Series Starter Firsts in Series Collection - Kaylee Ryan Page 0,47

be throwing a wrench into their plans.” She grins.

“Not ready to settle down?” I ask. What the hell? Why am I prying into her life? It’s none of my damn business, but I want the answer.

“That’s not it. Just keep hitting roadblocks.”

Her eyes seem to lose some of their sparkle. Now I want to know what—or who—the roadblock is. Or has been, anyway. Is she seeing someone? Why does the thought of her being someone else’s bother me?

“Roadblocks?”

She chuckles. “Yeah, you know, dating one loser after another. Falling for the lines, finally seeing the smoke through the mirrors.”

“Boyfriend?” I have to know.

“Nope.”

“He’s an idiot.” I blurt the words out without thinking. No truer words have been said, but I still should’ve kept my mouth shut.

She blushes.

Sweet girl.

“I would have to agree, although I’m sure it’s for different reasons.”

“Regardless, he’s an idiot,” I say again.

“Yo, Ridge, we doing this?” Kent yells through the front door.

“I should get started. We’re good here, but I’ll call you if something comes up.”

“Sounds good.” She looks down at her watch. “Shit, I need to get to work. Have a good day, Ridge.”

I watch her grab her purse and rush out of the house, and then I stare at the door for several minutes, transfixed by her. It’s not until Seth comes into my line of sight that I snap out of my Kendall trance.

“You good?” he asks.

“Yep. You all got everything unloaded?”

He nods. “She’s cute.” He motions his head toward the door.

“She is,” I agree. She’s more than cute—she’s fucking gorgeous, and sweet as hell.

“You think you can give me her number?”

What. The. Fuck.

“No,” I growl.

“Dude, come on. It won’t interfere with the job, promise.”

“What’s taking you two so long?” Mark asks.

“I’m just trying to get Ridge to give me Kendall’s number,” Seth tells him.

“Hell yes.” Kent holds his fist out to Seth and they bump.

“Not fucking happening,” I say, my voice low and stern.

“Come on, man. Why are you being stingy?” Tyler asks.

I glare at him.

“Unless . . .” Mark taps his finger against his chin. “You want her for yourself.”

Yes. “She’s a client’s granddaughter,” I say instead.

“I call bullshit,” Seth fires back, the peanut gallery voicing their agreement.

“What the fuck business do I have getting into a relationship right now? My son needs me. I have to be both Mom and Dad, and it’s a fucking daily struggle. I don’t have room for anything else right now.”

Kent crosses his arms over his chest. “Who said anything about a relationship?”

Fuck!

“That’s not your MO, man,” Mark points out.

“Like I said, I’m calling bullshit.” Seth smirks.

“We’re wasting time,” I say, trying to get them off the subject of Kendall. Of me and Kendall.

“You didn’t seem to mind so much when you and the sexy Kendall were chatting it up,” Kent accuses.

“We have a schedule to keep,” I say, ignoring his jab.

“Ridge and Kendall sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S—” Tyler sings.

I punch his shoulder, effectively cutting him off from finishing his little song. “Work,” I grit out. I don’t stick around for more of their ribbing, stomping out of the house to my truck. I grab the folder that holds the details of the renovations and try like hell to wrap my mind around what needs to be done. The here and now—that’s what I need to concentrate on. Kendall is beautiful, but I was serious when I said I need to learn how to take care of my son. Sure, I’ve been doing okay up to this point, but it’s been a week. One whole week, and only three of those days did I have him on my own. It’s tiring and scary as hell. I’m man enough to admit that.

I need to learn how to take care of him, make sure he has what he needs. Maybe then I can live a little for me. Right now, though, I live for him—my little man.

Chapter 18

I’ve managed to avoid my grandparents’ house all week. After Monday and seeing Ridge, I decided to let them do their thing. Dad wanted me to check on them, but I trust Ridge and his crew. In my defense, on Wednesday I had all intentions of going over there, but Reagan called and mentioned she was going to Ridge’s later that night to see Knox. I asked her to ask him if he needed anything. She texted me a couple hours later; he, of course, said no. And just like that, I had successfully filled my obligation to my dad, without