Jesus, the woman knew how to test a man’s restraint. Lottie was a literal wet dream, lying on the ground at my feet. Her tank top soaked all the way through. And of course, it had to be white. Her lace bra and pebbled nipples from the cold water were clear as fucking day.

I reached out my hand, offering her some help. As she took it, I pulled her to her feet, purposely tugging harder than necessary so those beautiful tits of hers pressed against me. She gasped at the contact. I smirked as I looked into her clear, blue eyes, holding her in place with my free hand at the small of her back. I’d kiss her again if I wasn’t worried about meeting her left hook.

“Lottie? Lottie! Answer me or I’m hanging up and calling the cops. Do they even have cops in that damn town? Lottie! Tell me you’re okay.” A woman’s frantic voice split the silence.

“Shit,” Lottie cursed, pushing away from me.

I reluctantly let her go. She picked up her phone from the floor, taking it off speaker before pressing it to her ear with her back turned to me.

“I’m here. I’m fine. Crisis averted—eh, kinda.”

I tried to focus my eyes and mind on anything other than her round ass that was now on display, her cut-off jean shorts hugging it perfectly—my dick already hard as hell.

“Han, I’m gonna have to call you back… No, no. I’m fine. I’ll talk to you later. Bye.”

She placed the phone back on the counter, spinning to face me once again. She leaned back against it, her hands cupping the edge, making her breasts protrude out farther. When my greedy eyes instinctively focused on them for the umpteenth time since walking in the door, she released the counter, crossing her arms to shield her chest.

I looked back at her face just in time to catch the blush in her cheeks and her aggravated expression.

“What are you doing here, Tuck?”

“I came to apologize.” I pushed my hands into my front pockets, only drawing her eyes to the hard-on I was sporting.

She arched an eyebrow, her posture full of sass.

“Look.” I moved a hand to the back of my neck, rubbing nervously, momentarily dropping my eyes. “I know I haven’t made our last two encounters easy on you. And I’m sorry. I know you have enough crap to deal with. It’s not easy losing your mother.”

I knew that better than anyone. And after seeing her so upset yesterday at the memorial, I felt like even more of an asshole. She was grieving. And I was making it worse by stirring up shit from our past.

She nodded, the tension in her shoulders releasing. “Thank you. I appreciate that.”

I looked toward the sink where I’d found her. “What were you trying to do anyway?” I asked, training my eyes back on her.

She pushed off the counter, walking toward the laundry room right off the kitchen, pulling her shirt over her head as she went. She turned the corner just out of my view. Damn. Was she trying to torture me?

“I was switching out the faucet,” she hollered from behind the wall of the other room.

My eyes landed on the box on the counter with the new fancy faucet inside it. Her laptop rested nearby.

“Do you even know how?” I hollered back, walking toward the drawer where I knew Evelyn had kept her dish towels. I started soaking up the water that had spilled onto the linoleum.

“Sure.” I heard her voice directly behind me.

Still crouched down, cleaning up the mess she’d made, I turned to look at her over my shoulder.

“I watched a YouTube video.” She shrugged, drying her hair with a towel.

“Fucking YouTube,” I grumbled under my breath, shaking my head. “Well…I think you missed a step. Next time you decide to become a plumber, shut off the water first.”

She continued to dry the damp strands. Her nose and brow scrunched together in that cute damn way when she was trying to recall something. “Huh. I don’t remember them talking about that.”

I chuckled as I stood. I threw a few more towels inside the base of the cabinet to help dry it out. She returned to her previous position, leaning her back against the kitchen counter. This time with a dry, blue tee covering her. It didn’t matter. Lottie was sexy in anything she wore. She was even sexier naked. At least from what I remembered. I wouldn’t mind seeing that new body of hers completely bare.

“Maybe next time, you should leave the renovation work to the professionals.”

“Ha,” she scoffed. “I would if there were any professionals available.”

I’d heard she’d been having trouble finding a contractor. And as much as I wanted to help her out, my crews were just as overworked as the rest of the construction companies. I looked around the small farmhouse. The place could definitely use some upgrades and reconfiguring. All the main rooms were small and closed off. With a little work, the house could be amazing. It had good bones with a lot of potential.

“But you’re probably right. I think I’ll have to take Billy up on his offer to help. I can paint, but I’m not sure I’m cut out for the rest,” she went on.

“I can help,” I quickly volunteered.

Fuck. What was I saying? As soon as she mentioned Billy’s name I couldn’t stop the words from flying out of my mouth. It’s not like I had any spare time between work and Lily. But if it meant helping Lottie and keeping Billy away from her, I’d figure it out. Billy was a good guy. But not the guy for her.

Her head tilted to the side as she studied me. I put my hands in my pockets, awaiting her response. I probably sounded like the jealous ex. Because I was. She was taking entirely too long to mull it over. It bothered me she even had to consider Billy’s help over mine.

“Your workers aren’t too busy?”

“Yeah. They are. I wouldn’t be able to put my crew on the project. I’d be doing it myself.”

She bit her bottom lip as she thought it over some more. Why is every little thing she does so damn attractive? It’s like time hadn’t made a difference. I was still fucking enamored by her.

“I don’t know, Tuck.” Her voice was breathy and shaky as she watched me stride slowly toward her. “I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”

I boxed her in with my arms, my hands brushing hers as I gripped the counter beside them. Even the slightest touch of our skin had my body fired up. The air charged and crackled around us.

“Why not, Lottie?” I gave a subtle grin, my eyes falling to those damn lips I needed another taste of.

Her chest heaved against mine with her heavy breaths. It took every bit of strength I had not to put an end to all the bullshit and take her to bed. But I wanted her to say it. She’d been fighting the chemistry between us since our encounter in the bar.

“Tuck.” My name was barely audible as she closed her eyes. “You know why. There’s someone else. Don’t make me be that woman.”

My body stiffened, my muscles tight. She was already taken. Of course she was. I don’t know why I’d believed she was still single and there wasn’t a man waiting for her to come home. Why the hell was he not here helping her deal with this shit? I already hated him and not only because he had the one thing I wanted more than anything.

I pushed off the counter, hiding my disappointment and anger behind false impassiveness. I gave her one final hard look before walking out the door. I couldn’t be near her and not claim her as my own. And she was right. I wouldn’t turn her into a woman who cheated. After what she’d witnessed and gone through with her parents, I knew it was her worse fear.

* * *

It had been two days since I left Lottie standing alone in her mother’s kitchen. Surprisingly, our paths hadn’t crossed. If I hadn’t heard the chatter around town about her, I would have assumed she was already gone. With the nonstop gossip, you’d think her returning to town was the biggest scandal since Mayor Delaney was busted as a drug mule on his way back from his family’s trip to Mexico.

I rolled into my driveway, throwing my work truck in park. Removing my cap, I tossed it onto the dash before climbing out. My whole body ached from all the manual labor of the last few days. I’d been short-staffed with a couple of my guys calling in sick. I had to work late every night in order to keep up. I couldn’t afford to fall behind. Thankfully, Grams had been helping out with Lily, so I could work the weekend.

The two of them were sitting on the front porch as I walked across the front lawn. Grams was in the rocker, sipping on a cold glass of iced tea while Lily lay on her belly coloring, her legs kicked up behind her. As soon as she saw me, she jumped to her feet, scampering down the steps toward me, brown curls bouncing as she went.

“You’re home!” she cheered.

“Hey, little lady.” A wide grin overtook my face as I swept her up in my arms. “How was your day?”

“The best! Grams made some brownies. She let me lick the spoon and everything.”

“What?” I asked in mock offense. “You mean she let you take my place as the official spoon licker?” I tickled her side as she squirmed and giggled in my arms.

“Yep!” she squealed, not an ounce of guilt in her small frame.

I looked up at Grams, who had a fond smile on her face as she watched the two of us interact. I placed Lily back on her feet, following behind her as she skipped back to the porch. The sound of a car pulling into the drive had all of our attentions. Grams slowly stood from her rocker, coming to the porch edge as I turned around. Lily stopped her earlier pursuit, spinning to cling to my leg.

The door opened and Lottie stepped out of the car. Beautiful and unsure. Her expensive looking clothes made her look like a refined city girl more than the wild country girl I’d known.

“Who’s that?” Lily whispered up to me in awe, my eyes still focused on Lottie, who hadn’t moved from the side of her car.

“A friend, sweetheart.”

Finding some inner courage, Lottie straightened her shoulders, taking a couple steps in our direction. She stopped a few feet from Lily and me.

“Hi.” She smiled softly, tucking some fallen hair behind her ear. “I, uh”—she glanced at Lily and then back at me—“I hope you don’t mind me stopping by unannounced. Leighton told me where I could find you.”

“It’s fine, Lottie.” I put an arm around Lily, holding her at my side.

“Hi, I’m Lily,” she interjected before either of us could say more.

Lottie’s eyes dropped to the tiny person clutched to my leg. “Hi, Lily. I’m Lottie.” Lottie held out her hand.

Lily shook it aggressively, making Lottie’s timid smile slightly widen.

“Do you want to color with me?”

Grams cleared her throat behind us, drawing Lottie’s eyes to the porch. “Lily, why don’t we give Tuck and Lottie some time to talk?”

“But—”

“Come on, dear,” Grams interrupted her before she could think of an excuse of why she needed to stay. Lily’s shoulders sagged as she dragged her feet, climbing up the steps. “Lottie, it’s good to see you. Sorry to hear about your mama. I stopped by the memorial but seems you were already gone.”

“Thank you, Grams. And sorry. I-I had to leave.” She looked down, her cheeks a bright pink.

When Lily made it to the top step, Grams placed a hand on her back, guiding her inside the house. Once they’d disappeared inside, I turned back to look at Lottie, who was still staring toward the door. No doubt, trying to process the little girl who had my similar eye color. I cleared my throat, and her eyes came back to mine.

“You don’t live on the farm anymore?”

“No. Not since I became Lillian’s guardian. I figured losing her parents in the car crash was hard enough. I didn’t want to take her from the only home she knew.”

The tension in her body relaxed slightly, her eyes darkening with remorse. “I’m sorry, Tuck. I heard about Jamie and her husband a while back. Mom had called to let me know. I should’ve called you then. I wanted to. I just—”

“I get it, Lottie. It’s fine.” My words were short and hard.

She nodded, guilt written all over her face. “Well, I guess it’s good you have your wife to help you raise her.”

I tensed at the mention of my fiancée. Damn it. I hadn’t realized she even knew about her. “No. She’s long gone. We never married.” I crossed my arms over my chest. “She left the day I moved in with Lily. Seems she didn’t want to become an instant mother to a five-year-old little girl… Apparently, I have a type.”

She winced, then dropped her eyes to the ground. “Tuck, that’s not fair. We were young. We were never engaged.”

“You know what, Lottie, you’re right,” I roared, dropping my arms. “It wasn’t fair, because you didn’t give us a damn chance to even get to that point! You ran away well before I could ask. And I would’ve asked, Lottie. Fuck. I wanted to ask. I wanted to marry you then, but I knew you’d say no. You were too hell-bent on not becoming your parents. So blinded by their failed relationship, you couldn’t see a good thing even when it was right in front of your face.”

“Tuck—”

“Don’t. Don’t say another damn word. What’s done is done. It was twelve years ago. I’ve moved on.”

It was a lie. I hadn’t moved on. I’d tried, but it was obvious I hadn’t succeeded. I still wanted Lottie just as much as when I was a teenager.

Her lip trembled as she fought back her tears. Damn it. Before I could reach out to hug her and apologize for being an ass—again—she turned on her heels and stomped away.

“Well, the job’s yours. If you still want it,” she spat out seconds before slamming the door of her car and driving off.

Shit! I combed a hand roughly through my hair, pissed at myself for losing my cool. I’d blame it on being exhausted, but it wasn’t the honest truth. It seemed I still had a lot of angry words I felt the need to share with her.

I heard the front door open, Grams appearing at my side on the lawn. We stood in silence for a moment, both staring at the empty road where Lottie’s car had disappeared down.

“Can’t be easy her coming back here after all these years… And asking for your help of all people.”

“I know, Grams. I don’t need you to lecture me on how I’m an asshole.”

“Don’t put words in my mouth, boy. That’s not what I said. I just don’t want you two making the same mistakes you did before. You need to talk to her.”

“I tried.”

“Well, then try harder.”

She squeezed my shoulder before leaving me alone with my regrets.

* * *

After dropping Grams back at her home on the farm, I took Lily for a burger and fries. I even allowed her to talk me into letting her get a strawberry milkshake. It didn’t take much convincing on her part. I’d give that little girl anything to make her smile. Plus, I’d already felt guilty for not coming home before she was in bed the last few nights.

I knocked on the cracked door of the bathroom. I could hear Lily splashing around as she chattered to herself in the tub. I was sure the floor would be soaking wet by the time she was done.

“Lil, you need to drain the tub. It’s gettin’ late.”

“Aww, man, but my fingers aren’t even wrinkly yet.”

I chuckled under my breath. “Five more minutes, little lady, then it’s bed time.”

“Okay!” she agreed before starting to sing loudly and off-key.

I walked back down the hallway to return a missed call from my older brother.

“Hey, man,” Wes answered on the third ring.

“Hey, what’s going on?”

“Not much. Just wanted to check-in on Lily pad.”

“She’s good. Trying to get her to bed in the next few minutes. She doesn’t want to get outta the tub.”

“Sounds like Jamie at that age. Never wanted to go in, but never wanted to get out.”

“Yeah, she’s like her mini me. That’s for sure.”

“You guys coming for dinner tomorrow night at Grams?”

“Yeah. I’m working in the morning, so Lily will already be there all day with her.”

“All right. I’ll see you guys there.”

“Dad coming?”

“No. You know how he is during harvest time.”

I was relieved to hear he wouldn’t be there. My father and I hadn’t seen eye to eye since the day he decided to meddle in my personal life. It only got worse after I told him I didn’t want to run the family farm. I needed distance from him. I needed something for myself.

“Yeah. I do…I better go before Lily has the whole bathroom soaked from splashing around.”

“Okay. See you tomorrow.”

I hung up the phone, walking back toward the bathroom. When I opened the door, Lily was already at the sink, brushing her teeth with a towel wrapped around her. She looked at me through the mirror with a big smile, the toothpaste foam falling from her mouth. I smiled and winked at her.

Jamie and Lyle entrusting me as her guardian was the best damn thing to ever happen to me. She was a good kid. Even if they hadn’t appointed me, I would have fought to be the one to have her.

After she finished brushing her teeth and dressing herself in her pajamas, she crawled into her twin bed covered in her favorite Disney princess—Ariel. She burrowed down below the comforter, settling in for a story with the old Raggedy Ann doll that once belonged to her mother. Lily had found it buried in a chest of old toys at Grams shortly after the funeral. She slept with it every night since.

“All right, Lily pad, lights out.” I closed her favorite book after reading it for the fourth time in a row.

“One more time. Pretty please, Uncle Tuck.”

“No, ma’am. That cute smile isn’t gonna work this time.”

She stuck out her bottom lip.

“Neither is the pouty lip.”

“Fine.” She let out a dramatic sigh. “Who was that girl from earlier?”

She had now moved on from cute manipulation to a change in subject. It was one of her normal antics when trying to avoid bed time. That or asking for water and then needing to go to the bathroom.

“Just an old friend.” I stood from her bed, tucking her in tighter.

“I like her.”

“You barely met her.”

“Yeah, but she reminded me of Ariel and Raggedy Ann, so she must be the coolest. When will I get to see her again?”

I wasn’t sure what the answer to her question was. And telling her most likely never seemed a little too harsh of a statement to tell a five-year-old. So I took a page from her book—avoidance.

“Good night, munchkin.” I kissed her temple. “See ya in the morning.” I switched off her lamp before walking toward her bedroom door.

“Nite, Uncle Tuck.” She yawned as I closed the door halfway.

I grabbed a beer from the fridge before settling in on the couch to watch the sports channel. Lottie invaded my thoughts the way she had nonstop since arriving in Billingsley. I needed to apologize. I should have never said those things to her, even if they were true.

I picked up my phone wanting to call her, then realized I no longer had her number. Shit. I tossed my phone on the couch cushion beside me, taking a pull from my beer. It was probably for the best. I needed to keep my distance from her. She was taken. Plus, it seemed all I did when we were around each other was make her cry.