Page 32 of The Broken Road (Broken Love 4)

He stares at me. It can’t be longer than a minute—maybe two. Still, it feels like the moment lasts forever, and I can barely breathe.

“You look tired,” he finally says.

“It has just been a long day. I always work late on Thursdays.”

“You do? Who stays with Ms. Hazel and Lennon?”

“I take time off to pick Lennon up and fix dinner for him and Mom. Then I come back here and work for a little while.”

“How much longer are you working?” he asks, and I frown.

“Jake, I make sure my neighbor checks on Lennon and—”

“I never doubted that, Katie. You’re a good mother. I’m just asking how much longer you are working tonight.”

“I have two more appointments. I usually get home a little before ten. Lennon’s in bed by then, but he’s okay. I promise.”

“It’s not Lennon I’m worried about. That’s late for you to be working in a shop all alone. I don’t like you being here alone. It’s dangerous.”

“Jake, this is Macon,” I laugh.

“It doesn’t matter. Crime is everywhere, Katie.”

“You’ve been living in the city too long. Our major crime is when the town drunk runs through the streets naked because he thinks it makes him invisible.”

“Is old Roy still doing that?”

“Sadly, yes, and since he’s just getting older, it’s really gross to see him.”

“Old man balls?”

“Wrinkly, old man balls,” I admit, scrunching up my nose only to be rewarded with Jake’s laughter.

“I’ll make a note to stay out of downtown on Friday nights,” he jokes.

“That would be smart,” I agree, unable to stifle a giggle.

“Keep your door locked, and only open it for your client, okay?”

I frown. “I can take care of myself, Jake.”

“It would just make me feel better.”

I roll my eyes. “Fine. I’ll make sure the door is locked.”

He puts his hat on and gives me a smile. It doesn’t really reach his eyes, but it’s better than the tension that was between us earlier. If Jake and I are going to work together to co-parent, then we need to be able to do so calmly and as friends. Maybe I’m fooling myself even thinking that is possible, but as he goes outside and stands there waiting for me to lock the door—only smiling, tipping his hat, and leaving once I do—there’s a part of me that is hopeful in a way I haven’t been in years.

I’m even smiling…

CHAPTER 16

Jake

“Mommy says I get to stay with you and Nanny all weekend!” Lennon says for like the tenth time on our ride over to Mom’s, making me smile.

“Yep. You sure do.”

“That’s awesome. Maybe we can go fishing. Nanny has a big pond that’s full of fish!”