Page 73 of Falling for Keeps

“I knew you could do it.” I raise my hand in a tall high-five, and she jumps to hit it, beaming.

“Can I go now, Dad?”

“Sure thing.”

Penny runs off, leaving us with her stack of books, blonde hair trailing behind her in a long, tangled wave. I think about the request I made to Sloan this morning and swallow my reservations. We’re friends. It’s not weird for friends to want to help each other out.

“What’s this about the lunch thing?” Carson asks, his eyes pinned on me like the fate of the world rests on my answer.

“Oh, it was that first few days of school. How Penny was struggling to make friends?” I wait to continue, but he keeps watching me. “But Molly—I guess—asked to sit by her at lunch. I offered advice about how to extend that into playing at recess. It was nothing.”

Carson swallows, making the column of his throat move with the motion. “She said nothing about that to me.”

“I was fishing for information.”

He nods softly. “Thanks for helping her.”

My neck goes hot. He’s acting like I did this huge thing for him, and I can’t take it. “How is your booth going? I saw Barb manning it when you guys came to story time.”

“I think it’s going to bring in a fair amount of people.” He looks through the library, spotting his daughter. “I was talking to Molly’s mom earlier and she told me they’ve pre-scheduled appointments for their six-month check up. I probably need to worry less and let the practice grow on its own.”

“If it’s a slow start, it’s only because of how busy these weeks are. Did you see the crowds? We have so many tourists right now.”

“True.” He agrees, but his expression isn’t as quick to relax. The guy is stressed.

“How is Penny settling in?”

“Apparently she has a friend, which is a relief. I’m glad she told you about it.” He shoots me a sad smile. “I guess my ex has been texting her, and she didn’t mention that, either. We’re entering the stage where she doesn’t tell me every single thing that happens in her day, and I don’t like it.”

“Is nine considered a pre-teen? Because that all feels normal for pre-teens.”

He gives a self-deprecating laugh. “I know nothing about parenting or girls or pre-teens.”

I don’t join in, and his laughter dies. “None of that is true, though, is it? You’re doing a fantastic job with Penny, so clearly you know enough. You don’t have to put yourself down.”

“Yeah, I mean…I don’t know, Emma. I don’t feel like I know anything.”

“Does any parent think they’re nailing it? I’m not one yet, but I don’t know anyone who looks at their children and is positive they’re a parenting pro. It’s human nature to second-guess yourself. I imagine when it’s something as important as being a dad, that only amplifies things. From where I’m standing, you’re doing a great job with that little girl. She’s happy and confident, and that’s after making a huge move. Cut yourself some slack.”

Carson’s eyes remain serious.

He’s blocked from saying anything, though, when an arm slides around my shoulders and Seth’s familiar spicy scent invades the space. “How’s it going over here? Finding everything you need?”

Carson straightens. “Yeah, man. Emma found a whole stack of books for my daughter.”

“Right on.” Seth nods, his hand tightening possessively over my shoulder.

Carson’s eyes dip to the hand curled there, and I want to sink into the ground. Seth could not be more obvious about staking his claim unless he pulled out a club and started caveman dancing around me. It’s so archaic and cheesy.

Then there’s part of me that notices I’m enveloped in Seth’s spicy cologne, so it means I can’t smell whatever nectar of the gods Carson is wearing. Seth is actively shielding me, even though he doesn’t know it.

Ugh. Why is it so hard to get over this guy? Why is it even harder to give this other guy a chance?

“I should find Penny. It was good to see you, Emma.” Carson smiles tightly at both of us. “Catch you later.”

“Sure,” Seth says lightly.

I wait for Carson to be totally out of earshot before slipping free of Seth’s hold. “Okay, so that wasn’t work-appropriate.”