Page 11 of Hold Me Tight

Even though I’m loath to give him more information, I admit, “She has a kid.”

Beau tilts his head. “Little girl, right? So what’s your angle here, Thompson?” He leans in slightly. “Are you this protective of all your friends? Or is there more going on behind the scenes? From what I’ve heard, Zane Holloway’s the baby daddy. Or do I have it wrong?”

A muscle in my jaw tics.

I’m holding on to my temper by a thread.

What a fucking douchebag.

I meet his gaze and hold it steadily. “She and Zane were together, and now they’re not. Callie’s not the type of woman you fuck around with. She’s got Nora and the bakery. That’s where her priorities lie. If you’re only interested in carrying her desserts, that’s great. Just know that anything else is off the table.”

His smile sharpens. “You’re the one who makes that call, huh? Is she aware of that?”

I don’t bother with a response, since I don’t have a good answer. At least, not one I’m willing to share with this asshole.

But Beau keeps going. “Who’s to say she doesn’t want a little fun in her life? Sounds to me like she deserves it.”

It wouldn’t take much to wrap my hands around his throat and squeeze the air from his body. Slowly. If he keeps talking shit, that’s exactly what’s going to happen.

“She deserves more than what guys like you are offering,” I say flatly.

Beau raises both hands as mock innocence shines in his eyes. “Hey, if she tells me no, I’ll back off. But if she says yes? I won’t apologize for showing a woman a good time.”

I drum my fingers on the table. “Steer clear, Masterson. Or you’ll deal with me.”

Beau stares at me for a long moment before releasing a chuckle that’s low and full of amusement. “Damn. You really have a thing for her, huh?”

When I remain silent, he relaxes against the chair. “Noted.”

With nothing else to say, I rise to my feet and walk toward the entrance. Even though I came here with the intention of giving Beau a bit of friendly advice, I leave the restaurant with fire in my veins and one thought echoing in my head.

I can’t afford to sit on the sidelines and bide my time anymore.

Not when it comes to Callie.

Or her daughter.

Not when some smug asshole thinks he can touch what I’ve been quietly guarding for years.

5

Callie

Nora’s giggle echoes through the townhouse as I flip the pancake onto her plastic plate. It lands a little lopsided, but she cheers as if I’m one of those celebrity chefs we watch on TV.

Breakfast for dinner is one of Nora’s favorites. And since it’s budget friendly, it’s one of mine as well.

“Mama!” She clutches her child-sized fork like it’s a wand before pointing it at the bottle of maple syrup.

“You’re gonna bounce off the walls if you have any more of that,” I tease, drizzling the sugary syrup until she squeals.

For just a moment, everything feels uncharacteristically light and happy.

Nora babbles while eating. Her feet swing beneath the highchair, her blonde hair in messy pigtails that won’t survive another hour. I can’t help but watch her as a swell of emotion rises inside me. I don’t know how I got so lucky with my sweet girl.

As much as I want to stay present in the moment, my financial issues keep shoving their way in at the edges until it’s all I can think about. Trying to keep us afloat feels like it’s becoming harder with the passing of each day.

“Mo’, Mama,” she says, polishing off the last bite of fluffy goodness.