Page 115 of The Havenport Collection

“Better in the clouds than up my own ass like yours.” She stuck her tongue out at me, and I had to resist the urge to kiss her.

“You kiss your kids with that mouth?” I asked.

“Daily.”

“You’re super good at soccer, dude.” Sam actually looked impressed.

“I’ve been playing most of my life. I even played in college.” I was having so much fun, kicking the ball around with the boys, teaching them some dribbling techniques. They were fast learners and a lot of fun to run around with.

“Hey,” Henry said, tugging on the sleeve of my shirt, “do you want to be our soccer coach?”

“Sorry, what?” I asked, totally confused.

“We need a coach. Mr. Spencer was supposed to be our coach, but he got transferred to Connecticut. Mom says we won’t have a team if they can’t find a coach,” Sam said sadly.

I looked up and saw Violet smirking into her wine glass.

I punted the ball far enough away that it would take them some time to return it. “Go grab that, guys, and let me talk to your mom.”

I walked slowly over to Violet who was twirling her hair and looking at her feet.

“So, they need a coach?”

“Yup. It’s super sad. They are obsessed with soccer. I blame Yael.” She took a sip of wine. “The problem is there aren’t enough coaches for the kindergarten soccer teams. They are trying to rope me in, but I know nothing about soccer, and weekends are hard for me with the farm.”

I knew where this was going. “But you said yes.”

She looked at me, and I saw a flash of defiance in her eyes. She was quite the fierce mama bear under that breezy exterior. “Of course I said yes. I don’t want to let my kids down.” I saw hurt flash across her face. I got the sense these kids had already been let down.

“I’m trying to compensate.” She shrugged. “Sue me. Every time I look at their beautiful little faces, I see how much they have lost, and I vow to do my fucking best.”

“You’re a good mom.” I put my arm around her shoulder and gave her a gentle squeeze. I didn’t have anything else to say. I wasn’t a parent, and I didn’t understand what these kids had gone through, but I also knew how much my dad meant to me growing up.

“Thanks,” she said softly, leaning into me slightly. We stood there, watching the boys run and kick the ball across the field. It felt good, having her in my arms. Even though she was short, she fit perfectly under my armpit, and I caught a whiff of that light, floral scent that was uniquely her.

As the boys came closer, I dropped my arm. I immediately felt the loss of her touch. “So do you need some pointers about how to coach soccer?”

She turned to me with her brown doe eyes, and I knew I was a goner. “Actually, I was hoping for more than a few pointers.”

I raised my eyebrows.

“How do you feel about coaching?” she asked. “The boys clearly think you’re qualified.”

I smirked. “Why, Violet, are you asking me a favor?”

“Yes I am, Callum. And I will absolutely owe you one. And I mean it. Anything you need—I’m your girl.

” Those words knocked the wind out of me.

If she only knew the thoughts those words inspired in my brain.

I could think of several scenarios, but none appropriate to discuss out loud in front of her kids.

I sighed. There was no way I could say no to Violet and her cute kids. “I am really busy at work right now,” I said, knowing I would say yes eventually.

“Actually, it’s just Sunday mornings at eight a.m. On the early side, but just once a week.”

“That’s not early for me, so I can do that. By that time I’ve already run five miles and pounded a protein smoothie.” You sound like a prick. Why are you bragging to this woman about your sad life?

She threw her head back and laughed. Directly at me.

And I deserved it. Violet did not suffer fools and would not put up with my alpha male bullshit, that was for sure.

“You can’t help yourself, can you, Callum?

I get it, you are perfect. Good thing you also know soccer.

” Then her face grew serious. “Also, you don’t have to be like that with me. ”

“What do you mean?”

“You don’t have to play the Mr. Perfect role.”

That stung. This woman cut me right to the core. She saw through me, and it both terrified and intrigued me. “Not everyone is as effortlessly authentic as you.” I gave her a cocky grin.

“Stop,” she said. “I want you to be real with me.”

“You want real?”

“Yes. I like the real you. You are funny and sarcastic. I don’t need a Ken doll; I need a friend.” I was disoriented, knocked off my feet. Verbal sparring with Violet was usually a lot of fun, but she was punching way above her weight class right now.

“Okay. I’ll tell you something real.” I leaned in close enough to smell her spicy floral scent.

I could see the goosebumps on her arm. Clearly, I had an effect on her too.

“I think you’re beautiful and lively and a little bit infuriating.

And it’s moments like this I have to stop myself from grabbing you and kissing the hell out of you. ”

The shock on her face gave me a bit of an ego boost. Her eyes widened, and she bit her bottom lip.

But she wasn’t close enough. I needed my hands on her, my lips on her.

I needed to feel her, possess her. For the first time in months I was feeling real, genuine lust, and I wanted nothing more than to throw caution to the wind and act on it.

“Mom?” Henry asked, interrupting my seduction. The boys approached slowly with their soccer ball, looking back and forth between us quizzically. I took a step back. Distance was healthy, especially in front of the kids.

Violet pasted on a huge smile. “Guys, I have awesome news! Callum is going to be your soccer coach.”

“Yes,” screamed Sam, pumping his fist. Henry started running and jumped on me, wrapping his little arms around my waist. Sam followed, piling on his brother, and then Violet wrapped her arms around me as well. All three of them were jumping and screaming and so excited.

I felt the most exquisite explosion of warmth in my chest. Violet, Sam, and Henry were so happy, and it made me happy.

It was true, coaching kindergarten soccer was not my ideal Sunday morning activity, but seeing their response filled me with so much joy.

This little family had been through a lot, and in that moment, I knew I would do anything to make them happy.