She couldn’t think of anything to say. “Okay. Thanks.”
“Are you going to eat all by yourself, Max?”
Maddie’s innocent question brought a fresh onslaught of heat to Sky’s face. Her daughter had more manners than she did.
“Why don’t you stay and eat with Mama. I already ate at Miss Gail’s. That way y’all won’t have to eat by yourselves.”
Max opened his mouth, but Maddie continued. “And you can look at that leak while Mama cooks her supper.” Without waiting for a reply, she took the sack from his hand and placed it on the table before leading him down the hall.
Sky stared at the empty space where Max had stood a moment before. What the hell just happened?
Max looked at the back of the child’s head as she towed him toward what he assumed was the leaky faucet. How the hell can one four-foot-tall kid completely overpower one well-trained Marine?
“Mama was going to ask Mr. Jenkins about it, but she hasn’t yet ‘cause the rent is due.”
Once again, the child’s innocent statement made him think things were strained for them, and he vowed to do what he could to help without causing Sky any more embarrassment.
“Here it is,” said Maddie, and they entered a bathroom much like his own, except this one had a pink flamingo shower curtain around the tub. “That one.”
She pointed to the fixture on the right, then stood back out of the way.
After a quick inspection and a twist of the handle, Max decided the cold-water faucet needed a new gasket. “I’ll have it fixed in a jiffy.”
His stomach rumbled when he followed the heady aroma of frying bacon to the kitchen. “I think it just needs a new gasket. Had to replace mine last week. Have what I need in the truck.” He continued toward the door, and his stomach growled again.
“I like to have breakfast for supper,” said Sky as she turned the bacon. “If your fast food will keep, I’d be happy to fix you an omelet.”
The statement came out rushed, almost in a single breath. Her low voice, soft and clear, held a slight quiver. I wonder if she knows how sexy she sounds? Max’s heart skipped a beat, and he had to clear his throat to speak. “You don’t have to go to any trouble on my account, ma’am.”
“It’s no trouble. Really.” She finally met his steady gaze, bright spots of pink on each cheek. “And it’s the least I can do for all you have done for me—us.”
“You forgot to call her Sky,” said Maddie as she motioned to a chair at the table. “You can sit here.”
“In a minute, Tink. I need to fix that leak.”
Fifteen minutes later, he reentered the kitchen. “Just as I thought. Needed a gasket replaced.”
Sky spoke over her shoulder. “Almost ready. Have a seat. Help yourself to whatever you want to drink.”
Max placed the toolbox on the floor and shifted his feet, unsure what to do. He didn’t want to impose, but damn, that bacon smelled good. And the chance to spend some time with Sky was too good to pass up.
Maddie bounced in wearing pink pajamas with I’m a Princess emblazoned on the front. “I’m going to bed now, Mama, so you and Max can talk grown-up stuff.”
He didn’t miss the quick intake of air as she bent and kissed her daughter. “Night, Munchkin. I love you.” She straightened and spun Maddie toward the door. “I’ll be in shortly to tuck you in.”
“I’m nearly eight,” she sniffed. “I can tuck myself in.”
Maddie stood in front of Max, head craned back to look at him. One index finger curled inward, beckoning him lower.
He bent down, and Maddie placed a soft kiss on his cheek. “Night, Max. Thanks for fixing the faucet. And my bike. And Blue, too.”
Before he formulated a reply, she skipped off down the hall.
He raised up and noted Sky watched closely, captivating eyes filled with a soft, inner glow, one hand pressed over her heart.
“I’m sorry if she embarrassed you, Max. Maddie is… very caring.”
Touched by the child’s unconditional acceptance, and more self-conscious than ever, he shoved his hands into his front pockets. “She’s a good kid.”
Sky didn’t appear to notice his discomfort. “Please. Sit. It’s almost ready.” She pointed to the coffee pot on the counter. “Help yourself. Milk and juice in the fridge.”
“Coffee’s good.”
“Cups are in the cabinet above the pot.”
He pulled a mug down and looked at her. “You?”
“Yes, please.” An engaging smile graced her face. “I probably drink too much of the stuff but got used to it when I worked nights.”
“Maddie said you used to be a nurse.”
One shoulder rose and fell slightly as she focused on the omelet. “Maddie was born early and had…issues when she was younger,” she said softly. “It was hard to work, keep up my CEUs, and care for her, too. Rather than let my license lapse, I went inactive when we moved here.” She filled two plates with food and carried them to the table. “I’ve been thinking about getting it reinstated.”
He filled both mugs and joined her at the table. “What does that entail?”
“I’m not sure. I know there are time limits and other stuff involved.” She sat down and picked up her coffee. “On my to-do list.”
