Page 72 of A Simple Regret

I pull onto Main Street and park just down the block from The Tipsy Lizard. Once I have the truck off, I release my seat belt and turn to face her. “You’re fucking amazing, you know that?” When she makes a face, I add, “No, you are. You’re an amazing mom. That much is evident by how good of a kid Theo is. Well behaved, polite, and eager to learn. He cooks with you, you spend quality time with him playing and reading, and you give him the one thing a child needs more than anything else in this world. Love.”

Her eyes are misty, bright with unshed tears. “Thank you. That might be the nicest thing anyone’s ever said to me.”

“Well, it’s all true. I’m sure it’s hard as fuck being a single parent, Maren, and even though I’m certain there are difficult days or moments, you’re killing it. I’m proud of you.”

She wipes under her eyes and sniffles. “I can’t believe you made me cry,” she says with a chuckle.

Reaching over, I swipe my thumb across her cheek, removing the remnants of her tears. “I didn’t mean to do that. I hate it when you cry.”

We sit and stare at each other, so much passing between us. I want to pull her into my arms, to kiss away those damn tears until she’s breathless. I want to feel her skin against mine, feel her rock her hips against me. I want to forget everything in the rearview mirror and only look forward.

I want more with Maren.

Clearing my throat once more, I ask, “Ready to get inside?”

She nods. “I’m ready.”

We climb out of my truck, and when we meet on the sidewalk, I extend my hand toward her. She takes it immediately, her palm fitting so fucking perfectly nestled within my own. I don’t miss the slight tremble to her fingers, so I shift my position and lace my fingers around hers.

When we reach the front door, I stop and face her. “Don’t be nervous. Lizzie and Oaklee are amazing humans, and I think you’ll fit in really well with them.”

She swallows hard. “You think?” She averts her gaze, and I can see every insecurity she has ripple through her. “I never made a lot of friends after we moved, and then I was a single mom.”

“But you’re great with people. I mean, you have to be to do what you do for your career,” I insist, rubbing my thumb over her knuckles. “You’ve got this, but if you’re not having a good time, just tell me and we’ll leave.”

“Tell you, like send a signal?” she asks, her blue eyes filling with humor.

“Yep. Like a bird call. Or maybe tap your ear three times and say the word apricot.”

She barks out a laugh that goes straight to my dick. “Well, since I sadly don’t know any bird calls, I suppose we’ll go with the weird apricot, ear tap thing.”

I step in close and place my other hand on her upper arm. A shiver runs through her, but she doesn’t step away. “That’s the plan then, but I don’t think you’re going to need a signal. They’re going to love you.” Just saying those last two words makes it hard to breathe.

Like I’ve always loved you…

Squaring her shoulders, she gives me a firm nod. “Okay, let’s do it.”

Again, my cock tries to enter the conversation.

I reach for the door and pull it open. We’re instantly submerged in the familiar sights and sounds of The Tipsy Lizard. A handful of regulars are seated around the bar, including my brother Cade over to the left. He’s seated beside Wyatt and Alex, while Collin is behind the bar.

“Maren!” We turn to our right and see Oaklee approaching. “I’m so glad you could join us,” she adds, pulling Maren into a hug, and even though I don’t want to release my hold on her hand, I do.

“Me too,” Maren replies, returning the hug.

“Come on, let’s go get drinks before it all gets started. Lizzie reserved us a table. Oh! You haven’t met Lizzie yet, right? Let’s go,” Oaklee says, linking her arm through Maren’s and leading her toward the bar. She glances over her shoulder to me and says, “You can go with the guys. Shoo!”

I chuckle and watch them walk away, my eyes dropping to her ass to take in the spectacular view.

“Camden, eyes up, buddy!” Alex hollers, earning a lot of laughter.

I exhale and head toward my brother and friends. “What’s up, assholes?”

“What were you looking at?” Wyatt asks in a singsong voice.

My eyes automatically move to the opposite end of the bar, where Oaklee and Maren are talking to Lizzie. There’s laughter, which makes me relax a bit more, not that I expected there to be any issues tonight. I really do think Maren will fit in seamlessly with the other two, and I’m hoping when Charli gets added into the mix, there will continue to be no problems.

“He’s in love, boys. Leave him alone.”