Lawson sighed. “Never a dull moment.”
I sent him an empathetic smile. “I’d think you’d be used to this with four younger siblings.”
He squeezed the back of his neck, the movement making his biceps bulge beneath his uniform shirt. “I’ve certainly apologized to my parents for the he—Hades we put them through.”
“I know the h-word, Dad,” Charlie said as he took the last bite of his breakfast.
“Father of the year over here,” Lawson said sheepishly.
He was way too hard on himself. He clearly loved his kids like crazy and would obviously do anything for them. Most importantly, he was present. He wasn’t checking his phone at meals or skipping out to hang with his friends. His boys knew he was there for them, no matter what.
“I think you get more than a passing grade.” I stood, gathering dishes, and Lawson followed.
“I’ve got these. I don’t need to leave for the station for another thirty,” he said.
My surprised gaze flicked to him. “You’re paying me to do it.”
Amusement filled his expression. “You’re already going above and beyond. I can handle a few dishes.”
I opened my mouth to argue, but Lawson just squeezed my shoulder. “You handle carting the ragamuffins. I’ll take care of cleanup.”
Tingles spread through me at his touch. I had no idea if that was a normal reaction since a man getting too close would usually send me into a panic attack.
I’d lain awake last night, tracing the same scar Lawson had, following the path his finger had taken. Echoes of the feeling still coursed beneath my skin, phantom energy I never wanted to lose.
“Okay,” I whispered.
He squeezed my shoulder again and let go. I instantly missed the contact. The warmth. The comfort.
“Hallie, can you help me find my other shoe?” Charlie called.
That jolted me back to the present. I wasn’t in some daydream. I was working a job. Lawson waspayingme to be here.
I hurried to help Charlie with his shoes as Drew and Luke headed for the SUV. Charlie yelled goodbye to his dad, and we followed his brothers out. Drew had called shotgun, and I helped Charlie into his booster seat in the back.
When I rounded the SUV, Luke stood by the back passenger door. He shuffled his feet. “Hallie?”
I stilled at his use of my name, waiting.
He swallowed, his throat working on the action. “I’m sorry about what I said yesterday. It was a dick move.”
I tried not to smile like a feral clown. “Thank you, Luke. Water under the bridge.”
He looked up, his eyes locking with mine. “Whatever happened to you, it had to hurt. I’m sorry about that, too.”
My chest burned. There he was. TherealLuke. Tenderhearted and probably feeling too much. I wanted to wrap my arms around him and hug him tightly. Instead, I met his gaze and put every ounce of emotion I could into my words. “Thank you.”
* * *
The Brew’ssign beckoned as I headed down Main Street and away from the elementary school. I made a last-minute decision and pulled into a spot just in front of the café. I bet the boys would be thrilled with some of those double chocolate muffins for an afternoon snack. And I wouldn’t mind a hit of caffeine.
Sleep had come in fits and starts last night. It wasn’t exactly surprising. My system was on overload. The caffeine wouldn’t help with that, but itwouldkeep me upright.
I stared into the coffee shop, assessing. It wasn’t overly full, but it wasn’t empty either. I studied each person. No overt threats, but sometimes you couldn’t see danger coming.
I squeezed the wheel hard. “You’re safe. Just a coffee shop. You’ve done this a million times.”
Shutting off the SUV, I slid out and headed for the café. The bell tinkled as I walked in. There wasn’t a long line, but a woman was in front of me. When she stepped aside after ordering, I was greeted with a wide grin.
