Single Dad’s Mistake

by Destiny, Sam

  To this day, I hadn’t gotten exact information as to what had happened, but I told myself at least they’d been on vacation. Maybe that meant they died happy.

  The doorbell ringing snapped me out of my musings and I looked up from the counter, definitely not ready to meet more of the neighborhood. Knowing my son wouldn’t drag himself off the couch to answer, I exhaled before walking over and turning the doorknob—being pleasantly surprised by who stood there.

  I stepped aside to let Sarah in before she even asked, eying the pizza boxes she held. Any reprieve from my own thoughts would be good.

  “Hey, Knox,” she greeted me, then spotted my son. “Hey, Callum.”

  I couldn’t believe she remembered his name from the one time I’d mentioned it.

  “Hey, weird lady who just came into our house,” Callum replied, not even looking up. I wanted to throttle him for being rude, my eyes narrowed, but Sarah only smirked.

  God, she’s pretty.

  “You know, the weird lady in your house brought you an extra-large pepperoni pizza,” she replied. Damn, I couldn’t remember the last time I saw him sit up so fast and jump off the couch, almost running to the door.

  “Hey, epic lady in our house. You’re always welcome.” He grinned at her, almost looking innocent. I couldn’t help but shake my head.

  Sarah smiled. “My name’s Sarah, and here you go.”

  She held out one box and he took it, actually saying thank you, and walked back to the couch, his cell momentarily forgotten.

  “When you’re done, you can have half of my Hawaiian pizza, too.” I heard the teasing tone in her voice. She probably assumed we were people who thought pineapple didn’t belong on pizza, but she obviously had no idea about a teen’s appetite.

  “Okay,” Callum agreed around a mouthful.

  I nodded toward the kitchen. The dining room table hadn’t come yet, so we’d have to eat at the counter.

  “Just so you know, pineapple and pizza belong together in this house,” I said quietly, somehow not wanting my son to hear.

  I wanted the blonde all for myself.

  She smiled. “I brought mushrooms and sausage, too. Your choice.” She opened both boxes. When I saw her lick her lips at the Hawaiian one, I generously pushed it toward her.

  “I like sausage more anyway.” It wasn’t true, but for her, I would pass on it. Besides, pizza was a thousand times better than any of the four casseroles I now had in my fridge.

  As much as she’d been drooling over the pizza, she didn’t immediately reach for a piece. I placed my finger under her chin to make her meet my eyes. “What’s going on? You looked hungry a minute ago.”

  It was strange, but I felt as if I’d known her my whole life. Being around her was easy, and there was no awkwardness between us. That certainly was something I wasn’t used to.

  She sighed. “I’m here to bribe you with pizza. Knox…”

  The way my name sounded on her lips, I suddenly didn’t hate it as much anymore. She managed to give it a soft, intimate edge.

  “Sarah…”

  Her lips quirked up into a smirk. “Smartass. How do you look in a tux?”

  She looked so uncomfortable, I couldn’t help but tease her. I wanted to see her squirm a little. “I’m not gonna marry you the first day, no matter how cute you are. How about wining and dining me, huh? Take me out on exciting dates, make me realize why marriage is a good thing.”

  Her jaw dropped, then she smiled. “Jesus, that’s not it. However, I do plan on taking you out…” My eyes widened. “But to the police ball. It’s in the beginning of fall every year, and for whatever reason, they decided to make me host it. What’s even more fun? They told me today. The ball is Saturday. I just…” She shook her head a little, then met my eyes, her gaze strong. “I kinda told them I was bringing my boyfriend, so I kinda have to. They don’t know you, so they won’t know I lied.”

  Her tone and hopeless expression conveyed how desperate she was, and I had to bite back laughter. “A fake boyfriend?”

  She rolled her eyes. “It would be good for you, Knox. You’d meet people, find new contacts in this town. Maybe some will become friends.” She shrugged. “You’re new. Meeting people who aren’t weird is hard. Say you’ll come. Please. Otherwise, I’ll have to be in a car accident to get out of this.”

  I chuckled. “I’m in, Sarah. No worries. I didn’t have plans Saturday anyway.” I winked, seeing her shoulders sag in relief.

  “Are you serious?” I nodded. She came around the counter, throwing her arms around me. “You’re a lifesaver. Thank you so much.”

  I hugged her briefly, enjoying her sweet scent. It was fruity, reminding me of a piña colada. Being her escort Saturday definitely wouldn’t be a hardship.

  * * *

  SARAH

  Realizing I still held onto him, I stepped back, giving him a wide smile. Damn, I hadn’t noticed how nervous I really was until he’d agreed to come. However, I now worried about Callum.

  “What about him?” I asked quietly, nodding at the sofa we couldn’t see from where we stood in the kitchen because the stairs were in the way. I almost thought Knox was glad about that. I couldn’t imagine how hard it was with a teenager, moving somewhere new without knowing anyone.

  “He’ll be happy to be home alone. Besides, until we’re fully equipped again, meaning his PS4 is back with him, we’ll have TV and internet. He’ll be fine, especially if I leave him money to order food.”

  Hearing the worry in Knox’s voice, I placed my hand on his arm, surprised at how comfortable I felt around him. “I didn’t think about the fact that he would be alone that evening. I’m sorry. I’ll find someone else.” Turning away from him, I was surprised how quickly he gripped my elbow, making me face him again.

  “No, you won’t, Sarah. Seriously. He’ll be happy having the house to himself, and I’ll be happy meeting people because, well, I need a job.”

  I rested my hip against the counter, grabbing a piece of pizza. “What kind of job?”

  He shrugged, taking a bite, and thought for a moment while chewing. “Honestly? Whatever I can get.”

  I watched him in silence for a few minutes, trying to figure out what he’d done before.

  “What did you do back in…?”

  Smiling, he shook his head. “Fishing for information?”

  I shrugged, taking another bite of pizza because eating distracted me from the way he licked his lips almost every time he started to talk. “I’m just trying to get a feel for my boyfriend,” I replied easily.

  He nodded. “True. We moved here from Atlanta. I was a corporate lawyer there, but hated the job. I want a change, but while I think about what I want that to be, I need something, anything, to bring in money. I don’t want to rely on my savings.”

  I could get behind that, although I was dying to know what he’d hated about his job—and how a man like him came to a place like ours. I’d inherited the house from my parents when they’d moved to Florida, and it was the only reason I was still around.

  Hell, it certainly wasn’t because of the wonderful neighbors. Although I couldn’t deny that the neighborhood had just turned a lot more tempting.

  “If you don’t care what kind of work, you might try talking to Dale Harris. He lives down the street. He’s a good guy and works for a moving company. I think I heard him mention how they are in way over their heads with work. However, that’s manual labor, and—”

  His brows furrowed. “Are you saying I couldn’t do it?” He crossed his arms. I reached out, poking his biceps.

  “You definitely can, but for someone who’s not used to it, you might want to prepare for aches in muscles you’ve never used before,” I teased.

  He shook his head. “You do realize, as my fake girlfriend, you’ll be responsible for rubbing them out, right?”

  I went hot at that thought, feeling a blush creep up my cheeks, but I nodded anyway. “Anything. I’m very grateful for what you’re doing. Seriousl
y. For the last few years I’ve gone to the ball, I always had to sit at the singles table. I was at a table with a bunch of kids! It’s the worst thing ever.”

  He winked, starting to say something when Callum stepped to my side. “Weird lady, can I have the rest of the pizza?”

  I almost felt insulted until I saw him grinning, teasing me. I absolutely didn’t mind that. “Go ahead, Lanky.” I stuck out my tongue and he chuckled, taking the box with him.

  Knox’s eyes stayed on his son as he disappeared, and I wondered what he was thinking.

  His eyes were very dark blue, nearly black, and sometimes when he moved, his chestnut hair reminded me of melted chocolate. I wanted to run my fingers through it, and with the thoughtful expression on his face…

  Holy shit, he’s the whole nice, tempting package.

  I nudged him with my hip. “Share, handsome. What are you thinking?”

  He shook his head, then focused back on me, offering me a piece of the pizza still on the counter, but I refused.

  I hated mushrooms.

  “He hates everyone. Seriously. He had someone help him with his schoolwork last year, and he hated her. His teachers, our neighbors… He hates everyone. Even me. I can’t remember the last time he gave someone a genuine smile. Bringing pizza had been a smart move, and…” He shrugged, then forced a grin. “Why am I telling you this?”

  I fluttered my lashes, wanting to look cute, hoping to make him laugh. “Because I’m your fake girlfriend?”

  For a long moment, he watched me, then shook his head and leaned in to kiss my forehead. “Fine, fake girlfriend. However, you’re more like an annoying little sister. Still… Thank you for making me feel welcome.”

  I hugged him out of impulse, then grinned. “Give the rest of the pizza to the bottomless pit over there. I’m gonna go. Thank you, and—” I stopped myself as I remembered something. “I’m going to pay for the tux you’re renting. It’s the least I can do. Do you mind if I come over tomorrow and help you unpack? It’ll give us a chance to get to know one another better. We need to make it believable for Saturday.”

  Knox came around the counter, a predatory glint in his eyes that caused me to step back until my back hit the front door.

  “Does that mean we’ll practice kissing? Sweet talk? Are you a cuddler?” He brushed his fingers across my cheek as if I were precious, his eyes soft, full of emotion. “I’ve never met anyone like you, so I can’t wait to take you out…and make you mine.” His thumb brushed over my lower lip. I swallowed—then he suddenly pulled back. “Is that what you had in mind? Believable?”

  I nodded, unable to speak around the lump in my throat.

  “Good.” He nodded. “But yes. I’d love help unpacking. I doubt Callum will help me.”

  I smiled, glad my nervousness died down, then I placed my hand against his chest. I had no reason other than I wanted to touch him.

  “You got it, boyfriend. I have to work at six, so I’ll be here early.”

  He nodded, moving back so I could open the door. “And, Sarah?”

  I paused on the porch, turning back to him. “Yes?”

  “I have a tux, but even if I didn’t, you don’t honestly think I’d let my girlfriend pay for clothes I’ll be wearing on our date, do you?” He winked.

  It was then that I realized I was in deep trouble because Knox seemed to be someone who took everything seriously. That clearly included playing my boyfriend. I wasn’t sure I could handle that.

  KNOX

  Early the next morning, I made my way down the road. The perspective of Sarah coming over to help me unpack was nice. I hadn’t lied. She felt like a weird cross between a best friend and a little sister.

  Plus, she was hot. Her proposition was unexpected, but I also couldn’t lie about wanting to get out. When we lived in Atlanta, I’d hardly gone out just because. Business functions with preplanned small talk, stupid dinners with clients… That was my life.

  As I walked down the street, I realized Sarah hadn’t been very specific about where Dale Harris lived. As much as I thought I could rely on names on mailboxes, I quickly realized there weren’t many.

  I saw a black-haired woman and a chocolate lab walking down the road, clearing my throat before smiling. “Hi. I’m looking for Dale Harris’ house. Someone mentioned…” I trailed off because she didn’t seem to be listening as she gave me a once-over.

  “I’m Clare. Dale lives three houses to the right. You must be the new owner in thirty-two. It’s a nice house. I looked at it, too. Hope you’re settling in okay. Have a good day.”

  And with that, she moved past me. She wasn’t friendly, but not exactly rude, either. I was startled for a moment, then shook my head and kept walking. At the house in question, I saw a guy and a little girl standing on the porch.

  “You got your lunch?”

  “Yes.”

  “You got your pencils?”

  “Yes, Daddy,” the little girl replied on a long sigh. I smiled to myself. When Callum was little, we’d gone through the same routine.

  It was funny how we didn’t appreciate the comfort situations like this brought.

  I cleared my throat, making the two look up. “I’m Knox Dyer, Mr. Harris—”

  “You’re the new one down the street, aren’t you? I saw the trucks yesterday. Call me Dale. What can I do for you?”

  While it was clear they were heading out, he still took the time to talk to me. I liked that. “I heard you work for a moving company and need more help.”

  He arched a brow, looking me up and down. While I did visit the gym occasionally, I knew I could look buffer if I’d just put my mind to it.

  “What did you do before?”

  I crossed my arms in front of my chest. I couldn’t recall when I’d last had to be manly just to prove myself. My expensive suits usually would’ve done the job. “If you’re asking if I’d be able to handle the job, yes, I can. Should I lack strength, I’ll make up for it with effort. Listen, my son and I just moved here. I need work. Does your moving business need people or not?”

  Something shifted behind his eyes. “You’re a single dad? What happened to his mother?”

  “She was a…” I glanced down at the child. She was silent, eyes wide, clearly listening. “She was…not so nice a woman.”

  Dale smirked, clearly having gotten the drift. “I feel ya, man. Leave your number and I’ll talk to my boss. When can you start?”

  I shrugged. “Tomorrow?”

  Dale chuckled. “I can tell you’re a good one. Welcome to the neighborhood.”

  He held out his cell so I could save my number, then I stepped aside to let the two go. After they’d backed out of the driveway, I glanced around, wondering where Sarah’s house was. I didn’t know what it was about her that made me want to pick her up and walk her to my home. Unfortunately, no one was around, so I couldn’t ask anyone.

  Then again, news seemed to travel fast here. I certainly didn’t want anyone to talk about us already.

  Making my way back, I took a second to appreciate the sun and how nice it felt on my face. For years, I’d hardly known what kind of weather Atlanta had. Moving here wasn’t only Callum’s salvation, but mine, as well.

  My life needed to slow down. I knew that better than anyone. While manual labor certainly would be hard on my body, I knew my heart and mind wouldn’t collapse under the stress.

  “Morning there, boyfriend!”

  I turned, spotting Sarah a few steps behind me. Her strawberry blonde hair seemed to shine even more than it had the day before. She beamed up at me, and I couldn’t help but smile.

  “Hey, sweetheart.” I waggled my brows and led her up the porch steps of my house. I was tempted to place my arm around her, just to get her comfortable with my touch, but didn’t dare when the street surely had eyes.

  When we stepped into the house, she paused by the door for a minute. I watched her listen to the silence, then she turned back to me.

  “Callum not home?”<
br />
  I shrugged, pushing her farther inside to close the door, then I gestured to the dining room. I should’ve finished unpacking the kitchen yesterday, but hadn’t. I didn’t know where the bone-crushing exhaustion came from, but some days, like yesterday, it took everything in me to make sure my son ate.

  I focused back on Sarah. “He’s a teenager. Around two, you can ask if he considers getting up. Then he’ll just be hungry.”

  There was no denying how much I wanted him to start school, but they’d decided it would be better to do it on a Monday, so I’d have to suffer through a few more days of him constantly around—and sullen.

  Just when I’d finished that thought, he came down the stairs, skateboard in hand. “Hey, weird lady,” he greeted Sarah, ignoring me.

  “Hey, Lanky,” she replied, and I saw him crack a smile.

  “Hello, son,” I stated, but he just opened the door and walked out. I forced out a smile, but before I could say anything, Sarah wrapped her arms around me.

  “I’m sorry. I guess they don’t call the teenage years the ‘asshole phase’ for nothing,” she whispered. I wondered if she could hear my heart speed up under her ear.

  I kissed the top of head—no idea why—and stepped out of her embrace.

  “Well, I have you to cheer me up, so let’s get to work. I have the kitchen stuff down here, or there are boxes upstairs. You know, books and shit.” I winked, hoping to ease the worry lines between her eyebrows. She cocked her head.

  “It occurred to me this morning that I won’t be much help with the unpacking because I don’t know where you want anything, but I brought this.” She pulled something from the pocket of her sweatshirt, the device slim and slightly bigger than her palm. Seeing my questioning gaze, she smiled. “It’s a speaker, of course. Unpacking is more fun with music.”

  Watching her, I couldn’t help but think that her mere presence made it better already.

  * * *

  SARAH

  I sat on some boxes, singing along to the latest chart songs, while Knox unpacked box after box. Somehow, we’d ended up in his bedroom, and I hadn’t dared sit on the bed. Too intimate.