Page 28 of Because of Blake
He runs a hand through his hair. “Well, I can see how that would make things awkward in the office.”
“Oh, I’ve been on a leave of absence for a month because of it.”
Blake’s mouth hangs open. “A month? That’s rough. You and the kids okay?”
I know what he’s asking. He wants to know if we’re struggling financially, which we aren’t. That isn’t a conversation I’m having right now, though, so I nod and tell him we’re fine.
We continue talking, Blake thankfully changing the subject to the Rockies opening game he went to last month. “It was a great game. We won, which is always exciting. I still can’t believe you’ve never been.”
“Sports aren’t really my thing, never have been.”
“What about the kids? Have they ever wanted to go?”
I scrunch my forehead. Charlie took them to a game for Dylan’s sixth birthday. I was supposed to go, but ended up with the flu and was stuck in bed. They had a great time, and I remember Charlie promising they’d go to another one, but they never got the chance.
“Maggie, you okay?”
Blake’s voice pulls me from my memory and I realize my eyes are filling with tears. I blink them away, putting on a pleasant face and nodding. “I’m fine. The kids went to one game, but it was years ago.”
He narrows his eyes and purses his lips a moment before saying, “Well, if you guys ever want to go, I can get tickets.”
My heart leaps into my throat. Is he about to ask me to a game? Will I say yes? If I do, does that make it a date?
“They may not be spectacular seats, but I’m sure I can find three together.”
My heart sinks back into my chest, as heavy as a ball of lead. Three seats. Me and the kids. Not him. “Oh, okay. Thank you.”
The air between Blake and I changes, but not in a good way. It’s heavier, like molasses, and it sticks in my throat. I feel the disappointment on both our sides. The only way I can think to break this tension is to ask Blake to take us to a game, but before I open my mouth, Dylan comes bounding down the street, fresh off the school bus. “MOM! Are we going to summer camp again this year?”
“Hi there, Dyl-pickle,” I say, hugging him tightly, earning a large grin from Blake that has my stomach flipping. “Um, I haven’t even thought about camp, but I’m sure we can still sign up if you want to go. Has Syd said anything about it?”
“Yeah! We talked about it on the way to the bus this morning and she said she wants to go again, too!”
Wow, that’s surprising. I figured she’d pull the ‘I’m too old’ card. “Okay, Dylan, we’ll–”
“Hey, Maggie,” Blake interrupts, and my eyes flick to the apologetic smile crawling across his face. “Sorry, I’m going to get going. I’ll see you later. Bye, Dylan.”
“Bye, Mr. Blake!” Dylan squeals. “Can we go look up camp right now?”
“Let’s wait for Sydney to get home, and we’ll all look together, okay?”
“Okay!” Dylan skips into the house.
I stare absentmindedly at Blake walking down the street. My eyes drop momentarily to the seat of his pants and jerk away. Shame on you, Maggie! It was an innocent glance, and well worth it, but it’s inappropriate. He obviously took me at my word that I don’t date since he hasn’t tried once since the Christmas party, and I’m not doing myself any favors in allowing this attraction to garner footing. I’ve made my bed and I have to lie in it.
Chapter ten
TheSaturdaybeforetheyleave for camp, the kids and I go to the community pool. With summer break in full swing, the last week has been filled with daytime hikes, backyard ice cream parties, and late-night movies. I took the week off, but I’m exhausted, so sitting poolside and reading sounds blissfully relaxing. The warmth of the sun balanced with the light breeze while the buzzing of insects floating through the air soothes me.
While we’re at the pool, I lounge in a chair with my book. I make sure to pay attention to what book I bring, since the smut novel incident from last year still rears its ugly head. This one is a romance, and still plenty dirty, but the cover isn’t nearly as brazen.
I glance up from the pages as the main characters are about to do the deed to make sure my fully capable children aren’t drowning. I need to know I have a good amount of time to get through this section. I don’t want to be interrupted.
Before I can dive into the love making, I see Blake walk through the clubhouse and onto the pool deck. I almost drop my book and my jaw as I watch him slide into the sunlight, shirtless, tanned, and drop-dead gorgeous. He’s got muscles in places I didn’t even know existed and, suddenly, the love fest on the pages in front of me doesn’t seem like it’ll be enough.
Shit.I’m in trouble if that’s how he looks without a shirt.
My heart leaps into my throat as he turns and walks in my direction. His aviator sunglasses hide his eyes, but the wave he gives says he’s spotted me as he makes a beeline for the empty chair next to mine.