by Jody Holford
“Yeah. Eager to get home. Look at you,” he said and did.
If she had on make-up, he couldn’t tell. Her skin was flawless but he saw the subtle creases of fatigue and hoped they were just from traveling. Looking at her now, he realized that he’d missed her. Even putting aside the deeply rooted attraction he tried to ignore, Elliot enjoyed being around her as much as, or maybe more than, the rest of her family.
Kate shook her head, sending strands of hair fluttering. “Right, look at me after being on a plane, hanging out in an airport, feeling rumpled and grumpy. Please, look your fill,” she said, laughing and releasing him.
The invitation tightened his stomach and he shut down the sensation quickly by taking a step back from her. Fuck. What was he doing? She’d been off limits from the minute he’d met her. He was in no place for this shit. Things needed to change for his girls. A steady life with a predictable routine was what he needed to focus on, not hooking up with someone. Or starting a relationship. Certainly not with Kate Aarons, who was one of Angel’s Lake’s three sweethearts. He was just nursing an old crush, feeling sentimental. Or, maybe he needed to get laid. At one point in his life, this hadn’t been a problem. But since Gina and the girls, most of his time was focused on work or being a single dad. Didn’t leave much room, or energy, for anything else.
“Daddy, can we go?”
Grace sneezed and Kate “blessed her,” pulling a tissue out of her pocket and handing it to her.
“Did you girls use the bathroom? It’s a long drive,” Kate said.
“We did. Daddy didn’t. Do you have to go pee, Daddy?” Beth asked.
Kate muffled her laugher, or tried to, but his face still flamed. He shot Beth a look that she just smiled back at.
With a mockingly stern gaze, Kate said, “You better try. It’s a long drive.”
He narrowed his eyes at her, and this time she didn’t try to hide her giggles. The girls joined in immediately and Elliot rolled his eyes and went to use the bathroom.
It still took another twenty minutes to get the girls loaded and situated. They had their earphones in and the DVD set up to play. He’d stocked snacks, water, Kleenex, and a host of stuffed animals—each with names he was supposed to remember—in between them. By all accounts, they were good to go.
“You want me to drive for a bit?” Kate asked as he loaded her bag into the back.
“Nah. Maybe later. You good? Alex said you might stay longer than Christmas,” Elliot said.
He couldn’t imagine living in New York, but Kate had been pumped to move there a couple of years ago and had been full of stories during her visits home. The icy breeze blew through them and she hunched her shoulders.
“I’m good. Time to come home is all.”
He kept staring even though she looked down at her feet. Ignoring his own warnings about keeping some distance, he reached out and tipped her chin up with his fingers.
“Time to come home…for Christmas you mean, right? Angel’s Lake is hardly the fashion capital of Minnesota.”
Kate smiled, but it was only a shadow of the real thing. “Actually,” she started then paused. Straightening her shoulders as if she was steeling herself against a storm, she continued, “for good. And don’t give me your cop eyes, mister. Maybe it’s not the fashion capital, but it could do with a decent dress shop. I’m going to make that happen.”
He didn’t know what to do with the knowledge that Kate Aarons was coming home to stay. Elliot shoved his hands in his pockets and shook his head, wishing her motivated attitude didn’t make her even sexier.
“You three were born with more drive and energy than most of our town put together.”
Kate laughed, a hint of her genuine, heart-felt laugh. “We’ll see how it pans out. For now, I need to get home, let my mother feel like she’s healing my chakras or whatever the focus of her newest book is, and find a place to live. Because as much as I want to go home, I do not want to move back in with my mom and dad.”
Elliot’s thoughts tumbled over that knowledge: She needed somewhere to stay and he needed someone to watch the girls while he was at work. Not a good idea.
“Daddy! Are we going?” Beth yelled through the partially rolled-down window.
Kate grinned. “Better get on the road. They sleep for any of it?”
“No such luck, Aarons. But the DVD will keep them busy for a bit before they make us do a Disney sing-a-long.”
She didn’t look scared. But she’d see. Only so much of the Frozen soundtrack any adult could take.
Chapter 3
The 94 North was fairly smooth sailing, and the girls had settled into their movie easily enough, singing along with the songs. Kate played around with his iPhone, switching the music before any song had a chance to end.
Elliot glanced at her as a new song came through the speakers. “Do you just not like endings?”
Kate looked over, her brows drawn together. “What?”
He pointed to the iPhone. “You haven’t let one song finish.”
“They are finished. You don’t need to hear the last of it because it’s just the singer wrapping up the chorus for the final time. It’s over.”
“It’s not over until the song ends.”
“You’ve heard all the lyrics, the music is dying out. It’s over.”
“Weirdo. You need to take things all the way to the finish line, Aarons.”
She smiled at him and switched his phone for hers. A Christmas song came through the speakers. He groaned, knowing it was payback.
“Don’t worry, Peters, I’ll let it go all the way to the end.”
They’d settled into a comfortable drive, her telling him about interning, crazy models, and Lucy’s good friend, Kael, whom Kate had interned for. She didn’t mention much of a social life or what it was that brought her home. He didn’t think it was his place to ask, though he was definitely curious. Curiosity killed the cat and Alex will fucking skin you like one if you don’t shut this down.
Kate turned and checked on the girls, who were still quiet. Then he felt her eyes on him. He felt her arm close to his and the scent of her shampoo and skin was all he could smell. She leaned toward him a little.
“So, Gina ask you if she could take the girls to Wisconsin?”
His hands tightened on the steering wheel. “Nope. Gina’s more of a seek-forgiveness woman. Does what she wants and backpedals after.”
“You have a lawyer?”
He shook his head, threw her a quick glance to see her face was as dark as he felt inside. “I need to get on that. This shit has to stop. I want them with me. They won’t be going back with her. I’ve got them now. She wants them, she’ll need to move in and that sure as hell isn’t happening.”
Kate’s hand covered his arm, squeezed, then was removed just as quickly. “They should be with you. You’re a great dad. They need the stability you can offer them.”
He nodded. He knew this, and it was time to stop hoping his ex would get her head out of her ass long enough to think about their daughters more than herself. Since she wouldn’t, it was on him to get them settled into a life and routine they could count on. Which meant no time for dating or even entertaining thoughts of taking the woman next to him out for an evening, or more.
“You go to school with any lawyers?” he asked, mostly joking.
“No, but when I was finishing my social work degree, I did a practicum at Family Services and they’ve got all of those types of contacts. They can connect you with a lawyer who won’t kill your budget.”
His hands tightened again. He hadn’t wanted to do things this way. He’d hoped he and Gina could keep things easy, friendly. She loved their daughters. She was a good woman, underneath the thoughtless acts. Gina didn’t think about consequences…or others. She went with what she wanted and how it made her feel. It had been fine, mostly, until now. This time, Gina had gone too far. Taking his girls out of the state did not make him feel easy or friendly.
“I’m no
t broke.”
“No. But if she decides to fight this, it could go on for a while. Anyway, they can provide counsel and advice, even if you don’t hire them in the end. Something to think about.”
Gina had no money to fight anything. It was another tension between them—sometimes he felt like he was paying for three kids.
Elliot nodded again. It was all he thought about. “Your mom must be freaking out that all her girls are home to stay.”
He heard her suck in a breath before she replied, “She will be.”
“You didn’t tell her?”
“No. I wanted to get through Christmas. There will be so much excitement, and I don’t want to put a damper on anything. I want to make it through the holidays and spend some time with my nieces and sisters before I dive into explanations and plans.”
He couldn’t figure out how having her home for good would put a damper on anything. Her family would be thrilled.
“With them?” He glanced at her. She was adjusting her coat, trying to get it off without removing her seatbelt.
“Hmm?”
“You’re keeping quiet with them. Can you share with me?”
Kate pulled her arm through and he reached to hold it for her so she could tug on the other side. Her shirt gapped a tiny bit between the buttons. Enough for him to see a glimpse of smooth, creamy skin and a flash of purple satin. Fuck. Eyes back on the road, he felt her moving around, his hand still on the end of her sleeve. Finally, she pulled it from his grasp.
“Thanks. Phew. That was the closest I’ve come to a work out in a long time,” she said, laughter lightening her voice.
If the girls weren’t in the car or he had any right at all, he’d tell her that even without working out, she was fucking gorgeous. Staying quiet, trying to keep his thoughts on getting them all home safely, despite the snow that was starting to fall, he waited for her to explain. As a cop, he knew silence could be his best friend when it came to getting information from someone. People felt compelled to fill in the quiet.
“I want to start a dress shop.”
“You mentioned that.”
“I want to do it on my own. Without everyone telling me how it should be, you know? I love my family. They’re well-meaning, but going home means pulling everyone in. They’ll all have an opinion on where and what and how, and I already have those ideas, so I want to make sure I can get the ball rolling before I tell them. I have the small business loan filled out online. I just need to press send.”
She shifted in the seat, setting it back a bit before angling toward him.
“I can’t move back home. It’ll feel like a step back. It’s one thing to come for Christmas but another entirely to move back into my old bedroom and stay. Even for a bit. I don’t feel like the same person I was when I left, and I think staying there will make me feel like I should be.” She rubbed her hands over her face and gave a not-so-certain laugh. “That sounds ridiculous, doesn’t it?”
Elliot shrugged. “I don’t think so. Sounds like you moved away, grew up, got the experience you wanted and needed, and made the best decision for yourself. Now you’re home and want to start a life on your own terms. It sounds like being an adult.”
She nudged him in the shoulder. “Thanks oh wise one. When did you get so smart?”
He chuckled, flashed her a quick grin and winked at her. “I’ve always been this smart. You were just too blinded by my good looks to dig deeper.”
Her face went red like the skin of summer cherries and desire curled in his belly. He’d been joking but the look on her face said she had in fact been very aware of his looks.
Gracie’s voice hit a particularly high note in one of the songs, pulling him out of his thoughts. Tightening his hold on the steering wheel, he trained his eyes, and his brain, back on the road.
“Plus, having kids makes you see things differently. Nothing wrong with growing up and getting what you want out of life. That takes drive and determination. And a solid plan.”
“It does. Let’s just hope mine is solid.”
He laughed. “I hope mine is too.”
They’d driven a little farther, and the sun was starting to sink into the horizon, ready to give up for the day and let the moon take over. Kate yawned and he thought he heard another yawn coming from the back.
“Daddy,” Beth moaned.
Kate turned in her seat and Elliot glanced at the rear view mirror. Gracie was out, but Beth was pale.
“What’s wrong, pumpkin?”
“I don’t feel so good.”
Shit. “What doesn’t feel good?”
“My belly.”
Kate glanced at him. “She’s a little pale.” Kate adjusted her belt and reached back. “Can you lean forward, sweetie?” She must have because Kate settled back in her seat and said, “She’s warm.”
“Daddy,” Beth said again, her voice low and mournful. It twisted his gut.
“Okay, Beth. I’ll pull over at the next stop. You got a bag back there in case you throw up?”
At this, Beth started to cry, waking Grace. “I don’t want to throw up. Throwing up is gross.”
“You threw up?” Grace asked, coming fully awake.
Kate loosened her seatbelt again and Elliot switched lanes, heading for the exit up ahead.
“Hey sweetie, can you take a small sip of water?”
Beth shook her head “no” through her tears. He hated when the girls cried. Regardless of the reason, it made him feel helpless, like his hands were tied behind his back with zip strips.
“It’s okay, Bethy. You’re okay,” Grace said.
No matter what—they had each other’s backs. Every damn time. Fuck, he really loved his kids.
“Oooh, no,” Beth moaned.
Kate undid her seat belt and shuffled around, twisting to reach his daughter. He heard rustling and Grace squealed and then he heard Beth throwing up.
He took the exit, trying not to be distracted by Kate’s very sweet ass, which was practically in his face. Pressing the brake gently, he hoped she didn’t go flying. Her voice was soft and sweet; she was taking care of his kid and that was as sexy as the rest of her.
“It’s okay, sweetheart. You’re okay. Grace, stop crying, honey. She’s fine.”
Sniffles and tears were the soundtrack to Elliot finding a gas station and finally pulling over. When he did, he got out of the truck, took the bag from Kate’s hand, tied it, and pulled his daughter out of her belt and into his arms.
“You okay, sweet pea?”
“Daddy, I’m sweet pea,” Grace said from her seat. Yeah, they had each other’s backs…until they didn’t. And then they would again.
“You’re both sweet peas. Beth?”
She nuzzled into him, her small arms going around his neck. “I don’t think I’m going to throw up no more, Daddy.”
He rubbed her back. “Okay. We’ll just take a little break.”
“I don’t wanna get back in the car, Daddy,” Beth said into the crook of his neck.
“We have to get home. We haven’t even decorated for Christmas, sweetie. I was waiting for you guys.”
“The car makes my belly mad,” Beth said, sniffling.
“She threw up four times when Mommy was driving us to Aunt Shelly’s,” Grace said, getting out of the car too.
Kate came around to the driver’s side where he was holding Beth. Grace was holding her hand. Their eyes met, and he easily recognized the flash of anger in Kate’s. It was a mirror image of his own.
“Your mom didn’t tell me that.”
“Mommy said she just needed more practice at long car rides,” Grace said.
Elliot squeezed his daughter tight. “Why didn’t you tell me the car made you feel yucky?”
Beth leaned back and put her hands to his cheeks, squeezing them a bit. “Because I thought it was practice and it wasn’t so bad at first.” She rested her forehead against his. It wasn’t hot, but it was clammy.
“Why don’t Grace and I go gr
ab some fresh waters and I’ll see if they have something for her belly?” Kate put a hand on his arm.
Looking down at her, he nodded. “Kate, we might need to stop for the night.”
He braced for irritation, at least a touch of it, at having her desire to get home thwarted by his kids. She’d eaten the cost of a plane ticket and a taxi just to drive with him and get home quicker. Instead, she tilted her head and a smile spread across her face, carefree, like a flower blooming one petal at a time.
“That’s probably a good idea. I’ll ask the clerk if there’s anything close by.” She touched her finger to Beth’s nose. “Sound okay?”
Beth nodded. Grace tugged on her hand and looked up. “Maybe there’s a pool.”
Kate just laughed, grabbed the bag from Elliot’s hand and pulled Grace along with her into the small convenience store attached to the gas station. She chucked the bag into the trash bin, like she dealt with vomiting seven-year-olds every day.
“Sorry, Daddy,” Beth whispered.
His heart squeezed like a fist. Leaning in to nuzzle her, he kissed her cheek, making her giggle. “Don’t say sorry. You okay to settle back in for a few minutes? I’m sure there’s something close by.”
She nodded and he helped her put her seat belt on. He was in his seat when Grace and Kate came back out with a plastic bag of snacks and drinks. She helped Grace get settled and then got in beside him.
“Not only is there a Best Western with an indoor pool down the street, but I also bought some ginger ale. When I was little, my mom always gave it to me and my sisters. Made my tummy feel better,” Kate said, her body angled toward the girls.
Turning back, Kate smiled at him and the fist around his heart tightened again, but in an entirely different way. In a way that said, “she’s a natural with your girls.” He quashed the thought and gestured to her with his chin. “Seat belt, Aarons.”
She gave him a full-mouthed grin. “Do you call me that because you can’t remember which of the sisters I am?”
He wished like hell he could think of her the way he thought of the other two. But his heart and body refused to cooperate; neither realized how much he didn’t need another complication. And though she made him laugh and turned him on, the Aarons girls weren’t the kind of women to just have a fling, regardless of their adventurous spirits. Or maybe they were…how would he know? What he was sure of, was if he were to find out that Kate was up for a short-term hook up, her father and brother-in-law would probably shine up a couple of shotguns. Elliot was barely wrapping his head around committing his life to his daughters. There wasn’t enough of him left to give Kate the kind of relationship she deserved. Not that she was asking.