Page 71 of In a Word, Yes

I quirk a brow. “Well, aren’t you quite the investigator.”

“Job hazard.”

I’m trying to play it cool here and quell a thought that ignites all kinds of uninvited sensations. Is Wyatt ...pursuing me?

Unlikely. After all, he knows all about Chase. Knows I’m not the kind of woman who’s easy to date. Unless ... oh,yuck. What if ... I mean, I wouldn’t have pegged Lieutenant Wyatt Hayes as the kind of guy who’s just out looking for a casual hookup, a little fun. But what other explanation can there be?

Why would a man with a nice, settled, uncomplicated existence and everything to offer knowingly move toward a woman attached to a ready-made family, especially one that includes a neurodivergent child?

I hate to question the good officer’s motives, but...

Oh, c’mon, Lucy. Do you look like a “fun girl”?

Fair point. But hey, I’m a single mom—it’s my responsibility to question motives.

The alternative, the idea that Wyatt Hayes is here because I’m so utterly irresistible is equally ridiculous. I swig on my tea.

“So I told Nytasha that I was helping you.”

Bad timing on the swig. Liquid shoots up my nostrils. “You what?” I cough out.

“Yeah, I know. Not my most shining moment. So, yeah. Here I am, hoping to make good on it.”

I’m still alternately hacking and clearing my throat.

Chase turns from his organization project. “You okay, Mom?”

Wyatt rips off a paper towel from a roll attached to the wall and offers it to me. “Yeah, you sure you’re alright?”

“Fine,” I croak. I still can’t explain why the combination of these two male faces simultaneously looking at me has me so off balance.

“Look, Lucy,” Wyatt says, “I didn’t mean for this to be weird. I reallyhavebeen looking for ways to volunteer, and this sounded like a cool place to start. Except that now I realize how it might look. Anyway, I came by to inquire whether the food bank was in need of any helpers, and Chase kindly offered to show me the ropes.”

Note to self: Explain stranger danger to Chase once again. Why hadn’t he checked in with me about this? He should know better!

“I recognized him from the article you wrote,” Chase says, as if reading my thoughts.

Huh. Well. Okay then. I feel my inner hackles relax. I can’t say I’m reading anything other than sincerity in the lieutenant’s little speech. “I see,” I say. “You should know, there are probably easier ways to get involved. Rest assured, my son will hold you to the highest of human standards. You’ve been warned.”

“Oh, I quickly came to that realization. What do you think, Chase? Am I doing okay for a newbie?”

Chase raises his chin, squints at the shelf behind Wyatt. “So far, so good.”

Wyatt’s smile is so deep the corners of his eyes crinkle. He side-eyes me.

“Also,funnily?” I say.

“What?”

“Earlier. You saidfunnily.”

“You thought I saidfunnily?”

“Oh, you definitely saidfunnily.”

“Nope. No way. No self-respecting officer of the law would sayfunnily. I mean, do I look like the kind of guy who saysfunnily?”The man raises his hands as if to invite my scrutiny. Unfortunately, this has the natural effect of activating his biceps.

Look away!