Bonnie Winn - Substitute Father

“That, and I live alone and work long hours. That wouldn’t be fair to a dog.”

“That’s what Mama said,” Troy told her.

Kealey’s heart ached for these children who had so clearly loved their mother. “Then she must have been a very wise woman.”

“She was the best,” Brian replied fiercely.

“I’m sure she was,” Kealey said, knowing it probably was true. Also knowing how vulnerable the children were without a mother’s protection.

“We like Luke’s dogs,” Troy told her, dividing his attention between her and the golden retriever. “Bentley got left without a home just like us.”

“He did?”

“Somebody dumped him out in a field when he was little,” Brian explained. “And he was real sick ’cause he hadn’t had nothing to eat.”

Just like these children, Kealey realized with a pang.

“But he’s all better now,” Troy told her. “Except for one leg that got broke when he got hit by a car.”

“Luke did surgery on him,” Brian offered. “He’s okay except he can’t run a long ways.”

“Bentley probably likes being close to home anyway,” Kealey responded, touched by their story—and even more by the image of a strong Luke rescuing a forgotten puppy.

“That’s how Luke got Spencer and Kate, too,” Troy told her, referring to the cats. “They didn’t have a home neither.”

“And Miles and Ginger,” Brian added.

So many orphans under one roof, Kealey realized. All except Luke himself. Which was why she had run so fast the first time they’d met.

“Fresh bowl of popcorn,” Luke announced as he returned to the room, with Hannah close behind him. “Did I miss anything?”

Kealey shook her head, unwilling to talk about what she and the children had just shared. Luke’s kindness had affected her too much and she didn’t want him to know it. Meeting Luke’s far too beguiling gaze, she realized she couldn’t make that mistake again.

LUKE SWUNG AROUND the rink, gaining speed on his in-line skates as he neared the turn. Brian, Troy and Hannah had eagerly jumped on his idea to go skating. It was something they’d done before losing their mother. And Luke wanted to inject as much normality as possible into their lives.

And he had to admit that he loved skating as well. He often took to the streets on his skates, enjoying the workout, the speed and the exhilaration. But he thought the controlled environment at the rink was safer for the children. No rough spots to cross or potholes to avoid.

Since it was Saturday afternoon, the rink was crowded. Luckily his last appointment had been just after noon. Wayne was still at the clinic, closing up. His assistant had volunteered, knowing the kids needed the excursion. A single man, Wayne was devoted to the animals in his care. He also had a huge soft spot for children.

Keeping an eye on Brian, Hannah and Troy, Luke allowed them some distance to interact with the other kids. It was important for them to make friends, to be drawn into a world other than that of adults. They’d had too many serious responsibilities lately. It was time for some fun.

Luke glanced up, surprised to see Kealey hovering near the rails. He wondered if their fun was about to end. It wasn’t that she was a bad person, she was just so uptight. If he hadn’t been accustomed to being badgered into a multitude of blind dates by Rachel, Luke would not have willingly met Kealey since she was so different from the relaxed, open women he usually dated.

Knowing it couldn’t be avoided, he skated toward Kealey, coming to a tight stop directly in front of her.

Appearing startled, she stepped back.

“Looking for us?” Luke asked, noticing that the slight flush in her cheeks was rather attractive.

She cleared her throat. “Yes. Your assistant told me where to find you.”

Rather than replying, he watched her, noting that doing so made her even more uncomfortable.

“Wh-which made it easy to find you,” she stammered.

He took pity on her. “So, what are you doing working on a fine Saturday afternoon?”

She firmed her shoulders. “Mine isn’t a nine to five, Monday through Friday job.”

“I know,” he replied mildly. “From Rachel.”

She flushed at the reminder and again he wondered what wound her up so tightly. “I need to make my week’s evaluation.”

“Got any more cases after ours?”

Kealey drew her brows together, looking confused. “No. Why?”

“No reason you can’t evaluate and have fun at the same time,” he replied. “Let’s get you some skates.”

“No, really—” she began, obviously flustered.

“Won’t kill you,” he replied. “Not just once. And the kids will love it.”

Obviously torn, she glanced toward the center of the rink where Brian, Hannah and Troy were skating along with all the other kids. “They do look like they’re enjoying it.”

“That’s what Saturdays are for.”

For a moment Kealey looked taken aback as though such a thought would never have occurred to her. Then a small smile formed on her full lips. “I suppose they are.”

Luke continued watching her, wondering why he’d never noticed how appealing her mouth was.

“I won’t intrude on your day,” she continued. “Enjoy your skating. I can do the evaluation on Monday.” With the words she started to turn away.

Uncertain why, Luke reached out to grasp her arm. “Stay.”

It was only one word. One very small word. But it echoed between them.

Kealey glanced down at his hand and it made him exceedingly aware of the flesh he touched, the soft warmth of her.

She looked up, her eyes silky green. They were filled with uncertainty, something he’d never seen in her before. “I don’t know how to skate.”

The admission did something peculiar to his insides. Who was this superprofessional, rigid woman who had never learned to skate? Who seemed embarrassed by the confession.

Disturbed by his concern, Luke reached for her briefcase. “Let’s put this in a locker.”

“But—”

“I can teach you to skate.”

“Really, you don’t need—”

“I don’t need to, Kealey. I want to.”

Again flustered, she allowed him to lead the way first to the lockers and then to rent some skates.

“Let’s sit down over here.” Luke gestured to a bench.

But as they reached it, several kids flopped down, taking most of the space.

“You sit,” Luke told Kealey. “I’ll help adjust your skates.”

Looking self-conscious, she slipped off slim calfskin shoes, revealing well-manicured feet.

He couldn’t stop a small smile when he saw the bright-red nail polish decorating her toes. She quickly pulled on the socks they’d purchased. Still self-conscious, she pushed one foot into the skates.

Luke reached for the bulky straps, smoothing them in place. He repeated the process with the other foot, but he found his hands lingering on her calf. Glancing up, he met her gaze, saw the trepidation in her expression. But it was mixed with something else, something he couldn’t define. Her eyes had darkened, the green gliding into gray. And her mouth was slightly pursed as though in question or perhaps an interest neither of them was yet willing to acknowledge.

Slowly his hands dropped away.

Kealey seemed to hold her breath as she leaned forward slightly.

Unwilling to relinquish her gaze, he stood slowly, reaching again for her hand to help her up, as well. For an elongated moment they stood together not moving, scarcely breathing.

Then one of the kids on the bench jumped up, jostling them, and sent Kealey’s untrained feet flying. Luke drew her close, steadying her.

Her face was just below his and he could see the light sprinkling of freckles on her nose, the moisture on her lips, the sooty brush of her lashes.