Easy With You

by Kristen Proby

  “I’m going to escort you home.”

  “Oh, that’s so nice,” Kate says with a dreamy sigh, and I roll my eyes at her.

  “That’s not necessary,” I reply. “I’ll be fine.”

  “In case you missed it, there’s a killer out there, Lila,” Asher says, his handsome face perfectly serious now. His jaw is square and strong, and covered in just a little black stubble. His hair is a complete sweaty mess. He’s half naked.

  He’s the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen, and yet just those few words out of his mouth have my blood running cold.

  “I’ll be there,” he repeats before I can say anything. He smiles again and winks at Kate, then pins me in his hot stare once more. “I need to get some beignets home to Casey.”

  “Who’s Casey?” Kate asks before I can.

  “My daughter.” He backs away, watching me, and I’m struck dumb. “I’ll see you tonight.” And with that, he saunters away.

  “He has a daughter,” I say when he’s out of earshot.

  “Sounds like it,” Kate replies with a nod.

  “Holy fuck,” I whisper, suddenly mortified. “He’s married!”

  “We don’t know that,” Kate says with a frown.

  “Hello? He has a daughter.”

  “So he said.”

  “I had sex with a married man.” I swallow, mortified. “I’m a home wrecker.”

  “Okay, stop.” Kate waves her hands in front of her, getting my attention. “He said he was taking beignets home to Casey. Not his family, or his wife, or to them. Just to her.”

  “Maybe he didn’t want to hurt my feelings.”

  “Lila.” Kate pushes her fingers on her eyebrows, as if I’m giving her a headache. “He could be divorced. Widowed. Maybe he never married the mother. Maybe she left as soon as the baby was born.”

  “Oh God.” I frown and immediately feel sorry for the little girl. I can see her in my head, a sweet brunette girl who looks just like her daddy, crying and pining for her mother who abandoned her as a baby. “Wait. I’m getting very dramatic here.”

  “Yes.” Kate nods. “Stop it. He’s probably divorced.”

  “Right.”

  “And he’s clearly still interested in you,” she adds and sips the last of her coffee.

  I shrug one shoulder, as if it doesn’t matter. “He has a kid.”

  “So?”

  “I don’t do kids,” I remind her. “I don’t want kids, and I certainly don’t get involved with men with kids.”

  Because as much as that little voice in the back of my head tells me that having a child of my own would be the most amazing thing in the world, I just can’t take the chance that I would be as big a failure as my own parents were.

  “Get over yourself,” Kate says as she rolls her eyes. “Stop focusing on what you won’t do. Because maybe you will.”

  Right.

  “Maybe not.”

  “Such a Debbie Downer. Nobody wants to fuck a Debbie Downer.”

  “I’m just being realistic. I’m responsible, remember?”

  “You’re kind of a pain in the ass. He’s nice. He’s hot. Maybe you can just do the friends with benefits thing. No harm, no foul.”

  “Oh. You could be onto something.”

  Kate smiles smugly. “I’m a smart one.”

  * * * *

  He’s been wandering through the library for the past thirty minutes, waiting for me to finish with my group, and making it very hard to focus on my students.

  And that kind of pisses me off.

  If these kids are taking the time to be here, I need to be here.

  “Okay guys, you’re doing great,” I say as they begin to filter out of the small study room that I have on reserve for us twice a week. “I’ll see you in class on Monday. And remember what I said! Be safe out there.”

  “I so appreciate your help, Lila,” Colin says. This is the second semester in a row that he’s had to take this class. I hated having to fail him last semester, and I’m so happy that he’s doing better now. He’s a good kid. Friendly with the other students, happy-go-lucky. He’s small in stature, with a shaved head, smiling eyes, and always quick to make a joke.

  We all enjoy him.

  “You’re welcome,” I reply with a smile. “You’re doing so much better, Colin.”

  “Well, as much as I like you, I’d rather not take the same class again.”

  “I understand.”

  “Thanks Lila.” Cheyenne, a pretty girl with short, bleach blonde hair says as she walks out. “See you Monday.”

  “Travel in groups! It’s dangerous out there!”

  “I’ll walk her to her car,” Colin offers with a wink and drapes his arm around Cheyenne’s shoulders. “You’re safe with me, cupcake.”

  The students are all gone as I close my computer and put it in my bag, along with a pen and the scarf I had on earlier but had to take off when it got too warm. I flip off the light and close the door behind me as Asher approaches from across the library.

  God, the way he moves should come with a warning label.

  Warning: May cause brain loss during movement.

  He moves effortlessly, as though he’s completely comfortable in his own skin. And he should be.

  His skin is pretty damn impressive.

  His dark hair is messy, as usual, as though he’s been shoving his fingers through it. He shaved the stubble off his chin, probably when he showered after his run.

  He’s dressed in jeans and a black T-shirt, and I want to rip them off of him. Right here, right now.

  What the hell is up with my hormones?

  He has a daughter!

  And probably a wife.

  “Hey,” he says with a smile.

  “You really don’t have to walk me home,” I reply. “It’s not far.”

  “It’s not here in the library, is it?”

  I smirk. “Of course not.”

  “Then I need to walk you home,” he replies and places his hand on the small of my back as he leads me out of the library. He takes my computer bag from me and carries it for me.

  And if he wasn’t married, that might be the swooniest thing I’ve ever seen.

  “It’s nice tonight,” I comment as we walk across campus and into the nearby neighborhood where my apartment is. “It’s warming up.”

  “It is,” he agrees. “Summer will be here before we know it.”

  “This is me.” I gesture to my building and take my bag from him. “I’ll be fine from here.”

  “I’d like to walk you in,” he replies seriously. I glance up to see his mouth firm.

  “Why?”

  “I want to make sure your place is empty.”

  I roll my eyes. “Look, I understand that young girls are being killed, and it’s heartbreaking and horrific, but I hardly think that the killer is waiting for me in my apartment.”

  “Lila.” He stops me on the sidewalk and takes my shoulders in his hands, his hot gaze on mine. “There are things happening with this investigation that I can’t tell you about. I need you to trust me. I need you to cooperate with me.”

  “Okay.” I back out of his touch, making him frown. “But your wife might have an issue with you coming into my apartment. Especially after last summer.”

  I turn to walk ahead of him, but he pulls me to a stop again, and this time he looks… angry.

  And maybe a little confused.

  “I’m not married.”

  I blink, but before I can speak, he continues.

  “Did you think that because I mentioned Casey this morning that I’m married?”

  I shrug.

  “I’m a single dad.” And with that he turns and walks ahead of me.

  “I’m sorry.”

  “It’s fine.” But then he stops again and scowls at me. “No, it’s not fine. Do you seriously think that I’d fuck you the way I did last summer if I were married?”

  “I don’t know you.” I’m surprisingly calm now that I know that he’s
not married. “It’s not like we’ve actually had conversations about ourselves.”

  “Well, let me make myself perfectly clear; I’m not a cheater. Casey’s mom is gone. I’m not married. I don’t have a girlfriend.”

  “Okay.” I nod as he steps a little closer. He drags his fingertips down my cheek, but doesn’t kiss me. He’s really good at the sexy, get really close and make me want it thing.

  And he’s single.

  Thank God.

  “Let’s get you inside,” he whispers and kisses my forehead, sending electricity from my head to my feet, then takes my hand and leads me to my door. “Stay here.”

  “Asher—”

  “Stay here,” he repeats, and waits for me to unlock the door before he walks in, leaving me on my doorstep.

  This is ridiculous.

  I step inside and shut the door, toss my purse and keys on the nearby table, and lay my computer bag on the dining room table.

  “So help me God, Delila, if you don’t start listening to me, I’ll spank your ass.”

  I twirl at his angry voice, my jaw dropped. “Excuse me?”

  “You heard me.”

  “One: how do you know my full name?”

  “I’m leading this investigation. I know more about you than you’re probably comfortable with.”

  Well, that fucking sucks.

  “Two: try to spank my ass and I’ll knock you on yours.”

  His lips twitch. “Good girl.”

  “You’re an arrogant ass.”

  “I’m not arrogant, I’m doing my best to keep you safe.” He advances on me and pins me against the door, his hands flat on the wood, on either side of my head, his mouth inches from mine, stealing the breath from my lungs. “Nothing is going to happen to you, Lila.”

  “I’m safe, Asher.”

  “Yes, you are. I’m making sure of it.” Just when I expect him to kiss the ever-loving hell out of me, he gently cups my face in his hands, his thumbs trace circles on my cheeks, and he lowers his face to mine. He nibbles the corner of my mouth sweetly. “I’ve dreamed of this mouth,” he whispers.

  My hands find their way to his ribcage, bunching his T-shirt in my fists.

  Jesus, I want to fucking climb him.

  “The chemistry between us is crazy,” I reply.

  “I know.” He swallows hard and kisses down my jaw to my ear. “You’re so damn beautiful, Delila.”

  “I hate my name,” I whisper.

  “Why?”

  “Because it’s an old lady name.”

  “I love your name.”

  God, he’s intoxicating me. I’m numb from the pleasure, and yet, I’m more sensitive than I’ve ever been.

  And that doesn’t make any sense.

  None of this makes any sense.

  “I want to spend tomorrow with you.”

  I open my eyes to find his on me, narrowed just a little. His hand has drifted down my side to my hip, but he’s still holding the other side of my face in his strong hand.

  “To protect me?” I ask.

  “That’s only part of it.” He kisses me chastely. “I want to be with you. Do you have tomorrow off for the holiday?”

  “Yes.” I give a little nod. “Okay.”

  “Okay.” He kisses me one more time, bites my lower lip, then takes a deep breath and leans his forehead on my shoulder. “I have to go. Lock this door and stay smart, Lila. I’ll be back in the morning.”

  “Okay.”

  “Oh, and I’ll have Casey with me.” He winks. “You’ll like her.”

  “Oh. Okay.”

  Is okay all I know how to say?

  I watch as he leaves, lock the door behind him, and take a deep, cleansing breath. Dear sweet Jesus, that man is potent. And he’s a good guy.

  A good guy with a kid.

  The thought would normally scare me, but I feel a smile spread across my face at the thought of watching him with a little girl. Does she have him wrapped around her finger? How is he with her?

  I’m suddenly looking forward to tomorrow.

  Chapter Four

  ~Asher~

  “Is Lila your girlfriend?” Casey asks as we drive from our townhouse to Lila’s apartment. I grin at her in the rearview.

  “No. She’s a friend.” How do I explain to my daughter that Lila is so much more than a friend, but not my girlfriend, when I don’t even understand it yet myself? I’ve never introduced Casey to a woman that I’m interested in. No one has ever made me consider keeping them around for the long haul, and I’m not going to bring someone into Casey’s life just to have them say good-bye again.

  But I actually want Casey to meet Lila, and that has me more than just a tad nervous.

  “And why are we hanging out with her today?”

  “Because I’m looking after her for a little while. You’ll like her. She’s nice.”

  “Is she nice enough to maybe eventually be your girlfriend?” she asks hopefully.

  I simply chuckle, my heart hitching a bit at the longing in Casey’s pretty green eyes, and park in front of Lila’s building, then lead Casey up to Lila’s door.

  I knock and scowl when Lila opens the door without even asking who is on the other side.

  “What if I had been the bad guy?”

  “Are you the bad guy?” she asks with one brow raised, and damn if I don’t want to kiss that smirk right off her gorgeous face.

  “He’s the good guy¸” Casey replies seriously.

  “You must be Casey,” Lila says with a smile and holds her hand out to shake my daughter’s. “I’m Lila.”

  “You’re pretty,” Casey says.

  “You’re prettier,” Lila replies as she grabs her handbag and keys. “Do you know where we’re going?”

  “Breakfast,” Casey says and glances up at me for confirmation.

  “Breakfast,” I agree.

  “Perfect. I’m starving.” Lila offers her hand to Casey, and together they walk hand in hand toward the car.

  Watching them together, the tall, slim brunette and my small, slim redhead, makes my heart catch.

  I’ve never imagined bringing a woman into our lives full time. Casey is happy and well adjusted the way things are, and asking her to accept someone new has always seemed rather selfish of me.

  It never occurred to me that she might need, or even want, a woman in our lives.

  And damn if Lila doesn’t look perfectly comfortable with my daughter.

  “Do you have a place in mind?” Lila asks, and she and Casey climb into the car and buckle themselves in.

  “I do.” I grin at her and wink as I back out of the parking lot. “You’ll see.”

  There’s a little hole-in-the-wall joint not far from Lila’s place that Casey and I love. It’s busy today, but we’re quickly shown to a table in the back corner with a view of the street. I sit with my back to the window, as always, with Casey next to me so I can keep an eye on the room.

  I never sit with my back to a room.

  “They have the best pancakes,” Casey announces, setting her menu aside. “May I please have bacon with mine, Daddy?”

  “Of course,” I reply and kiss her head, then glance up to find Lila watching us.

  “How old are you, Casey?” she asks.

  “Ten,” Casey replies and sips her water. “I’ll be eleven in seven months and one week.”

  “That soon?” Lila asks with a laugh. “What grade are you in?”

  “Fourth.”

  “Lila is a teacher,” I tell Casey.

  “What grade do you teach?”

  “I am a college professor,” Lila says.

  “Wow. You must be really smart.”

  She’s brilliant.

  Lila laughs and orders pancakes and bacon for herself and Casey when the waitress arrives.

  “Make it three,” I say.

  “You have very pretty hair,” Lila tells Casey, who preens from the compliment.

  “It’s just like my mom’s,” Casey says innocent
ly, and the stab to my heart is immediate. It’s lessened with time, thankfully, but in these simple moments, it catches me off guard. “It’s really curly. And red.” She wrinkles her nose.

  “That explains it,” Lila says, looking at me with surprised eyes. “I was expecting you to have dark hair like your daddy.”

  “Nope. I got the red.” Casey sighs. “And the freckles.”

  “You know, my best friend has red hair and freckles, and she’s just as gorgeous as you are.”

  Casey smiles up at me, then back at Lila. “Cool.”

  “So what are our plans for the rest of the day? Surely you don’t intend to try to entertain me all day.” Lila takes a sip of her water, watching me over the rim.

  “I do intend to entertain you all day. And don’t call me Shirley.”

  Lila laughs, a happy, loud laugh that makes my stomach clench. She tosses her hair over one shoulder and shakes her head at me. “You’re silly.”

  “He’s really silly,” Casey agrees and claps her hands as our pancakes and bacon are served. “But he’s handsome. Don’t you think?”

  “She’s really subtle,” I inform Lila dryly. She simply pours maple syrup on her pancakes, so much that I wince and then chuckle at her. “Do you want some pancakes with your syrup?”

  “Maybe.” She winks at me and turns her attention back to Casey. “Yes, your daddy is handsome.”

  “And he’s smart. And he has a good job. And he can fix things.”

  “Really?” Lila takes a bite of her bacon and leans in like Casey is about to tell her all of life’s secrets. “What can he fix?”

  I watch Casey, also interested to hear what it is, exactly, that I can fix.

  “Well, he unclogged the toilet when I accidently dropped his phone in it and flushed.”

  “Oh my.”

  “And our stove stopped working and he replaced the lelement, and now it works again.”

  “I replaced the heating element in the oven,” I correct her, but she’s ignoring me.

  “And at Christmas time, half of the lights on our Christmas tree wouldn’t light, but he figured it out and made them come back on!”

  “That is impressive.”

  I chuckle and munch on my bacon, enjoying the banter between these two amazing girls. Casey is chattering about my skills in painting the living room, clearly trying to convince Lila that she and I should be together forever, and Lila is listening. Not half-assed the way some adults do when they’re humoring a kid and want to get on with their day.