Shit.The guilt hits harder than a shot of cheap tequila.I've been a real dick.
"I believe you two need to have an open and honest conversation," Nick continues, his voice steady."You have to apologize and explain why you reacted the way you did.If I've learned one thing about women, it's that they appreciate honesty."
My hands grip the baluster until my knuckles turn white, and I throw my head back while letting out a long exhale."God, I miss my uncomplicated life."The words taste bitter, selfish.
Nick places a hand on my shoulder, the weight grounding me.
"Come on, man.You're doing the best you can.I'm proud that you took on the parent role, without hesitation.Give yourself credit."He removes his hand and leans with his back against the guardrail.His eyes inspect me like he's reading a complicated contract."Most important for you now is patience and accepting help."A pause."Have you told your mom?"
My head twists to my friend so fast I nearly give myself whiplash."God, no.She'll explode and stand on my doorstep next.I'll tell her, but I'm not in the mood for that hurricane today."
We turn our heads at the sound of incoming footsteps, the click of shoes against hardwood growing louder.
"Oh, hello.You must be Samantha," Nick says, flashing his signature grin as she stands in the door opening of the terrace.I chuckle, watching my daughter's cheeks flush pink.Guess no woman can resist that smile—a fact Brian and I never let him forget.But next to being best friends, we're business associates.His talent lies in making and closing deals, and I'm the pro at creating watertight contracts.Together we're an unbeatable team.We've built our partnership and friendship on trust and respect—two key factors in my book.
I pat my friend on the shoulder while introducing him."Samantha, this is one of my best friends, Nick Brown."
Samantha's eyes widen, and the color on her face intensifies."H-Hello," she whispers, suddenly looking every bit the shy fifteen-year-old she is.
Nick walks over to her and sticks his hand out.With a shyness I haven't seen before, she shakes it."Nice to meet you, Samantha.You're more beautiful than Cole described."
Samantha giggles at his reaction and brushes a hand through her hair—a gesture so familiar it makes my chest ache.I see her mother in that movement, in the way she ducks her head when she's pleased.
Two knocks get our attention.
"Can you get that, Samantha?That may be the girls."
"No problem," she chirps while traveling to the front door.Through the window, I see how Emma introduces herself to Samantha the moment she walks in.Alisha stands next to Emma, and as they walk our way, another round of laughter glides through the air.Samantha holds the box with tompouces, and for the first time, she sends me a genuine smile.
"Did you see this?Alisha asked Emma to make these for us.Isn't that sweet?"Her eyes light up like Christmas came early, and something in my chest constricts.When was the last time she looked at me like that?
"Yeah."The word comes out gruffer than intended.
The guilt of going overboard on Alisha earlier weighs on me like a concrete suit.Nick gives me a knowing stare, and I know what to do.Honesty.
I clear my throat and turn my attention to the fiery blonde, who's talking with her best friend.My gaze travels over her and halts at her black, open toe high heels with an ankle strap.An image of her wearing only these shoes flows into my brain, and my lower body reacts.Shit.Not the time, Walker.Not the goddamn time.
I let my eyes go up while stopping next to them, trying to ignore how the sunlight catches in her hair, how her lips curve when she laughs."Uh, could I have a word with you, in private?"
Her attention darts to me before going to her best friend, where they exchange a conversation without words—that female telepathy thing that never fails to amaze me.When they're done, she replies, "Okay."
Emma walks to Samantha and wraps her arm around her."Ready to try the tompouce?I would love to hear your opinion."
"Sure, they look delicious," Samantha exclaims with a bright smile that hits me right in the gut.That smile—so open, so genuine—is what I've been trying to earn for weeks.
Emma turns and makes eye contact with both of us, her expression saying she knows exactly what's about to go down."While you two talk this out, we will spend time with your lovely daughter, Cole."
As Alisha strides inside, I can't help but follow and scan her movements.My gaze goes from her sexy ankles to her toned calf muscles.From there, they trail up to her thighs and end on her gorgeous, round derriere.I ball my hands into fists.Alisha's clothing style is sublime.Everything she wears enhances her natural feminine beauty.She halts, and I break free from my hypnotizing stare to discover we're standing in my kitchen.
"You wanted to talk?"she says, taking a few steps further before making a one-eighty to face me.The way she moves—like she owns the space, like she belongs here—does something to my insides I'm not ready to examine.
I rub my palms against each other as I try to find the right words.How do I do this?Nick's suggestion echoes in my brain.Be honest.Her red lips distract me, so I bring my focus to the window and start talking while staring outside.
"I owe you a proper apology.My behavior towards you at your apartment was unacceptable."The words feel rough in my throat, like whiskey that's too strong.
Her heels click as she moves my way, and when I glance sideways, she tilts her head to the side while inspecting me.Like she's trying to read between the lines of a contract.When she's done, she turns and speaks while gazing outwards."What caused your outburst?"
I run my fingers through my hair, probably making it worse."My emotions got the better of me."
