Free Stopping Traffic (A Back to School Romance) (Love at The Crossroads) by Pat Simmons

me, holding women captive and with such intensity until a woman lost her mind? Their testosterone level definitely needed to be checked and serviced.
    “This is Brandon’s father and he’s invited us to stay,” Solae said as if Candace hadn’t figured out the reason she had not yet dragged her away from there. Her coy smile meant they would talk later. Definitely, because her friend very seldom changed her mind when it came to shopping.
    Now who was going to babysit whom? And she didn’t mean Lindsay. Solae didn’t date outside their faith and neither of them knew anything about these brothers, including their commitments to God. “Really?”
    “I guess it’s settled, ladies. It looks like the party is just getting started,” Hershel said as he led Solae away from her car.
    For some reason, Candace had a suspicion that the party he referred to had nothing to do with a five-year-old’s birthday party.

     
     
     
     
     
    CHAPTER TWELVE
     
     
    “I guess you never can have too many chaperones,” Candace said, accepting the invitation.
    Chaperones were not what Royce had in mind, not after pining for Candace for weeks. He was definitely thinking in terms of something more private as Royce did a quick sweep of her attire. Whereas Solae was pretty, Candace was a knockout. Her legs elevated her to another level—gorgeous—because every woman didn’t have legs that would catch a man’s eye. The outfit she wore showcased them perfectly—a denim form-fitting dress with matching jacket and flats that reminded him of a ballerina.
    They strolled past the front door of the ranch house that belonged to his cousin, Terrence, to the back lawn where the activity was nonstop. More than thirty children, including most of the children in Brandon’s class, formed lines to be next for their turn to ride on the pony.
    Staying close by her side, Royce watched as Candace acknowledged the other parents she knew. “It’s good to see so many fathers with their children. At least I’m not the only single parent in the bunch.”
    “Oh no, you’re not. Whether you know it or not, my brother is divorced and is rearing my nephews alone.”
    It was noteworthy that Hershel had become so instantly smitten with Candace’s friend.  It took more than an attractive face to get his attention as Hershel always reminded him and Trent. “Me and my kids are the ones who got burned by a trifling woman. And I’m praying every night to keep me from becoming bitter. I mean, what type of woman leaves her children? Pretty women are nothing but trouble.” would spill out from the depths of Hershel’s soul from time to time.
    After ditching Candace’s gift on the table w here others were displayed, he guided her to a pair of lawn loungers off to the side for some privacy.
    Once Candace made her choice, Royce took the other. His body sunk into the uncomfortable lounger as he stretched out his long legs. A yawn escaped as he thought about the sleep he was sacrificing to be there with her.
    “Sorry.” He covered his mouth.
    “Did you fight fires last night?”
    “Yes, and there were other calls, too.” Royce did his best not to yawn again. Maybe sitting still wasn’t a good idea.
    “Then why are you here instead of sleeping? You look tired.” Her concern, frown, and slight scolding were endearing. “Whether I’m a firefighter or not, I’m expected to be at my nephew’s party. Orders from my sister-in-law and brother.”
    “With so many children, I doubt if you would be missed for the couple of hours it would take for you to get some rest.” She scrutinized him.
    Yes, Royce could see himself as the beneficiary of her pampering.  “I had to come to see you again. Sometimes a person only gets one last chance, especially in my line of work. ”
    She took on an unreadable expression. “You don’t have to have a dangerous job to live each day as if it’s your last chance to say or do things,” she whispered, amazing him with her