“I bet. Follow me again and I’ll get you all rung up. Do you need anything else?”
“You don’t happen to have any magical tools to make it so I’m able to actually knit before the next class, do you?”
She chuckled as she entered codes into her cash register. “Well, not really. You know what? I’m open late on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Stop in and I’ll give you and Jessie some private lessons until you get the hang of it. How does that sound?”
“Sounds like I’ll owe you ice cream when we finish,” he said, not offering a date, but while it sounded innocent enough, he hoped it at least planted a seed of interest.
Subtlety wasn’t usually a trait males had when it came to females. In fact, the plant analogy was horrible since werewolves weren’t exactly known as farmers. He’d heard in Pennsylvania quite a few Weres actually made good livings off the land.
The Pennsylvania air might be having a nurturing effect on him. Maybe if he joined the Haven pack he’d get a chance to learn about plants and making things grow. Getting a new appreciation for cows beyond enjoying them rare and wrapped in bacon might not be so bad either.
“Well,” she said, smiling as she slipped the yarn in the tote. “I am a fan of a chocolate cone from the shop down the street after a long day. I’m sure we could work something out.”
So, he hadn’t been too forward and perhaps a seed would start to sprout. He handed over Ross’s money and bit back his reply to tell her to keep the change. She wouldn’t.
“Thanks for helping me with this. I’ll call before I bring Jessie to make sure we aren’t overloading you,” he said and paused as he slipped his wallet back in his pocket. Instead, he pulled one of his business cards from it. “Here’s my number if you need to get ahold of me before we talk again.”
“Oh.” She frowned at the card, but when she looked up, a twinkle of mischief sparkled in her eyes. “You mean, like if I have an ice cream emergency and can’t possibly go by myself?”
Sweet as brown sugar-dipped bacon and a sense of humor to match. Scott grinned. “I’m good in an ice cream emergency. Also, my height helps with cans on high shelves and, while I’ve got a ways to go in knitting, I can roll a ball of yarn like nobody’s business.”
She laughed and tapped his card on her counter. “I will keep that in mind, Scott. I hope you have a really nice night.”
“Yeah,” he said, wishing he had a hundred more reasons to stay in her presence. “You too, Lucy.”
Chapter 4
They were being so good.
Scott had been apologetic about bringing his sons along to knitting class, but she didn’t see why he worried. They were wonderful. True, they’d adamantly decided not to learn to knit, but when she’d given them a pile of yarn to wind, they’d done it without complaint. In fact, the boys seemed charmed by the string, playing with it as if it were some kind of awesome video game instead of seconds she’d bought at a sale.
“Boys, can I get you anything to drink?” she asked after she had Jessie started and the other mother-daughter team going.
They looked to their father simultaneously and Lucy bit back a smile. Their manners were wonderful. They eventually nodded.
“We can get it if you show us where, Miss Lucy,” Greg said.
“The cooler is behind my desk, so I’ll be back in a moment. Juice boxes okay?”
Excitement jumped in their eyes. Kids, so predictable. Even adults didn’t pass up the treats. She ducked back in her office, peeking at her phone messages, relieved to find no one had called. She was hoping to take the next two days off and so far her assistant hadn’t called in. Maggie was a wonderful knitter and usually very reliable, but summer allergies dragged her down. If she hadn’t called by now, Lucy hoped that meant she was feeling well.
With her hands full of juice boxes, she headed back to class, ready to tackle purling. Everyone was ready. Everyone except Scott, who seemed to have grown two left hands. She smiled. He sure tried hard, though. She’d always appreciated men who made up what they lacked in skill with enthusiasm. She mentally scolded herself. The man was in her shop for professional reasons and tonight he had his kids with him—thinking about what his hard, big hands might be better at was far from appropriate, but maybe it was okay to be a little wicked.
He’d been so special when he’d visited the shop to buy Jessie yarn. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d had a hug from someone outside her family. It had been ages. She didn’t think she presented herself as inaccessible to other people, yet men especially seemed to give her wider breadth. Maybe it was because of her slightly prissy nature. Brad hadn’t minded, and, more, he’d taken the time to see she was as human as anyone else.
Scott seemed to have that brand of curiosity and patience. She turned the corner to the main shop and he came into sight, his face already turned toward her like he’d heard her coming. Though a little thrill ran up her spine, she was careful to keep her expression warm. He didn’t need to know how hot his lingering gazes made her.
“Oh my.”
The kids she’d expected to find in chairs knitting had joined the boys on the floor, playing with yarn. They looked like a pack of kittens. All of Scott’s children seemed fascinated by the yarn, but the fourth child, one of her regular customers’ daughters, looked fascinated by the boys.
“I think Susan’s had enough,” Carol said from her place beside Scott. She was forcing a smile, so Lucy brightened her own in case she’d put the other woman out in some way. “Is it okay if she plays while I pick out something new?”
“Of course, Carol.” Lucy offered a juice box to her as well. “And here is a little refreshment. One of these days we’ll have to do margaritas or something.”
Carol laughed and accepted the drink. “Well, for now, this is very welcome. I’ll be back by the wool if she’s looking.”
Lucy brought the juice boxes to the kids, ready to help out with the straws if needed, but the boys absently fixed the boxes for the girls before doing their own. She shook her head, completely charmed, and returned to where Scott sat, still watching her.
“You’re feeling better today.”
His words weren’t a question and once again his astuteness touched her. It was flattering and disconcerting to be read so well. “I do, thanks. Like I said, the sadness doesn’t last long anymore.”
“Time is sometimes kind,” he agreed. “I’m sorry your customer was miffed. I guess I could have been friendlier to her.”
Carol was a divorcee and an avid dater. Lucy had eyes and could plainly see Scott was the kind of man any woman with a wilder side might be willing to chase a bit, but she hoped Carol hadn’t embarrassed herself. The other woman really was nice, just a bit sure of herself.
“Well, this isn’t elementary school, so I guess I won’t send you to the corner or anything unless you spit on her shoe.” Lucy fixed a juice box straw and handed the drink to Scott. “She’s a big girl and I can’t imagine you being rude.”
“Well.” He hesitated and a flush crept up his neck. “I wouldn’t admit to rude, but I could have been nicer.”
She looked at him a long minute and bit back her laugh. “You didn’t ask if she was a hooker, did you?”
The slight blush turned blazing red as he shrugged again. “I may have.”
She laughed out loud. “Oh, Scott.”
“She knew what I meant,” he said, only moderately defensive. “Unfortunately she took it as a come-on. I had to set her straight because you’re the only woman I’ve got intentions like that toward.”
Flutters, big ones, erupted in her stomach. Scott’s words weren’t planned, yet weren’t quite awkward either. The blend made the flutters jump more.
“Oh, well.” She tucked the juice into his hand and smiled. “There, drink your juice. I’m sure it will sweeten you up for when you decide to get started on those intentions.”
He laughed and took a sip. “Aww, apple. My favorite. You don’t mind the girls winding, do you? Je
ssie did all her knitting stuff and I think the other one got bored.”
“It’s fine. They’re being so good. I don’t know why you were worried.” She cast a glance to where the kids still played in the yarn. “They look like a bunch of kittens. I should invite you all over this fall and get a picture for my Christmas cards.”
Scott snorted and she smiled. Like all parents, he knew the other side of the kids, she was sure, and from their first meeting, she knew the boys weren’t all yarn-balling and good manners.
“If you want the picture, let me know, I’ll run them all day like I did today and bribe them with ice cream.”
She laughed. “Okay, if I decide to call for a picture, I’ll treat for the ice cream.”
They sat quietly a moment, Lucy watching the kids and absently drinking her juice. The chemistry between her and Scott was shockingly spot on. To the soles of her feet, she knew he’d be good for a snuggle on rainy days…and a lot more as well.
A guy with kids… She’d never really considered that variable when she thought about dating again. Logically, a man in his late twenties or thirties could have children, but she had never quite put herself in that kind of mental equation before. And really, it was much too soon to even worry. Still, she didn’t want to start something she didn’t think she could finish if they got close.
The boys took a break from rolling yarn and instead batted around the single strands Jessie and Susan held.
“Oh cute. Now they’re pretending to be kitties,” she said. “I love that even though they’re older they are still able to pretend and play.”
“Yeah, kitties,” Scott said, derision in his tone. “I’d say they’re more like puppies. Give a pack of pups a bag of yarn and they’ll play all day.”
“I guess I hadn’t thought of that.” She turned to him. “Not a cat man?”
He shook his head. “Not even slightly.”
“My grandma was allergic to pet dander so we didn’t have either growing up. I guess I always thought a cat was more of a knitting pet, I just never got one.”
“Naw, who needs an uppity cat smelling up their pretty yarn?” he asked, his smile once again a thing of pure charm. “I think dogs are underrated in the knitting companion department.”
“If I ever decide to get a pet, I’ll keep those things in mind. Do you guys have any animals at home?” She thought he smirked slightly at her question.
“Not at this time. We moved a few months ago and, really, the house is crazy with those three. They don’t always play so nice.”
“Daddy, is it time to get ice cream yet?”
The boys still called Scott ‘Daddy’—her heart fluttered.
“Let’s help Ms. Lucy get everything cleaned up and then we’ll see if we can talk her into joining us.”
There was going to be no talking-into needed, but she didn’t undermine his reward for the boys when it was so effective. The remaining yarn was wound in minutes, even the girls hurrying through to fill the basket.
“Susan, time to go, honey. Lucy, I’ll take these, please.”
Scott immediately stiffened beside her. Lucy patted his arm which had, in their moments sitting side by side, pressed to hers.
“Oh, I love those colors. I’ll be right back, Scott.”
She almost thought he would detain or follow her. His possessiveness hadn’t been earned, but she didn’t exactly hate the feeling she had around him. Not controlled, she thought, walking away and knowing his eyes were on her, more like protected. When was the last time anyone had looked out for her? Even though she would loosely label them friends, she wouldn’t say much more, yet she knew they could be.
“I feel like such an ass,” Carol admitted at the register. “I had no idea you and Scott were an item. I should have figured it out by the way he looks at you, but I didn’t and I apologize. I kind of hit on him. He shot me down like a lame duck. I’m sorry, Lucy.”
“Don’t be,” she said, though irrationally she really didn’t like to hear another woman had tried to flirt with the man she was thinking of pursuing. “Scott and I are just friends.”
“‘Just’ isn’t going to last long if that man has anything to say.” Carol winked. “And good for you. A big, tough guy like him with all those kids would be perfect for a woman like you.”
“Like me?”
“Oh, not a bad thing. You’re so kind and patient. Women like you are rare and make the rest of us look like bitchy cows. It takes a special man to really appreciate that sweetness. Obviously, I caught a glimpse of something special in Scott to chat him up, but now that I think of it, you two are so perfect for each other. I can’t wait to hear details.”
Lucy laughed, surprised at her candor. It was kind of nice to hear she wasn’t imagining things. And friend or not, Lucy did want to have something to reveal to Carol the next time she saw her. Even if it was something small, she wanted to be a woman with a story to share, at least a little story.
“Well, I’ll keep you in the loop.” Lucy tucked Carol’s yarn in a paper bag. “It sounds like we’re heading out for ice cream tonight and then I guess we’ll see.”
Carol took her bag and smiled. “Good for you, Lucy. I hope you have a lot of fun. I’ll grab Susan and we’ll sneak out. See you next week.”
She tucked away the money and quickly set the till for her assistant. She was only a phone call away and Maggie had handled the store plenty of times, so she didn’t fuss too much. After a moment of paperwork, she closed down her computer and tucked away the bank bag in her purse to take in the next day.
She locked the door after Susan and Carol headed out and turned the ‘open’ sign to ‘closed’ before walking toward the back where she’d left Scott and the kids in the work room.
“Finish up, guys. And you’d better behave at the ice cream shop or you’ll be stuck inside for a week, washing dishes and doing laundry.”
She bit back a laugh at the threat. She’d bet dollars to doughnuts the boys and Jessie did their fair share of housework. By the time they were on their own, she had no doubt Scott would have prepared them to be excellent self-caretakers.
Her grandma had taught her and all of her foster siblings how to care for themselves. Even when the boys had griped and moaned about doing the work, they’d still learned and those skills had to be ones their wives and girlfriends appreciated. She wished she had better contact with all the people in her past, but memories were wonderful things.
“All set?” She turned the corner to see all of the yarn put away and the work room spotless. “Wow, it looks fantastic in here. You all are hired.”
“We’re real good at cleaning, Ms. Lucy,” Greg said. “Dad makes us clean all the time, so we’ve had a lot of practice.”
“I bet,” she said. “So, if you’re ready, how about we get some ice cream?”
The kids cheered and Scott smiled, the combination an infectious mix that had her more excited for ice cream than she had been probably since she was Jessie’s age. She turned off the lights as the kids made their way to the door, the anticipation barely contained. Maybe after ice cream they could head to the park and the boys could get some wiggles out before bed. And maybe she and Scott could sit on one of the benches and talk some more.
She wondered about him and his life. Where was his wife? Where had they been before moving to Pennsylvania? What were his plans for the future? There was so much she wanted to know about him. And even if she didn’t get her answers, she still hoped spending a little extra time with him might be possible.
“You’re the dork,” Ross said, shoving Greg.
Lucy rolled her eyes as Scott moved forward and separated the boys. She locked the door and followed. The time for wiggles had returned and she didn’t mind. No little boy could stay still for long.
They were shoving and laughing, so at least they were good-natured. She enjoyed their energy and attitudes. They all seemed really good to each other, even now as Scott dropped back a few paces and let them shove it ou
t on the empty sidewalk.
“Boys,” he muttered. “I thought things would be easier with Jessie but—”
“Ross, I’m going to kick you in the face and then we’ll see who’s smiling.”
Lucy laughed out loud at the girl’s outlandish boast.
“Guys, settle down,” Scott called and immediately the bulk of the shoving and playing stopped. “Good kids, all of them, but they’re animals sometimes.”
The way he said the last part made her laugh. Animals. She’d always thought the same for kids that age. “Some days I’d swear my niece and nephew were parts skunk and weasel.”
“How old?” he asked.
“Ten and twelve.”
“Oh yeah, sneaky and stinky ages. I remember when my brothers were those ages. I thought those years would never end. I already go through industrial-sized containers of soap and detergent every week. I don’t even want to think about what puberty is going to bring.”
“Times two,” she added. “You’re going to have your hands full, but they’re good boys. You’ll be very glad you set such a wonderful foundation with them young. My grandma always said structure was half the trouble with teenagers. If they didn’t learn ‘no’ when they were little, then they sure as heck weren’t going to listen as near-adults.”
“Your grandma sounds like she was a very intelligent woman. Do you have a big family?”
“Yes. After Grandma got custody of me, she started doing foster care, which lead to four foster brothers and a foster sister who stayed to adulthood. Some are local still, others moved across the country, but all of them are family. Did you come from a big family? I’d think so since you manage so well with your brood.”
“My family was small compared to my cousins’. We all lived in the same town, so we were always together. I only had two brothers at home, but any day of the week we could have a dozen relatives over.”
“That sounds amazing. I miss those days. Maybe I’ll have to host something this fall for everyone who came through Grandma’s house.”
Unraveling Midnight Page 3