Chapter 8
“Did you see? Uncle Travis is here!” Hudson’s exclamation of delight came right after snack time the next day.
I looked up toward the doorway, confused. It wasn’t time for Hudson to be picked up.
I watched Travis talking to Mike, who ran our soccer program for the kids twice a week. They shook hands and my gaze narrowed in suspicion.
I went back to helping Tabitha open her yogurt as the kids finished up snack.
I felt him before I saw him, the heat at my back like a beacon of awareness.
Hudson squealed, jumping out of his seat to greet his uncle.
“Hi, bud.” Travis’s voice was warm as he moved to stand alongside me, scooping Hudson up in his arms.
“Time to go home?” Hudson asked.
“No. I’m going to help coach Mike out today,” he explained.
I looked at him in surprise. “Since when?”
He stared at me with that trademark intensity. “Since I just really like the view around here.”
I flushed, glancing down at Tabitha, reaching out just in time to prevent a giant yogurt glob from landing on her dress.
I tried like hell not to stare out the window as the soccer lesson started ten minutes later.
“Wow, he is so hot,” Lindsey breathed reverently as she stared unabashedly at Travis helping Mike with the kids.
“Yeah.” I had to agree.
Travis was hot at any time, but Travis kneeling down to talk to the kids, with that gorgeous dimple on prominent display? Well, that Travis was downright irresistible.
It was a good thing I’d discovered a newfound form of willpower. Maybe. Probably.
When they wrapped up, the kids came in to nap, and I packed up my things. I left at midday three days a week and taught more yoga classes those days.
I’d learned to be scrappy and creative when it came to making ends meet.
“You headed out?” Travis asked, falling into stride with me as I walked out to my car.
“Yeah.”
“Want to grab some lunch?”
I knew he’d broken through when I felt disappointed that I really couldn’t. “I have class.”
“Dinner, then,” he replied easily.
I let out a short laugh. “Don’t you have work?”
“One of the benefits of being the boss.” He shrugged with a sideways grin.
“Maybe another time,” I replied quietly.
He reached out, grabbing my arm to gently halt my progress. “Em… please tell me I haven’t fucked this up beyond repair.”
I looked up at him, finding his expression shrouded in worry. “A few days ago I would have said yes,” I admitted. “But I’ve had time to think, and although you did hurt my feelings, I think I understand where you were coming from, and I’m willing to accept your apology.”