Fourth Down: A Hot Single Dad, Enemies-to-Lovers Romance (The Portland Pioneers: A Beaumont Series Next Generation Spin-off Book 1) by Heidi McLaughlin

Author:Heidi McLaughlin [McLaughlin, Heidi]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Books by Heidi McLaughlin, LTD
Published: 2021-08-09T18:30:00+00:00

Twenty-One

Autumn

As soon as I get back to my apartment, I go right to the bathroom and start filling my tub. I need a bath—a nice long soak to ease my muscles. I never knew holding a toddler on my lap for a couple of hours would put so much strain on my back. I didn’t mind holding Roxy though, or sitting next to Reggie. This afternoon had to be one of my best afternoons in a while. Julius’s children are a delight, and I’ve grown especially fond of Roxy.

As soon as there’s enough water, I strip out of my clothes and climb in—feet only. The water is hot, and I need time to adjust. I move the faucet dial a bit to bring in some cold, swishing it around with my foot until the temperature is tolerable. I finally sit down and sigh. I wish I could stretch out, but my tub is a standard size, and my legs are a little too long to really allow for any comfort. After I pull my knees up a smidge, I’m able to relax more. Water sloshes at the nape of my neck. If I’m not careful, I’ll spill over the edge. With my foot, I push the dial into the off position and then close my eyes.

Today replays in my mind. Images of Roxy and Reggie laughing and having a good time brings a smile to my face. And then there’s their dad—Julius. I’m smitten, and I like him, but I feel like he’s holding back. I knew he was on the phone with his ex because Reggie told me that Roxy called me dad’s girlfriend to his mom, and she sounded mad. I get it to an extent, but if I’m not mistaken, she cheated on Julius. He’s the one who’s entitled to be mad. When he came into the restaurant, I wanted to ask him if everything was okay. There wasn’t any time. The kids never left our sides, and when they did, we followed them everywhere. Even when Julius and I had a rematch at air hockey, the kids were right next to the table.

The alarm on my phone goes off, and I groan. Mostly because my phone is on the other side of the bathroom, and I have to get out regardless. Plus, I don’t remember setting my alarm to remind me I have something planned for later. My body is stiff and only slightly relaxed. I need to book a massage and maybe start using the hot tub we have in the building. I have yet to venture to the gym here, opting to run outside while the weather is still somewhat decent. With my towel wrapped around me, I make my way to the phone and silence it before going back to the tub to pull the plug. While the water drains, I check my calendar—dinner with Peyton.

“Huh, I can’t believe I forgot.” When Peyton invited me to dinner a few nights ago, I couldn’t say yes fast enough, and yet, it somehow slipped my mind.

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