Page 16 of The Winning Hat Trick (The Steel City Knights #1)

Celeste

A n is beyond me. He's been respectful and not pushed me, other than the hugs and forehead kisses, and if I'm being honest, I'm starting to crave those moments with him.

Sure, we've only hung out a handful of times, but I've talked to him every single day since the day I met him.

It's not for lack of him trying to get us together that we haven't seen each other more.

He was ready to come to our rescue when we were hit with an awful GI bug a few weeks ago, which was completely foreign to me.

Chad was fucking useless on a good day, but forget about him being helpful when the kids or I were sick.

He'd go stay in his family's apartment in the city so he wouldn't get sick, rather than help me, so having my brother show up with an entire drugstore of supplies from Mac sent me spiraling.

I bawled like a baby on my brother's shoulder over how thoughtful Mac was when he didn't owe us a thing.

"Alright, girls. We need to get Talon from school. Let's scoot!" I snag Layla as she toddles past and play kick Calla as she runs towards the door.

"Mama! You getted me!" Calla giggles as she shoves her cowgirl boots on the wrong feet.

"I sure did. I had to make sure you were moving that cute little butt so we're not late picking up bubby." I usher her out the door and hurriedly get both girls buckled into their car seats.

My nerves are shot with my upcoming meeting, and Mac being in charge of my kids is looming over my head. Needing a distraction, I crank Chappell Roan's Pink Pony Club and belt out the lyrics as I dance, and the girls bebop along in the back.

"Hey, bub. How was school?" I smile at Talon as he closes the car door and buckles himself into his seat.

"It was fine." He shrugs. "Is it time to go to practice?" Talon's eyes light up as his excitement all but spills over.

"Not yet. We've got a couple of hours."

"Ah, man." Talon huffs, then flops back in his seat, arms crossed over his chest.

"I know that's a bummer, but I have something I think you'll be excited about." I glance in my rearview mirror and see Talon perk up. "Remember how we talked about me starting work again?"

"Yeah…" His little brows furrow as he waits for me to continue.

"Well, I have a meeting tonight, so I won't be able to take you to your practice." I bite my lip worriedly even though I know he's going to be pumped when I tell him Maclan's coming over.

"Oh, that's okay. Is Uncle Ezra gonna help?"

"Nope." I smile but don't tell him anything more, deciding to tease him a bit.

"Grammy and Papa?" Talon's brows furrow when I shake my head no. "Daphne?" My son blushes, his crush on Daphne shining through.

"Nope, not Daph. She's working tonight."

"Then who is taking me to practice?"

Calla, knowing who's coming over and loving to be in on the secret when her big brother isn't, giggles beside her brother.

"Macl—"

"Yes!" Talon cheers, his hands thrown in the air.

"So, I take it you're good with Mac taking you?"

"Oh, yeah. Is he gonna skate with us again?"

"Not tonight. He's going to watch your sisters."

"He is?" Talon's eyes go wide. "Does he know that he's gonna have to change Layla's diaper and that her poop is super stinky?" He makes a disgusted face, which makes my lips twitch.

"Hey, I gave him fair warning. He said he could handle the poopy diapers."

"Well, better him than me. When will he be here?"

"In a little bit. I've got to leave soon for my meeting, but I have time to get you a snack before I need to get ready. What are you feeling tonight?"

"Hmm, do we still have apples?"

"I think so." I honestly have no clue. I've been so consumed with all of this new work stuff that I've been slacking on the house stuff.

"Can I have an apple with peanut butter and a cheese stick?"

"Sure. That's a really healthy choice and will be great fuel for your practice."

We get home, and Talon helps me get the girls inside. I make quick work of getting his snack, get Calla set up with her crayons and a show, then bring a snack and Layla's small chair into the bathroom so I can keep an eye on her while I get ready.

It's been a minute since I've done a full face of makeup and worn my edgy clothes, but it's like coming home as I lie everything out in front of me and get started.

I curl my hair, then brush it out so it's more of a beach wave then a tight curl.

I do a light makeup look with a warm smoky eye but decide on a bold lip at the last minute.

I've just pulled on my tailored blazer when my Ring app notifies me that someone is at my door.

Grabbing my phone, I see Mac standing at the front door with his arms full.

"I'll get it!" Talon yells, much to my frustration.

I scoop Layla out of her chair and hustle to greet Maclan and scold my son.

"Talon, what did I say about opening the door?" I holler as I round the corner of the hallway into the living room.

"Holy sh—" Maclan mumbles, pausing Talon's chatter, as a bag slips from his grip.

Talon turns to see what distracted Mac.

"Wow, Mama. You look beautiful." Talon beams as he runs over to me.

"You really do, gorgeous. You're stunning." Mac checks me out from head to toe. Heat floods his eyes when they connect with my own, which sends a flush up my neck into my cheeks.

"Thank you," I whisper as I tear my gaze from the sexy-as-sin man standing in front of me, who looks like he's a second away from devouring me.

"Ma!" Layla squeals as she lunges forward, breaking the tension that was building between Maclan and me.

"Hey, Layla Bug. How's my girl?" He scoops her up, tucks her into his chest, then peppers her with kisses.

Layla's baby belly laughs ring out through the room.

I don't know how it's possible, but the man gets hotter every time I see him.

I know I shouldn't want him the way I do, when my life is about to get crazy and his season is just starting, but it's getting harder to resist this pull he has.

Especially as I watch him love on not only my baby girl in his arms but my son, who is talking his ear off, and my sweet Calla wrapped around his leg.

For just one second, I let myself imagine that Mac just got home from work and the kids are greeting him instead of him coming over to watch them for the night.

"Celeste?" Mac's frowning at me, concern etched on his face.

Fucking hell, I must've spaced out.

"I'm sorry, what?" I shake my head to clear the daydream, but it doesn't help.

"I asked if the kids need dinner before I get Talon off to practice, and if any of them have any allergies. Are you okay?"

"Yes, I'm fine. Just have a lot on my mind.

" My fingers fidget as anxious energy races through my body.

It's been a long time since my anxiety has been this bad, but it makes sense.

Not only am I starting a whole new career, but I'm actively trying to resist the sexist man I've ever met.

I'm not used to someone—other than my family—trying to take care of me and the kids, and I have no idea how to handle it.

"None of the kids have any allergies, but I try to avoid anything that's overly processed. They are monsters if they have too much sugar." I give Calla a pointed look as she bats her lashes innocently at Mac.

"Good to know, because that face could ask just about anything she wanted of me and get it." He nods in my toddler's direction. "I brought enough food that fits my diet for me and the kids, so it will definitely fall on the healthier side."

"Ugh, is I gonna havta eat my vegables, Mac?" Calla whines, her lower lip jutting out.

Mac swallows, then straightens as if he's preparing to go into battle.

I have to cover my giggle with my hand at how adorable these two are as they square off.

"You sure do, but these vegetables are delicious. You know why?" He crouches down so he's eye level with my girl. "They have cheese on them."

"Mmm, I lobe cheese."

"Me too, sweet Calla. Come on. Let's get this food to the kitchen while your mama finishes getting ready for her meeting. We don't want to make her late." He stands and holds his hand out to Calla. "Talon, can you grab the food and bring it in with us?"

"Yep!" My son springs into action, happy to be helping his best bud.

"I'm almost ready. I just need to grab a few things, but I'll come say bye before I leave," I let Mac know as I trail behind my family on their way to the kitchen. I pause in amazement and watch as Mac handles all three of them with ease.

Catching my eyes on him, Mac shoots me a wink then turns back to dishing out dinner for my heathens.

Glancing at the time on my phone, I wince. I need to get my ass moving if I don't want to be late meeting this potential client.

I hustle to my room to double-check my make-up, comb my fingers through my hair one more time, then spray my favorite perfume on my neck and wrists. Walking back down the hall, I stop in the den to grab my laptop and purse, then return to the kitchen to say bye and swap out vehicles with Mac.

"Alright, my tiny humans. I need to leave. Please, please, please be on your best behavior for Mac." I give them each a kiss on their heads, avoiding their messy faces and fingers. "Thank you so much, Mac. I really appreciate your help." I grab my keys, then hold them out to him.

Instead of opening his hand, he grabs mine and pulls me into his arms. "Anytime, gorgeous.

You are going to kill this meeting." His voice is low, so only I can hear.

He gives me one more tight squeeze, then releases me.

Mac snags the keys from my hand and replaces them with his own.

"Drive safely. Text me when you get there? "

"Sure. And you too. You've got my heart in your hands." I nod towards my kids.

"They're safe with me. You all are." His eyes bore into mine as if he's trying to tell me more, but I don't have time to overanalyze it right now.