Free Blindsided (Indigo Love Spectrum) by Tammy Williams Page A

and get it?” Norris sighed. Ryan’s impromptu pep rally sounded good, but winning this prize wouldn’t be easy. “How am I supposed to do that? I’ve never had to fight for a woman’s affection.”
    “That’s because affection implies feelings, and for you it was never about emotions, just physical gratification. Dahlia is different. You need to change your game plan. It’s time for Norris the playboy to meet Norris the romancer.”
    “Woo her?”
    “At the very least. What do you want from this rela tionship? I’m talking end game.”
    Norris smiled. “I want . . . I want what you have. A wife I’m madly in love with, wonderful children, and a happy home. Not a bachelor’s condo, not a revolving door of women, but a home. Something I’ve never had. That’s what I want. I want it with Dahlia and Reese.”
    “There you have it. It’s yours for the taking, Norris. You just gotta go out and get it.”
    * * *
     
    After a helpful meeting with friend and Attorney Dan Monroe about paternal rights, Norris drove home pre pared to talk to Gail about their daughter. He definitely wanted to see Reese, and considering he’d been robbed of years of her life, Gail was in no position to argue with him. The anger he felt when he thought of the time he’d missed with his daughter set him on edge, but he vowed not to be short when he phoned Gail.
    T he clean scent of carpet powder and wildflower air freshener greeted Norris when he walked into his place. His housekeeper, Mrs. Castanza, had been there. The sixty-year-old grandmother had been in his employ for twelve years, taking care of all the necessities a busy bach elor on the move could not. A note on the desk said she’d gone out for groceries and would be back soon. Maybe he’d have enough time to give Gail a call before Mrs. Castanza returned and got on him about being too thin—any man without a pouch hanging over his belt was too thin to her—and not having a steady girlfriend. Norris realized he would forever be too thin for her liking, but perhaps that steady girlfriend problem could be rectified soon.
    Retrieving Gail’s business card from the dresser, Norris punched in the numbers to her cell phone and got an answer on the third ring.
    “Hello.”
    “Gail, it’s Norris. I think it’s time I met Reese.”
    “That’s good to hear. I’ll try to arrange something soon.”
    “I don’t want you to try. I expect the three of us to have brunch tomorrow. You pick the location, and I’ll be there.”
    “Norris, look, . . . .”
    “No excuses, Gail. I’ve missed sixteen years, and I won’t miss any more. Call me later with the details.”
    Norris hung up before Gail could offer a protest. If she truly wanted him to have a relationship with Reese, arranging brunch shouldn’t be a hardship.
    W ith the first step in getting closer to Reese taken, Norris turned his attention to the important first step with Dahlia. He needed to tell her how he felt, but he didn’t want to scare her away. She still had very real pain from her divorce, and getting her to see love didn’t have to hurt would be his challenge.
    Besides being the first woman to find her way into his heart, Dahlia was the first woman to find her way into his head. She challenged him, made him laugh, and made him want to know every detail about her. She excited him, and not just in the bedroom. The idea of spending a lifetime with her was all the incentive he needed to give winning her over a try. He only hoped she would want to be won.
    * * *
     
    Reese returned home to find her mother sitting on the couch, looking as strangely serious as she had the night before.
    “Were you waiting for me?” Reese asked.
    “Yes, I was,” Gail answered. She patted the spot beside her. “Join me.”
    Reese sat. “This is the talk, huh?”
    Gail nodded. “I saw Dahlia today,” she said, taking Reese’s hands in hers. “I’m sorry you thought I was ill. I should have been more up front with you,