Full Force Fatherhood

“Sorry if coming by was too intrusive,” she started. “I may have Googled your number the other night, trying to find your address.” The blush from earlier came back, but not as strong. “I was in the neighborhood, meeting my realtor for some papers, when I realized how close your apartment is. So I decided dropping by might be better than leaving another voice mail.” She gave a little laugh. “Now I see that maybe it was just creepier.”

Mark still wasn’t sure he could sum up how he felt at seeing Kelli again—especially in his apartment, wearing a pair of tight jeans and a form-fitting blouse—but he didn’t feel creeped out in the least. He hadn’t even thought to ask her yet how she’d gotten into the building.

“It’s not creepy,” he admitted. “But I am curious how you got in without buzzing up.”

“A man asked me who I was here to see and waved me in.” Her smile was small. “Said he was worried you hadn’t shown up for the gym that morning.”

He laughed. He really needed to learn Craig’s last name.

“So what’s up?” Mark asked when it was clear she needed a bit of prodding. “Did they catch the mugger?”

Kelli shook her head. “They told me they’d call if they did, but so far, no call. That’s partly why I wanted to talk.” She readjusted in her seat and seemed to take a breath before looking him in the eye. “I wanted to sincerely apologize for everything. I shouldn’t have asked you to meet me after all this time just to spin a paranoid theory about a charity, of all places. I just— I guess I thought I’d accepted—to some degree—what happened to Victor. Finding his journal showed me that maybe I haven’t fully.”

She shrugged, sudden vulnerability showing in each movement. “After I had Grace, I needed to be strong for her—for us—to make it. I suppose I might have buried some feelings rather than faced them. Though creating a conspiracy in my head was probably the wrong route to take.”

Her gray-green eyes took on a new shade as the conversation left the past behind. The vulnerable side of Kelli disappeared with it. The corner of her lips pulled up into a smile. “To apologize for trying to rope you into my crazy, I’d like to invite you to dinner tonight at my house. And before you say yes or no, I should warn you—my best friend, Lynn, will be there, and, of course, Grace. Most of the house is boxed up. So if you’re expecting fancy, you won’t find it there.”

Mark tightened his jaw so his mouth didn’t fall open in surprise. Once again, he hadn’t expected their conversation to go the way it had. Being invited into Kelli’s home to eat with her loved ones? No, he hadn’t seen that invitation coming.

And he didn’t know how to feel about it, either.

“Listen, I appreciate the offer—I really do—but you don’t owe me anything, Kelli. You don’t have to apologize to me.” Ever, he wanted to add.

The blonde’s smile grew. “Now, you listen to me. You saved me last night, and...well, it wasn’t the first time.” She pulled a small piece of paper out of her purse and handed it to him before standing. “I’d really appreciate it if you came, Mark. I’d feel a whole lot better knowing that—after I’d gone a bit crazy—you at least got a good meal out of it.” She started to walk to the door before pausing. “Unless you already had plans? I—I realize I didn’t even ask.” Kelli’s eyes quickly flicked toward the bedroom.

He smiled. “No plans here,” he said.

“Okay, great. Then you really have no excuse not to come.” That made him laugh. Kelli Crane was tenacious.

“Fine,” he replied, copying her playful tone. “I’ll be there with bells and whistles on.”

Kelli’s expression contorted to disgust. “I know that that’s an expression but please, dear goodness, don’t bring bells or whistles into my house. I have a toddler. She will want them and use them until we’ve all gone crazy.”

Mark laughed again and followed her to the door. “Deal.”

Kelli smiled and was gone, leaving him standing in his doorway with the paper in his hand. On it was an address and the starting time of seven. His eyes went back to the house number, and his memory sparked. Guilt undid the fun humor he’d lapsed into with Kelli when he realized she still lived in the same house she’d shared with Victor.

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