Page 24 of Happily Evan After

“Not bribing, Dimples. Just sweetening you up a little.” He holds out the cardboard cup holder. “Now then, I got two different lattes, one with caffeine and one without. This one is an iced peach tea, and this one is an iced chai tea. What’s your poison, baby?”

“You didn’t answer my question about the tent. And you really need to move your truck. My neighbor over there gets cranky about people parking in front of her house.” I cross my arms over my chest, feeling rather smug about ruining his plans.

“Your neighbor, Mrs. Donnelly, is a sweet little thing, and once I explained the situation, she readily agreed to let me park there. I even sweetened the deal by offering to mow her yard.”

You ever have those moments where you kinda feel like smoke might be coming out of your ears? I’m just asking for a friend.

“What are you doing, Evan? You can’t just pitch a tent in my front yard.”

“Did you pick a drink? I’m partial to the peach tea myself.”

“Caffeine,” I say. “Hand it over. Evidently I’m going to need it today.” I take the coffee and go to sit on my porch.

“I could put the tent away if you’d let me move in with you,” he says.

“Are you insane? We don’t even know each other.” Even saying the words myself feels false. But I know that’s just hormones talking. My body knows him, and his nearness is clouding my judgment. “I’m going to need you to stand downwind from me,” I blurt.

“Is something on me making you nauseous? I didn’t put on cologne or anything. Maybe it’s my shampoo or deodorant.”

“No, you just smell really amazing, and it makes me want to do things I know I shouldn’t.”

That makes him smile, which in turn makes me wet. Awesome.

“So is that a no to me moving in?” he asks.

“Yes. No. It’s a no, yes, it’s a no. You cannot move in,” I say.

“Then the tent stays. You need time, and I respect that. I’m gonna give you time. But I’m also gonna be nearby in case you need anything because you can’t keep me from taking care of my girls.”

“I am not your girl, I am a woman.”

“Well then, I’m going to stay close to take care of my girl.” Somehow this grin is even sexier. “And my woman.”

Danger, Will Robinson! Abort mission. Run away! Do not look directly at the very handsome man.

I cannot let myself fall any more for him than I already have. He’s duty-bound to take care of me and the baby. So he’s not even in this for me. I need to remember that, lest I get my heart broken beyond repair.

“You’re ridiculous,” I say.

“Ridiculously happy I found you again.”

“You can’t camp here.”

“Dimples, I was an Army Ranger. I can camp anywhere.”

“No, you can’t camp here,” I point to my yard, “because I have an HOA.”

“Nah… I got that sorted out. As it turns out, Mrs. Donnelly is the president of the HOA, and she understood our delicate situation. She approved my staying here for the time being.”

Just then, the topic of conversation steps out onto her front porch and waves at us.

Just like that he’s in my life and winning over neighbors I haven’t even officially met yet.

“Ugh,” I groan. Then I turn to head back inside. I think for a moment, then turn around to face him. I grab the bakery bag and then disappear inside my house.

I cannot have that man. And it will do me no good to play house with him, pretending I can.

He’s too hot, young, and charming. He could literally have any woman. There’s no possible way he really wants me.