“Derek, I’m a capable woman.” I suddenly felt defensive. “I don’t need a man to help me raise my child. I can provide a good home all on my own.” I didn’t need anyone. I only needed my baby.
“I’m sorry. I hate when men flake out on their responsibilities.”
Me too.“Listen, I’m okay. I’ll be okay.”
Our food arrived and not a moment too soon. I hoped the chicken and dumplings would calm Derek’s jets. I appreciated him coming to my defense. I liked that he wanted to protect me, but I wasn’t his problem. My baby wasn’t his responsibility.
To my surprise, the dumplings were delicious. I finished all of it, along with two pieces of cornbread, and felt like I might pop right out of my jeans.
“Was I right? Did you love them?” he asked in a curious tone. It was adorable. I was glad to see him relaxed again.
“You were right. I did love them.” And that meant he wouldn’t take me out to a dinner of my choosing.
Just kill me now, so I’m not alone forever.
The drive back to Derek’s house was uncomfortably quiet. I guessed we couldn’t even be friends. It was just as well. I wouldn’t like beingjusthis friend anyway.
He pulled into the driveway beside my car. I stared at his ranch-style home. Yellow siding, white trim, and a wraparound porch made it welcoming and homey. The yard was well kept. It all screamedfamily. I could see raising kids in this neighborhood. I wondered if the inside was just as cozy and homey.
Probably better to never know what the inside is like.
“Thanks for fixing my car. Take care.” I hopped out quickly, needing to get away from him. I couldn’t take the awkward silence anymore. I fumbled with the key to unlock the door. Just as I grasped the handle and opened the door, Derek appeared behind me.
“Wait.” His baritone voice brushed past my ear lightly. I couldn’t turn around. “Let me take you to dinner… tonight. I want to get to know you better.”
My hand squeezed the door handle. He couldn’t mean it and had obviously lost his mind.
His warm hand enveloped mine, then he pulled my hand off the handle and turned me around, closing my car door behind me. “Spend the afternoon with me. Let’s talk. Get to know each other.” His thumb rubbed the top of my hand, his olive-green eyes pleading for me to stay.
“Are you sure?”
He lowered his head to meet my gaze, and my heart practically stopped. “I’m sure.” He guided me inside his house.
For the first time in months, I believed the words of a man.
The inside of Derek’s home was as welcoming as the outside. Neat and not a lot of clutter but tastefully decorated. I wondered if his ex-fiancée had left her touch on everything.
“Can I get you something to drink? Water or pop? Milk?” His eyes twinkled. “But no beer.”
“Water is fine. You have a lovely home.” I followed him into the spacious kitchen. It was bright and airy with white cabinets, stainless-steel appliances, and a large island in the U-shaped space. “It’s quite a big house for a single bachelor.”
He smiled, handing me the bottle. “I was thinking about the future when I built it. I don’t want to be a bachelor forever.” He stood a mere foot away. My heart rate increased.
“You built it?”
“Mmhmm. Designed it to my liking and built it with my own two hands.” He held up his large hands. When he’d stroked the top of mine outside, his thumb felt rough. It was easy to see Derek used them a lot and wasn’t afraid to get dirty.
I recalled how Will’s hands were always soft and well-manicured. They were still strong but not at all like Derek’s.
“I’m impressed. You did an amazing job.”
“I’m glad you like it.” His eyes twinkled again. “Let me give you the grand tour.”
“I’d love that…”
Four bedrooms, three baths, a spacious living room, office, and a laundry room bigger than my old master bathroom made up Derek’s home. High-quality materials were throughout, from the light fixtures to the stone tile and hardwood floors. The master bedroom had engulfed me in warmth: wooden beams, a cobblestoned corner fireplace, a king-sized bed dressed in evergreen linens.
“You did a fantastic job designing a beautiful home,” I said, fidgeting with the hem of my shirt. We were seated on the L-shaped sectional, slightly turned toward each other. “You’re quite a talented man.”