"She's crazy, but if you look like her father, then he's one sexy man."
"Sexy, huh?"
She never considered a rock star could be insecure when they had everything they wanted from money to women. "Does your ego need stroking?"
He bent toward her, brushed his lips against hers, and whispered, "That and other things."
Her curiosity peaked. "What other things?" she teased.
"How about we eat and figure it out together?"
"Together sounds good."
Side by side, they worked together, making dinner. He hadn't wanted her help, but she figured the quicker they got to dinner, the faster they'd get to dessert.
Just as the burgers finished grilling, Maddie walked out, carrying her backpack.
"Where are you going?" Mercy asked.
"I have a sleepover with Ms. Louise."
Not only had the idea of a sleepover thrown her, but Maddie pronounced her Ls. She swooped down and picked her up for a hug.
"I'm so proud of you. I loved that you said, Louise."
Maddie hugged Mercy's neck tightly, and with her mouth at her ear, she whispered. "I wuv you."
Even though she didn't get the L right, those three words made Mercy's heart full. Maddie had come to her at a time when she needed something to brighten her day. She never thought it would be a five-year-old who'd steal her heart. Then again, she had one good-looking father.
"I love you, too." She set her down, and when she stood, Alex's eyes seemed glassy.
He turned away and flipped the burgers one last time. "You know, for some, love comes easy, but for people like me—people who have lost so much so early, love is risky. Why would I give my heart to another person who would likely destroy it?"
Was that a warning or a confession for why he whored around?
"I get it completely. It's the once burned, twice shy thing."
He plated the burgers and set them on the outside table where they'd put the fixin's and the buns.
"Yes, I imagine you get it. And you're right. My statement about monogamy was ridiculous, but my point was that even though I'd never tried it, once I was in a relationship, I'd be faithful. I can't expect there to be different rules for us."
She helped Maddie with her burger and gave her a handful of chips.
"Are we in a relationship?" Was it possible to let go of the past and move on? Everyone else seemed to do it, so why not her?
"I would like to think that we are." He doctored his burger. "I arranged for that sleepover we talked about but given the lead up to tonight's dinner, maybe it's best if we wait. I don't want you to feel obligated in any way to stay."
She looked at Maddie, who had ketchup on her cheeks. "Are you excited about your sleepover?"
Maddie swallowed and grinned. "They have Barbies."
"So easy to please," Alex said. He laid his hand on top of Mercy's. "I'm sorry about earlier. I didn't invite her. I swear some of these women are like mice and can find their way inside the tiniest openings."
"Your cameras didn't catch her?"
"It would seem I have a blind spot. I ordered a few more Arlo cameras and will install them as soon as they arrive." He squeezed her hand.
"I'm sorry too. I jumped to conclusions, and I'm ashamed of myself."
Alex looked at Maddie. "Hey, Mads, is it okay if I kiss Mercy?"
Maddie giggled. "Yuck."
"Just keep thinking that until you're about thirty-five."
Alex leaned in and gave Mercy a sweet kiss that left her wanting more.
They finished their burgers and cleaned up but stayed outside where the night air was cool.
Alex's backyard was nothing to write home about. It had grass, and that was it. Maddie chased a butterfly with nowhere to land because his yard, like his house, was stark.
"You should plant a garden," she said. "Maddie loves to help."
He scooted his seat closer, so they sat side by side. "I wouldn't know where to begin."
"I could help too. It's too late to plant fruits and vegetables, but we can prep it for next year." She pointed to the right corner. "You could put a cutting garden right there where it gets full sun and have fresh flowers all summer long. That corner," she nodded to the left, "would be perfect for berries, and along the back, I can see rows of carrots and radishes and maybe a few giant sunflowers."
He intertwined his fingers with hers. "Is that what you want?"
"I have a garden already. It has to be what you want because gardens are a lot like kids: they take commitment and care."
"All I want is for you to spend the night so I can show you that I'm capable of commitment and care."
"Who has to make breakfast in the morning?"
"We'll go to Maisey's."
"Deal." Holy hell, she just agreed to spend the night with Alex Cruz. By morning, she'd know all about his wooden stick.
They stood at the door and waved goodbye to Maddie.
"I've been thrown over for a Barbie Dreamhouse and Ken." Alex shut the door and led Mercy into the living room.
"A daughter's first love is always her father."
He sat first and tugged her onto his lap. "Was that your first love?"
"Yes, until Timmy Bloom brought me a bag of Skittles, and then I was his until he tossed me aside for Kathy Stevens because she was cheap and easy. She kissed him behind the slide."
When he rubbed his hand up her leg, she prayed she didn't have stubble.
"Men think they want cheap and easy, but that usually turns into expensive and complicated. I'm finding out it's the ones you wait for that mean the most."
She glanced at his hand, where his fingers had slipped under the edge of her shorts.
"Is that what you call waiting?"
"For me? Anything past five minutes is a lifetime."
"What if I would have said no to the sleepover?"
He lifted his hand and touched her cheek. "I would have waited." He let his head fall back against the leather couch. "I've
