Her sweet smile sets my life right, but I can’t go there. This is the girl who looks after my daughter. Those dark brown eyes that remind me of a strong black coffee seem to look through me. As if she sees the pain, but also recognizes the man I once was. Before Moira ruined my life.
Shaking my head of the stupid thoughts, I grab my keys and make my way out to my Merlot-colored X5. It’s one of the possessions I bought after becoming a single dad. It has space for Dash, our golden retriever, and the back seat is spacious enough that I can do our shopping and have Chelsea in her car seat beside me.
The roads are quiet. A glance at the time tells me it’s almost six. I don’t live far from the practice, and in no time I’m pulling into the drive beside Lily’s little red Mini Cooper. Killing the engine, I exit the car and push the lock button on the key fob.
Before I reach the door, it swings open and Chelsea comes bounding out. “Daddy!” Her sweet voice stills any tension I may have felt during the day and I can’t help smiling at my little princess. My beautiful girl is my life. She jumps into my open arms and I lift her up, spinning her around, only to be gifted with her squeals of delight.
“Hey, munchkin. Have you been a good girl for Lily?”
She nods her little head up and down, which causes her to bounce her pigtails that she’s probably begged Lily to pin for her.
“Always, Daddy.” She giggles.
“Good girl.” I smile, planting a soft kiss on her forehead. As soon as I step through the door, the scent of food hits me and I can’t help groaning. Setting my little girl down, I shut the door and head toward the kitchen where the smell of spices, herbs, and something delicious is wafting from.
The sight that meets me is more than decadent. Lily’s dressed in a pink summer dress that’s got a pattern of tiny white flowers. It hugs her torso tightly, but flares down to her knees. She’s got white ballet flats on her feet and I notice a small butterfly tattoo on her ankle. I’ve seen it before, and I wondered if she had any others hidden from sight, but I never asked.
Her strawberry-blond hair is pinned up in a messy bun with long, wavy strands framing her face and slender neck. A delicate gold chain hangs from her neck with the tiniest of pendants in the shape of a shortcake.
She’s got flour on her left cheek and her hand is furiously mixing batter of some sort in a large bowl. When I step into the kitchen, her head lifts and her dark gaze meets mine. A smile both beautiful and sexy lights her face and my heart thuds against my ribs. “Mr. Bailey, I’ve made some dinner for you and Chelsea. I hope that’s okay?” she questions in her melodic tone. The same innocent voice I’m yearning to hear moan my name.
I can’t find words to respond. She’s baked with Chelsea before, but she’s never cooked us dinner. The tension in the air is stifling. Her body stills, waiting for me to respond.
Lily
He stares at me for so long I think he’s angry, but then he grins. It stops my heart. The man is handsome. With sharp features, a full head of messy black hair, and those eyes. They’re as blue as the sky. Like windows into the man himself. I love getting lost in them. I always find myself staring at him for a little too long.
He’s dressed in a light blue dress shirt and gray slacks. The local doctor. He’s loved by everyone in town, even me. He’s thirteen years older than me and totally off-limits, but it doesn’t stop me from fantasizing about him. He doesn’t look old. In fact, he looks like he’s in his late twenties.
It started the day he helped me when I twisted my ankle. I was in so much pain. When his strong hands touched my skin, heat jolted through me. And it wasn’t from the agony of my injury. Ever since that day, I’ve been plagued with thoughts of him touching me again, in places only one boy has ever touched.
“Lily, I told you, call me Austin. I’m not that old.” He chuckles and his eyes shimmer with mischief and… desire? “And you really didn’t have to. I’m sure I could’ve—”
“It’s my pleasure,” I cut him off immediately. “And it didn’t take very long.” When I smile at him, his gaze lingers on me. Almost too long. “I’m making shortcake too. It’s my mom’s favorite recipe.” I continue mixing the dough. The strawberries I found in the fridge will be perfect on top of these with some whipped cream.
God, that sounds like an erotic fantasy waiting to happen.
Stifling a giggle, I watch Austin grab three plates and set them on the small dining table, with cutlery and some napkins. As I watch how he moves, I find myself enthralled with the man. I’ve known him for a while and each time I’m around him, I see him as a father, but also as a man I’d love to be with. He continues moving around the kitchen until the table is set for three.
“You’re joining us. No questions asked, okay?” Blue eyes pin me to the spot and I have to swallow the lump that forms in my throat. He’s so handsome.
Quickly, I nod. “Thank you. I didn’t expect to—”
“I insist.” This time it’s him interrupting me, but I can’t stop the smile on my face.
Dropping my gaze, I ready the mixture for the pan to ensure we have dessert in time for our after dinner treat. We both move in sync around his small kitchen, making it feel almost normal. Like I’m meant to be here.
It’s strange that for a successful doctor, he’s never bought a bigger house. Yes, he drives a flashy car, but there’s something down to earth and humbling about him. I turn in time with him and we find ourselves inches apart. His body heat sears me for a moment.
Lifting my gaze, I meet his eyes. “I…” My mouth is dry, like I haven’t had anything to drink in months.
“Lily,” he murmurs my name, leaning in, his mouth so close to mine I’m sure if I stood on my tiptoes, I’d be able to kiss him.
Do I want to? Yes, yes, I do.
“Lily!” A shriek from the beautiful little girl echoes through the room.
Without a second thought, I’m racing into the living room to find her dancing in front of the television to one of the pop bands I’d been listening to earlier.
“Look!” She points at the man on screen, the lead singer, who strangely resembles her father. “It’s your boyfriend,” she informs me with a giggle, which is sweet, yet mischievous.
Shaking my head, I respond, “I don’t have a boyfriend, silly.” When I turn to get back to the kitchen, I slam into a solid form. Warmth cascades through me, over me, straight to the spot between my thighs. “Sorry, Mr. Bai—” Catching myself on his name, I amend by murmuring, “Austin.” It comes out breathy.
The hunger in the depths of his eyes is swirling like a pool of heated desire. He does want me. But he’s never made a move. There’s never been a moment where he said it right out or even tried to kiss me. Since he’s come home tonight, it’s twice that we’ve found ourselves so close the electricity shoots through me, causing goosebumps to rise all over my skin.
His hands are on my shoulders. Our bodies pressed tightly together. But, as soon as the moment arrived, it’s gone when Chelsea squeals with excitement at the songs on the TV.
“I should…” I gesture to the kitchen and he nods.