Page 51 of The Irresistible Distraction

Everyone else sees me as meek and obedient, the boring and responsible single mom. Only Brody seems to think of me as more than that, to think I’m capable of more.

“Well?”

“Yes, Brody. Thank you.”

When I arrive at Vera’s that night, it’s to find that Brody hasn’t just purchased a new couch, rug, floor lamps, and a huge (maybe eighty-inch) TV that now dominates one side of the wall, he’s set up an entire entertainment system with video game consoles and what look like customized gaming chairs.

“Did Vera give you permission to do all of this?”

“More than permission, actually.”

But before I can ask more about that, I see my son . . . playing with not just one but two young boys—Aidan Juniper, whose mother serves on the PTA, and Nate Corenswet, a rising freshman whose mother matured from snotty high schooler to even snobbier adult.

The boys turn in my direction, give me a casual wave, and I watch in wonder as Nate opens up a package of snacks Brody must have provided and makes a that’s weird face before handing it to Seba, who . . . tries it. Seems to like it. Picks up a second pack of snacks on his own.

“Hi, Ms. Sophie.”

“Hey, Mom.”

I lick my lips, knowing my eyes are likely a little wild and wide. “What’s happening here?”

Brody leans in and whispers, “I may have accidentally mentioned, within hearing, that I had just finished setting up a new entertainment system as well as several of the newest game consoles.”

“Accidentally?”

“How would you classify something that was tactically half on purpose? Vera mentioned you were worried about Seba making more friends. And Seba mentioned Aidan’s name.”

I look away, letting myself absorb this for a moment. That Brody heard my concerns, listened to my son, and acted. “And Sally and Rachel just let you bring their sons here?”

“Yeah, I got Sally’s phone number Monday when Vera was showing me the ropes and introduced me. And Rachel doesn’t like her divorce attorney, so . . .”

“You’re, like, infiltrating the parental network.”

I maintain what I hope isn’t a too-tense smile firmly in place. I’m sure Rachel would love to do all sorts of things to Brody. Even before her separation and now divorce, she was always that viper who didn’t—or didn’t want to—understand personal boundaries, especially when it came to attractive men.

And in or out of Lake Arrowhead, it’s hard to imagine a more attractive man than Brody Branca.

Brody watches the boys playing. “Also, Aidan plays chess, so we’re talking about setting up some kind of mini Lake Arrowhead tournament.” He looks over at me now, giving me a sidelong glance that could mean any number of things. “Sebastian’s done his homework. There aren’t any tests until next Wednesday. Should I have asked first?”

I blink a bit too rapidly and swallow, taking time to collect my thoughts, not wanting Brody to guess how much this means to me. “No, this is wonderful. I⁠—”

Brody grins. “You can thank me later, add it to the tab.”

I close my eyes and huff out a laugh. “You can’t come up with ideas you assume I’ll like and then demand payment. That’s like buying me a present and then sending me the bill.” Brody gives me a look that communicates how little he believes me and I give in. “What do you want now?”

“A thank-you kiss would do.” Brody’s voice is low enough and the video game noise is loud enough that I don’t think anyone heard, but I can’t help but blush.

“Dinner—”

“Is taken care of. Cynthia provided several additional frozen meals for when I need extra, but it turns out the boys aren’t particularly swayed by my chef’s amazing chimichurri sauce, so I’ve ordered wings and pizza.”

“I can pay⁠—”

“With a backrub?” Since I’m not about to argue about kisses and backrubs in front of the boys, I purse my lips, not sure I trust Brody’s smile as he continues, as if I’ve already acquiesced. “The pizza won’t be here for another forty-five minutes. Apparently, there’s only one delivery boy in this entire town⁠—”

“Not a town.”

“—and that one delivery kid came to work late. So, plenty of time for you to go and take a bubble bath and pack a bag for the extra credit overnight.”