between its completion and the Fireman's Fundraiser, there wasn't much time to indulge, and Alex didn't think there were enough kisses between the barbecue and his date with Mercy on Friday. They were working long hours, and by the time he picked Maddie up, he was exhausted. All he could do was take her home and spend quality time until it was her bedtime.
But now that Friday was here and he managed to get a sitter, he was revived and ready to go.
"Are you sure you have everything you need?" he asked Louise.
"Honey, I've got eight kids, if I don't have it, they don't need it."
He watched Maddie cautiously approach some of Louise's brood.
"Do you think she'll be okay?"
She looked over her shoulder and laughed. "She's fine. I haven't killed one yet, not that I haven't been tempted. Give her five minutes to warm up to the girls, and they'll be fast friends. Are you sure you don't want her to spend the night? We're happy to keep her."
While a night with Mercy sounded tantalizing, they weren't moving that fast. She was different. Maybe he liked her because she wasn't like the rest. Her expectations weren't the same, and he wanted to aspire to be the man she thought he was. The way she looked at him made him feel better than the playboy he'd been. For Maddie and her, he'd do better.
"I'll be back by nine to get her. Mercy says a consistent schedule is good for Maddie."
"Without a schedule, you don't have a life." Louise laughed. "You don't think I have eight kids because the little ones stayed up all night, do you?"
He stepped back. "I'm not ready for more."
"Problem is, they multiply like rabbits. You start with two, and before you know it, you've got a fluffle."
"A what?"
"Lots of cute little bunnies. Now get and have a good time. Maddie is going to have the time of her life. It's s'mores night, and that's one sticky chocolatey mess."
He backed up a few feet before turning away.
"Don't forget flowers because most women are a sucker for them. You might get lucky if you show up with a bouquet."
He chuckled. "You know what? I'm already lucky just to have this date."
"You're a smooth one."
He waved and walked down the sidewalk. "Call me if you need me."
He climbed into his SUV and
