He kept to the back of the room, careful not to make eye contact with the mothers. The dads he could handle. They would either want to talk about a game they remembered or try to prove that his having played pro ball didnt mean anything. He could handle that, no problem.
The mothers made him more nervous. He didnt mind the ones who said their sons wanted to play. It was the women who looked at him the way a hungry cat watches a goldfish that made him glance longingly toward the exit. Hed been propositioned plenty of times. For some people, a wedding ring was an accessory, not a commitment. He didnt feel that way.
While he was good at shutting down the lady in question, there was always the risk of hurt feelings. Or a husband feeling he had something to prove. Kenny wasnt in the mood for either. Better to avoid the problem completely.
He kept his attention on Angel and Taryn, who ran the meeting like the experts they were. When he felt the need to look at something more appealing, he let his gaze drift over to Bailey. Now a proposition from her would be most welcome. Then he remembered Chloe and knew he was totally screwed.
Angel, a tall dark-haired man with gray eyes and an air of danger about him, explained about the toy drive. The Sprouts didnt seem to care that their Grove Keeper was a former special ops guy with a scar on his neck like someone had tried to slit his throat. Kenny would guess that day hadnt ended well for the other guy.
Taryn stood by her husband and smiled. You all know BaileyChloes mom. Shes going to be helping with the toy drive service project. But its a big job, so we have someone else joining the grove for the next few weeks. My friend Kenny Scott.
Kenny waved from his place by the wall. A few of the girls waved back. He saw Chloe looking at him and he winked at her. She giggled.
Maybe he was looking at this all wrong, he told himself. Sure, he had his rules for his dating life, but this wasnt that. He could help the girls with their service project, enjoy the holiday season and walk away without worrying that hed gotten too involved. That made it a win-win for everyone.
He acknowledged that at some point he was going to have to deal with the fact that holding himself apart from nearly everyone wasnt the best idea. But not a psychological hurdle he had to deal with today.
Taryn explained how the bins would have to be decorated and when that would happen. She also pointed to the sign-up sheets on the wall.
Parents, this is where you come in. Were going to need all the bins emptied every day. Then either Kenny or Bailey will meet you at the trailer so the presents can be secured. Any questions?
Taryn and Angel fielded the questions. A couple of the parents walked over to the sign-up sheets and wrote their names. Kenny wondered if it was too early for him to duck out. Before he could decide, Bailey walked toward him.
Today she had on a fluffy sweater and tight jeans. Both made his mouth go dry. Her hair was pulled back in a ponytail and she wasnt wearing any makeup. She looked great.
She bit her lower lip as she glanced at him. Um, Id like to ask you something, she murmured. If you have a second.
Did she want to come to his place for the night? Because his answer to that was a big, fat yes. But somehow he doubted that was what she was thinking.
She drew in a breath. Okay, so Im buying a house. Its so strange to think I can afford it and some nights I worry that I cant. She paused and shook her head. Sorry. The rambling wasnt supposed to be part of the question.
No problem. Congratulations on the house.
Thanks. Its my first. The inspection is tomorrow.
She tucked her hands into her jeans back pockets, which made her chest stick out more. He held in a groan. Seriously, she was killing him.
I, ah, dont know what happens at a house inspection. Or what Im supposed to ask. I was going to go by myself, but now Im worried Ill miss something important. Would you mind coming with me?
It took him a second to stop looking at her body long enough to realize there was a question in all the words.
Sure, he told her. Im happy to be there.
She relaxed. Unfortunately that meant she pulled her hands out of her pockets, but nothing lasted forever.
Really? That would be so great.
Tell me when and where and Ill be there.
She rattled off a time and address. He entered both into his phones calendar.
It wont be difficult, he told her. The inspectors on your side. He or she wants you to know what youre buying.
Thats what my agent told me, but its still a little scary. Ill feel better having you along.
One of the mothers claimed Baileys attention. Kenny stood in the back of the room feeling as if he could take on a whole defensive line by himself. Yup, he was the man.
* * *
BAILEY SPENT HER morning alternating between worrying about why on earth shed asked Kenny Scott to join her for her house inspection and being incredibly grateful that he was going to be along. There was just something about being around him that made her feel...safe. As if he knew what he was doing. A ridiculous assumption, she reminded herself. The man was a former professional football player. Why would he know anything about houses?