by Elsie Davis
“How appropriate,” Kevin joked, his grin widening. “Lead the way.”
Tonight was one thing, but that’s where Amanda would need to draw the line. She was doing this for the girls. The last thing she needed to do was fall for him and the twins. That would spell triple trouble.
And there was no way she wanted to be a fool for love.
Chapter Eleven
Amanda pulled into the driveway, Kevin right behind her. The girls jumped out of his car and ran to the front door.
“Cupcake gets excited around new people, so be careful she doesn’t jump on you,” Amanda warned.
“It’s okay. We can handle it. We love dogs, but Daddy won’t let us get one. What good is it living in the country if you can’t have a dog?” Macy shook her head in frustration. She might be the more outspoken of the two girls, but in this instance, they were both in agreement, Lacy nodding and looking up at her father.
“What I told you was, let’s get settled into Hallbrook, and then we can reassess the situation.”
“Grown-up talk for never gonna happen.” Macy rolled her eyes while Lacy pouted, both obviously trying to figure out a way to budge their dad on the subject. Amanda suspected it wouldn’t be long before the Thompson family had a dog. The twins would wear him down until he capitulated.
Amanda opened the door, and just as expected, Cupcake was there to greet them. “Easy, girl.” She grabbed hold of the dog’s collar firmly to keep her from jumping.
“She’s so pretty. Cupcake’s the perfect name for a brown dog with a pink collar. I love her big, brown eyes,” Lacy said, petting the dog’s head.
“Cupcake’s a chocolate Lab,” Amanda told them, while trying her best to calm the dog.
“Can Lacy and I take her for a walk? It’ll be just like having our own dog. Sort of,” Macy asked, kneeling next to the dog to pet her, earning a wet doggy kiss in the process.
Amanda laughed. “She’s used to it just being me or my friend Jennifer taking her out and I’m not sure how she’ll act. Instead, why don’t you take her out in the backyard and let her romp around? I’m sure it will give her all the exercise she needs, and you can play with her.” She glanced at Kevin. “It’s fenced in,” she offered by way of reassurance.
Kevin nodded. “Go for it.”
“Yippee.” The girls headed for the back door as Amanda flipped on the backyard flood lights.
“Come on, Cupcake. Let’s go play,” Macy called. The dog didn’t have to be asked twice and happily ran after them.
“We can watch from the kitchen window if you prefer to stay inside where it’s warm. This is a treat for me to have someone else take the dog out.” She smiled, hoping he’d agree.
“Inside works for me, too.” He grinned, following her to the kitchen. “Nice place. I love all the chair rails and crown molding. It really dates the house but in a nice way.”
“Thanks. It was my mother’s and it’s where I grew up.”
“Wow. I bet that doesn’t happen often anymore.” He shook his head, checking out the kitchen and inspecting the woodwork.
“Probably not. I love it here. Sometimes, it’s as if I can still feel her presence. I may have to give up the bakery, but they can’t take this place from me. It’s paid for. My mother was adamant that no loan would ever tie up the house and its history. I’ve honored her wish although it hasn’t been easy. I think that’s what makes it more difficult when it comes to bakery. This house would be an option, but I promised. And—”
“A promise is a promise,” he finished for her. Something else they had in common.
They stood next to each other by the window, Amanda all too aware of the energy between them. She wanted to ignore it, but it wasn’t that easy. Not with his cologne drifting her way, the woodsy scent fresh and inviting and more than a little masculine. And then there was the man himself. The love he felt for the two girls outside shone in his eyes and lit his face with genuine emotion as he watched them play. The kids chased each other and the dog, oblivious to the cold and Cupcake was loving every minute of it.
“I remember once upon a time, playing outside like that with a dog I had as a child. Great memories. I get why you’re not ready now, but you should seriously consider getting them a dog when you are. They’re naturals with Cupcake, and it’s a great way for kids to get exercise.” No harm in trying to help the girl’s cause. Three against one would get it done quicker.
“Don’t let them hear you say that, or that’s all I’ll hear for days and weeks to come. Amanda said we should have a dog. Amanda said. Amanda said.” He tried to mimic the girls’ voices, and the corners of his eyes crinkled as he laughed.
“You sounded more like a parrot than your kids. But I promise not to raise their hopes or show I’m siding with them. I have enough on my plate without being responsible for your pet decisions.” That wouldn’t stop her from pushing the issue from behind the lines. For the girls’ sake, of course. They were friends now, and friends had each other’s backs.
He glanced at his watch. “We should probably get going. The skating rink closes at seven, so we need to go there before dinner.”
“I’ll go call the kids in.” Kevin opened the back door and whistled. “Kids, let’s go. Peterson’s rink closes at seven.”
The twins barreled through the door, followed closely by Cupcake.
“That was a blast,” Macy exclaimed as she smacked her mittens together to knock the snow off them.
“It’s not even cold outside when you’re running around. I’m actually hot and sweaty.” Lacy started to unwind her scarf.
“Leave your stuff on. You don’t want to catch a chill going from hot to cold repeatedly,” Kevin told them, showing off his expert parenting skills.
“Then let’s go. Can we take Cupcake?” Lacy asked, Macy nodding in agreement. The adoration shining in their eyes was priceless as they petted Cupcake’s head and back, the dog’s tail thumping to show her mutual approval.
“I’m not sure that’s a good idea,” Kevin answered before she had a chance.
“Other people bring their dogs. It’s a farm, not some fancy city rink,” Lacy pleaded, her hand never leaving the dog as she rubbed Cupcake’s head with her mitten-covered hand.
Amanda realized it was the perfect way to get out of making a fool of herself at the rink. Dog sitter and picture taker sounded a whole lot better than another skating disaster. “I’m okay with it. I’ll grab her leash. We can drop her back by the house before dinner.”
Kevin shrugged and shook his head. “Guess it’s decided. I’m outnumbered three to one.”
They headed out the front door, the girls taking Cupcake. The dog didn’t have nearly the same amount of energy she’d had when they first arrived, and Amanda was positive the girls could handle her. She locked up the house while Kevin waited.
Keven placed his hand at the small of her back to guide her around the car to the passenger side, opening the door for her. It was a gesture that made her feel cherished, her racing heart seconding the emotion.
They drove to the Peterson dairy farm, where the old man set up a skating rink every year and decorated the barn for winter festivities. It was one of the ways he gave back to the community to thank the town for their support. The place was lit with pretty white lights as they twinkled against the darkening sky. At Christmas, the big evergreen tree next to the rink had been decorated with colorful balls and ribbon and a star at the top, but now, it was covered in red, white, and pink hearts. Kids and parents alike had gathered around for some local fun, despite the cold. A bonfire had been lit, and several people stood around drinking cocoa, while most of the others were on the rink or standing on the edge watching.
Which was precisely where Amanda planned to be. She walked with Kevin and the girls to the skate rental check-in booth. The girls waved at several friends they spotted from school.
“Good evening, folks. Great skate night. What sizes can I get you?” Henry asked, the jovial man always wit
h a ready smile on his face.
“Hey, Henry. It seems busy night for a weeknight. I’ll let them—” she gestured toward Kevin and the girls, “—tell you their sizes since I don’t have a clue, and I’m not skating.” Meeting the girls halfway meant coming with them, no one said anything about her getting on the ice.
“What do you mean you’re not skating?” Lacy asked, her brow drawn tight. “You have to skate. That’s why we’re here.”
“We’re here for your birthday. Someone’s got to stay with the dog, so I volunteer. It’ll be more fun watching you with your dad.” Amanda pulled Cupcake close as another owner and dog approached. Cupcake would want to play, and that wasn’t in the cards with the crowded area.
“Maybe she’s afraid,” Kevin teased. He’d only gotten it half correct. It was the fear of falling and the humiliation combined she didn’t want.
“You’re not afraid, are you, Miss Amanda? Tell him,” Macy defended her.
“I haven’t skated much since I was a kid, and I’d be a bit rusty, but, no, not afraid.” It was the truth. She wasn’t afraid of skating. It was the falling part where the trouble started.
“What size, Amanda?” Kevin insisted. “We can take turns hanging back with Cupcake.”
Judging by his grin, he more than suspected the truth and wasn’t letting her off the hook easily. “Fine. Size eight, Henry.”
The girls and Kevin rattled off their sizes, and Kevin pulled out his wallet to pay.
“I can get my own.” She reached for her wallet.
“Tonight’s my treat. You’re helping the girls have a happy birthday.” He pushed her hand away and laid a twenty on the counter.
Henry handed the girls their skates and grinned at Amanda. “Glad you two got that worked out. I’ve heard around town you been dating, and I must say—”
“We aren’t dating,” Amanda jumped in quickly to correct him. She glanced at the girls. Thankfully, they’d moved off to one of the benches to put on their skates and hadn’t overheard.
“Well, then maybe you should be.” Henry chuckled, handing Kevin his change.
“I’ve already got two females at home, and it’s hard enough to keep up with them, what sane man would want to add another?” Kevin teased.
Henry laughed at the joke, the two drifting into their own male-testosterone space. “I hear you, brother.”
Men. Amanda didn’t see the humor. Women could say the same for men. Between toilet seats, cupboard doors, and picking up after themselves, men weren’t a picnic all the time, either. But she’d let them have their fun because she knew from experience that guys would ramp up the teasing before letting go if someone tried to fight back.
She grabbed the skates from the counter and hurried back to the bench to put them on before she changed her mind.
“Watch us, Amanda. We love to skate.” The twins took off, hobbling over to the edge of the rink before stepping onto the surface carefully. They were adorable in their matching sweaters, warm leggings, and fancy white winter hats which looked as if they could have come straight from Paris, and therefore, compliments of their mother. Lacy wore a pink sweater, of course, and Macy wore the red. Twins, and yet so unique.
“Be careful,” she warned, thinking of bruised bottoms, broken bones, and cracked skulls. She shuddered to think of the dangers. The girls hadn’t lied about their skating abilities. They ran into a few friends and were soon zipping around in a circle with the rest of the crowd, expertly maneuvering around slower skaters.
Everywhere she looked, people were laughing and having fun.
Kevin joined her. “You waiting on next Christmas to put those on?” He leaned in close and bumped her shoulder. “I promise I’ll help you, and it’ll be okay.”
“I wouldn’t want you to take on anything extra, you know, seeing as you’re already overloaded with women.”
Kevin chuckled. “We were teasing. Besides, it ended the dating conversation. Isn’t that what you wanted? It’s not as though he was paying any attention to your denial, whereas my comment put an end to it.”
“Okay. There is that.” Why did he always have to be right? At least she knew for sure they were on the same page. Even if his lack of interest wasn’t flattering, it was honest.
“I’m going to skate with the girls for a bit, and then I’ll get one of them to watch Cupcake. You are going to take a spin, and I’m going to help you. So put your skates on.”
“I know how to skate, wise guy. And I can tie Cupcake’s leash to the bench. I’ve a got a rug for her to sit on so she doesn’t get chilled, so she’ll be fine. Go on, and I’ll do this when I’m ready. I’m having fun watching everyone. It’s not often I get to relax and take in the flavor of the community much.”
“Liar. Get up your nerve, and I’ll be here.” Kevin laughed as he skated away.
Nerve was exactly what she didn’t have, although she had no intention of telling him. Memories of when she last skated her began spinning around in her head. Amanda shook her head, shoving the memories far into the recesses of her brain. She didn’t want to think about them now.
The place was packed. Amanda glanced around, waving at several of her regular customers and saying hi to others as they walked past. Some stopped for conversation, but most were there for a purpose.
The twins waved as they flew by and Amanda marveled at how carefree they were. Fearless.
She knew Kevin was going to make her try, even if she preferred to sit tight and watch. There was only one thing left to do. She waited until they passed by again and then tied off Cupcake’s leash. Amanda finished tightening the laces and made her way to the edge of the rink, determined to do this on her own. Memories of kids laughing at her, flooded her brain. She pushed the thoughts away, unwilling to cave to her memories.
Cupcake barked, and Amanda glanced back to make sure the dog was okay. She was yanking at her leash, trying to join Amanda, as if sensing her need. Amanda shoved one foot forward and tested the ability to move. Then the next. Again, and again.
She was skating. Maybe at a snail’s pace, but she was doing it. The twins sailed past her, doing a one-eighty turn when they recognized her.
“Miss Amanda, yay!” They rewarded her efforts with happy smiles. Amanda was still getting used to the change in friendship status with the girls, although she had to admit, Cupcake had done wonders pushing things to a whole new level.
“Here, take our hands, we’ll help you.” So much for everyone not finding out how pathetic she was at skating.
“Thanks, girls. You go ahead. I’m just getting a feel for it again. Next time around, will you check on Cupcake?”
“Sure thing.” The two of them sailed off and joined more friends ahead.
“I won’t give up so easy,” Kevin spoke from behind her. She turned to answer, but the effort cost her as her feet slipped out of control.
“I’ve got you,” he said, two strong arms coming around to help her regain her balance.
“Thanks, but I was doing fine.” She grimaced.
“Not from what I saw.”
“I almost fell because you startled me,” Amanda insisted.
“And nothing to do with the fact you’re a novice? Have you actually skated before?” Kevin asked, holding her close.
Amanda was seeing stars, but not the kind she had when she bumped her head. They were the kind you saw when it felt like the man you were with just hung the moon. She pulled back a little, trying to regain a sense of stability. Physically and mentally. “Yes, wise guy. I was little.”
“Come on, let me help you.” Kevin faced her, took her hands, and started to skate backward, helping her to glide forward.
“I look silly.”
“Not to me. You look beautiful,” Kevin said, his deep masculine voice rife with sincerity.
Amanda’s skate tip caught on the ice. She looked up at him, unsure of how to answer. “Um, thank you, I think.”
“Good answer. It was a compliment.” He laughed. “Just r
elax. I’ll lead you around and let you get a feel for what the skates can do.”
It wasn’t as if she had a choice, but the reality was, she appreciated him helping her. She also realized why, and it wasn’t good. She was falling for Kevin, whether she wanted to or not, which could only lead to heartache for her.
All the more reason to keep her distance after tonight. But for now, she wanted to enjoy the pleasure of Kevin’s company and the warmth of his laughter.
Seven o’clock arrived way too fast, and before she knew it, they’d dropped Cupcake off at her place and were headed to O’Malley’s. It was a short drive but filled with chatter—twin style. Talking centered around skating and Cupcake. Her dog had always been popular with kids, and the twins showing up with her had garnered them extra attention.
After they were seated at a table and had ordered, the conversation changed to school and clothes, and afterschool activities and friends. Apparently, with twins around, there was never a shortage of subjects for discussion. It would seem grown-ups had a limited role in conversation and were merely there to confirm or deny what they were saying. It was the first time she could remember being out on a date with children.
No, not a date. Technically, this was just two friends getting together to celebrate the twins’ birthday. Something she’d do well to remember. The twins might have put a temporary hiatus on their dislike of her, but if she showed any interest in Kevin whatsoever, it was sure to rile them up again. Something she preferred not to happen for their sake. The school wouldn’t put up with too many antics, no matter what the situation. It would be a shame if they went too far. Tonight, she’d focus on the girls and prove to them there was nothing between her and their father.
“Miss Amanda, Dad’s birthday is next week. Maybe you could teach me and Lacy how to bake, and we can make a cake. Something really cool and special.”
“I didn’t realize you had a birthday coming up.” Amanda glanced over at Kevin.
He shrugged. “I prefer to ignore birthdays, but the girls don’t seem to let the day slip past without some fanfare.”