Page 43 of Driven to Love

“What? Were they top secret?” She snickered.

Some were. “They needed mechanics everywhere they had vehicles. Which meant I deployed to a few active sites but was mostly stateside.”

“Why do I get the feeling there’s a lot more to this story?”

He shrugged again. Time to change the subject. “So, your mom is Julie from the salon on Main?”

“That’s her.”

“Is it just the two of you?” He had heard a little about her since they met last winter. Okay, he might have asked Betty at the cafe. That woman knew everyone and everything that happened in town.

“It was for a long time. She met Mitch when I was in high school. He has a son.”

“Do you get along with him?”

“Yeah. Mitch is great. Devon too. He’s the brother I always wanted. But I don’t see him much. He’s out of state.”

“And what about your father?” He hadn’t heard anything about him.

“He died when I was in college, but he was out of our lives years before that.” She stared out the window. A throaty hum radiated from her before she turned to him with a bright smile. Too bright. “Do you have siblings?”

Nash wanted more… the whole story. Instead, he let it drop. “One sister. She moved to California right after college. I’ve been out there a few times since being stationed there, and she tries to make it home every other year for the holidays. Mostly, we video chat and send photos of the kids. She has three.”

“Does she stay home with them?” Her tone changed. Not judgment. Maybe longing?

“No, she works in Silicon Valley. I couldn’t tell you what she does, but it’s at one of those tech companies.” He needed to call her tonight and give her the usual checkup on Mom and Dad.

Before he knew it, the miles flew by, and he was pulling into the parking lot at the ball fields. Nash found a parking spot in the back. “I’ll grab the chairs if you want to take the dog.”

Addison nodded, clasped the leash on Max, and jumped out of the truck. “Wow. Look at all the people.”

“Yeah. Tournaments draw all the relatives.” A bag hung over one shoulder. He carried the chairs in one hand and ushered her around a row of bikes with the other. His touch on her lower back was light, but the power of that connection arced under his fingers.

“Dad. Addison.” Davey jogged toward them. His smile beamed brighter than the morning sun.

“Hey, slugger. Ready for the game?” He dropped his hand from Addison’s back and gave his son a fist bump.

“Yup. I’m starting as catcher.” He turned to Addison. “Thanks for coming.”

“Thanks for the invite.” She grinned at Davey.

Damn, if she didn’t light up when she smiled.

“I gotta get back. There’s room by Mom.” He nuzzled Max’s little face before rushing off to warm up with his teammates.

Davey threw out the comment as naturally as goodbye, but Nash hesitated. Did he want Beth and Addison to meet this soon? It’s not like they were dating, but the real question was would Beth scare Addison off? This… relationship? Friendship? Whatever their status, it was new. He finally felt he was making headway with her.

Beth waved from the sidelines. Nash sucked in a breath. Time to find out.

“Nash. Nash,” Jillian called from right next to Beth.

Fuck.

“Someone is working pretty hard to get your attention.” Addison nudged his shoulder with hers.

“Oh, really? I hadn’t noticed.” Nash grabbed Addison’s hand. She gave his fingers a little squeeze, and he exhaled. Time to do this. He led her around the dugout to the open spaces next to his ex-wife and the woman who wouldn’t take no for an answer.

“Your ex?” she whispered.