Home > Bumbled Love(3)

Bumbled Love(3)
Author: Lila Rose

“All right.” I picked one out and moved over to sit beside him on the bed. My heart warmed when he curled into me and rested his little head on the side of my arm. “Ready?”

“Yep,” he said, popping the p.

It didn’t take long for his eyes to close as I read about a wizard called Harry Potter, which I was sure I’d seen a movie of. Even after he’d fallen asleep and started drooling on my arm, I stayed there reading because I wanted to enjoy myself with this little monster.

“Hey,” I heard, and I let out a little yip as I looked to the doorway.

Dustin stood there with a smile on his face. For a moment I’d forgotten where I was and whose child I’d been taking care of. I quickly adjusted Benjie to lie down and stood from the bed, leaving the book on the bedside table. I snuck on my tippy-toes to the door and pushed Dustin out of the way.

“He’s asleep.” Why I had told him the obvious, I didn’t know.

Dustin chuckled. “I can see that. Sorry I got back so late.”

Waving it off, I walked back down the hall and into the living room. “It’s fine. Benjie’s a heap of fun to hang out with. I may have promised to do it another day to get him in the shower.”

Another chuckle from Dustin sounded, and I still wanted to throat punch him for the way it caressed over my skin.

Why did I like the sound of his voice?

“Anyway, I better go. See you around.” I grabbed my bag and started for the door. Along the way, I happened to notice the woman he took wasn’t around.

Unless she’s in his bedroom waiting for him.

Shut up, brain.

“I really appreciate this.” Dustin stopped at the door when I stepped out.

I nodded, then when I couldn’t think of anything else to say, and since I didn’t want to look at him any longer because he still looked good, I made my way down to the car.

I headed to my cold, quiet home and wallowed about having no one there to fill the rooms.

God, I was pathetic.

But at least I had found a new friend in Benjie.

 

 

Chapter Two

 

 

Dustin


Carter couldn’t keep the smile from his face, and I couldn’t blame him. Somehow, he’d magically gotten invited to move in with the woman he’d been pining over for a while. They’d known each other back in high school, and he’d always had a crush on her. It was damn cute how smitten he was. I’d only met her once and could already see good things for them. She had no idea he was into her, so it’d be fun for North, another friend and teammate, and I to see how Carter worked his magic, since this was a rare scene. Usually he was a tag-and-bag-them type when it came to women.

Shit, as I thought about it, maybe I was the same as Carter. It was easy for me to get a woman. Any woman.

Was it time for me to settle down and find someone like Carter was?

Hell no. I’d already done that when I was younger—and I got something special from it, Benjie—but I wasn’t ready to be tied down again.

“Your face is going to break if you keep smiling like that.”

Carter glanced at me, chuckling. “I wouldn’t care.” He pulled over to a sweet little house. “This is it.”

“You sure this is what you want?”

“Yes. Are you sure you want to waste your Saturday helping me move in instead of doing something better?”

Carter had helped me out a lot, same as North. I’d do anything for those two. “Yeah, I’m good.”

“Shit.” Carter’s eyes widened at something over my shoulder. I turned in the seat and saw two older men shoving at each other as they made their way toward the car.

Carter had mentioned Reagan’s dad was a fan. “That her dad?”

“Yes, and the other is Tom. He works with Reagan as the principal.”

Clapping, I rubbed my hands together. “Let’s get this show on the road.” I opened the door as they arrived and climbed out. I was sure I heard a couple of gasps.

“Mr. Wild, it’s good to see you,” Carter said as he walked around the car.

Mr. Wild didn’t look at Carter but stared at me as he replied. “Herb, son. Call me Herb.”

“And call me Tom.”

They looked away from me to glare at one another.

Carter cleared his throat. “Herb, Tom, I’m sure you know this is—”

“Dustin Grant.”

Did they just sigh my name?

“Hey, great to meet you both.” I held my hand out and Tom nearly got there first until Herb slapped his hand down and took hold of my hand first. He gave it a rough up-and-down shake.

Tom punched Herb in the arm. “Not so hard, you’ll hurt him.”

I glanced to Carter as Herb dropped my hand and Tom gently shook it before stepping back. Carter hid his grin, and I expected laughed behind his fist.

This was crazy and yet entertaining at the same time.

The women soon arrived. Reagan quickly skipped down the path. “Hi, Dustin, did you come to help?”

Wasn’t it obvious? I didn’t say the words, since I could see how nervous she was already with the quick, frantic glances she sent Carter. “Sure did, but I didn’t realize you’d have so much help already. Hey, Brooke,” I added to the woman who, over a week ago, had helped me out by minding Benjie, who wouldn’t stop talking about how much fun he had with her.

A blush hit her cheeks and she wouldn’t meet my gaze, but she asked, “How’s Benjie?”

A smile lifted my lips. “He’s good. With his momma this weekend.”

Brooke nodded and said no more.

Strange. What had also been weird was how she practically ran from my apartment when I got home after the work event. I’d enjoyed seeing Brooke reading to Benjie, even though he’d been sound asleep. I’d thought we could have a chat, get to know one another better since our two friends were, no doubt, going to be dating eventually. But she backed out of there like her panties were on fire.

Hmm, what type would she wear?

Fuck, that thought was a little too creepy.

Reagan broke the silence by getting Herb and Tom moving to unpack the truck. “Dustin, this is my mom, Elaine. Mom, Dustin. Also a football player.”

Stepping forward, I took hold of Elaine’s hand she had outstretched and brought it to my lips for a quick kiss. “Lovely to meet you, Elaine.” Christ, I had to tone back my charming side, but I’d done it out of respect, like I would anyone older than I was.

Elaine giggled. “You too, Dustin.”

“Elaine,” Herb barked. “Come here.” I didn’t miss the glare he shot me. I fought my grin as Elaine actually curtseyed and scurried off to Herb, who scowled at me some more.

Carter chuckled. “Guess I’m still his favorite.”

Herb ran a finger across his throat as he stared me down. I bit back my own laugh.

“Dad,” Reagan yelled. “Stop threatening him.”

Herb huffed and quickly grabbed a box to follow Tom and Elaine into the house. I could already tell I was going to have some fun around these people.

“Dustin, whatever you see or hear today, please don’t be scared. My family is a little—”

“Crazy,” Brooke quickly supplied with a grin. “It’s why I love them.” Then to my surprise, she swatted Reagan on the ass and went to the back of the vehicle for her own box to carry in.

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