“Please, forgive me, but I’m going to run to my room. Guest bathroom is right there next to my daughter’s room. Feel free to use any of her girlie stuff. She won’t mind cause she’s not here often and won’t notice.” He laughs, but it sounds empty.
His daughter? I have a million questions. The most pressing…
“Are you single?” I shout, unable to filter my bursting curiosity.
Please say yes. No, say no. I don’t need to get involved with a single dad.
“Yes.” He shouts from his room. “Are you?”
“Yes!” The smile on my face hurts, but I can’t seem to stop, which is telling of how much power Leo has over my body. I don’t know what this means, but I have to get out of this dress. I love everything about it, except wearing it. Even looking hot as fuck, soaking wet, this dress is my enemy.
Over the boobs. Fuck yeah. Okay, I got this. Over the tummy. Boom. Hips, here we go. I grunt as I wiggle it down and celebrate when I kick it off. I grab the hanging pink towel and smile, thinking about what his daughter might be like.
Wait. That thought is crazy. I can’t date a guy with a kid. Can I? I mean, I like kids more than grown-ups, but I’ve never wanted to raise them. I’ve seen too many throw fits and scream and kick their parents if they don’t get their way. Hard pass.
I need to talk myself down.
That cock, though.
No, Olive. That’s someone’s father you’re thinking about with terrible intentions.
As my mind continues the great debate, Leo knocks on the door.
“Thanks,” I say, taking the outstretched robe. It’s red with snowmen all over it. Adorable, just like Leo..
“Sure. I can take your dress and toss it in the dryer, if you’d like.”
I nod and turn to grab the dress for him. He takes it, and that spark we had in the pool lights when his eyes lock on mine. His boyish smile makes me melt in place.
It only takes me a quick minute to get myself tucked into his big fluffy robe and join him in the laundry room.
“Thank you for your hospitality.”
“You’re welcome. Sorry you didn’t make your escape,” he says bashfully, surprising me.
I shrug. “You did save me from the awkward conversation with my boss.”
“Well, you did look like you wanted rescuing. I’m just glad I could help. Did you need to run home to your—”
He stops, unsure of what to say. I guess it’s time to come clean.
“My kid? No. You’re going to think I’m a terrible person, but I lie to my boss about having a kid.”
“Wow.”
“I know. And things were going so well, with you blushing for me, and the whole ‘you not having a girlfriend’ seemed so promising. But alas, I always ruin it.”
“Just couldn’t lie, could ya?”
I smirk. “It’s not usually my style. I only make the exception for the bubbly socialite, but you wouldn’t like her parties either. There are rules, for fucks sake.”
“Wait. Let me make sure I follow. You’re telling me, you lie to get out of parties? You don’t lie to her to get out of work?”
“Oh no, I would never. I love my job. Wish I could buy the place myself, but after leaving an asshole ex back in Chicago, I also had to leave my position as the university’s librarian. And therefore, I’m broke.”
Why am I still word-vomiting all over this man?He’s never gonna sleep with you now.Brilliant job, Olive.
“Oh my god, why did I tell you all that?”