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“You’re good friends?” Daisy asks.

“Great friends,” I say.

“Oh my God, Skye. He practically lives at Dad’s house now. He’s never at his apartment,” Ariel says. “Do you really think he’s there because he likes it?”

“Yeah?” It’s a huge house. With a basketball court. Who wouldn’t like it? “Besides, he’s only there for family dinners.”

She shakes her head. “All the time. Because he wants to be near you.”

“I’ll go to his apartment,” I say.

“Oh.” Daisy’s interest perks. “You go to his apartment.”

God, she’s such a kid. That’s a big deal to her. Not something people do. “Yeah, we’re friends.”

“And where do you sleep? When you spend the night at his apartment?” Ariel asks.

“I take his bed.” But—”He takes the couch. It’s just—”

“And you’re in his sheets and they smell like him?” Daisy’s eyes go wide. “That’s so romantic.”

“I don’t know which of you is more obvious.” Ariel shakes her head ridiculous.

She turns to the waiter as he drops off our food. Basil chicken and eggplant for Ariel. Shrimp green curry for me. Pad Thai for Daisy.

Kind of obvious, but hard to knock. Not that I had such sophisticated taste at her age. Or now. Green curry has to be in the list of most popular Thai dishes somewhere.

I pick up my fork.

Drop it as Ariel jumps out of her seat.

I follow her gaze to Chase.

And—oh, God, poor Daisy.

Chase smiles. “Look who I found at Inked Hearts.” He pats Mr. Flynn’s shoulder. “He was talking to Oliver.” Chase nods hello to Daisy. “Your brother says hi.”

She hides behind her hands. “Hey, Dad.”

Ariel practically skips to her baby daddy. She wraps her arms around him. Squeezes tightly.

He whispers something in her ear.

They whisper back and forth.

Finally, she pries herself away. Offers Daisy’s dad her hand. “It’s nice to see you, Mr. Flynn.”

“Please. Gabe,” he says.

“Gabriel?” she offers.

His chuckle is low. Knowing. “Sure, Gabriel.” He shakes her hand.

She motions to us. “Come. Sit. We just ordered food. If you’re hungry.”

“It’s actually no boys allowed.” I nod hello. “But next time.”

“Do you have everything you need?” He looks to Daisy.

“Yes, Dad, thank you.” She takes a long sip of iced tea. Nearly chokes on it.

“Oliver is spending the night at Holden’s place,” he says.

Does he really believe that?

It’s possible Oliver will get so drunk he crashes on the couch. But it’s more likely he’ll take someone home.

Though—

He is protective of Daisy.

“I’ll make sure she gets home, Mr. Flynn,” I say.

“Gabe.” He offers his hand.

I take it. Shake. “Gabe.” I won’t say it—God knows I hate hearing it—but Mr. Flynn… Gabe is super hot. Like level ten hot. Easily as hot as Chase or Forest.

He’s tall and lean with crystal clear blue eyes and ashy brown hair. There are hints of grey at his temples. He’s obviously not twenty, but he looks good. Younger than his age—he must be somewhere around forty.

He wears his business casual look. And the tattoos that peek out from under his rolled sleeves are pure bad boy.

I shouldn’t stereotype, I know.

But he really is—

“Don’t worry about me,” Daisy says. “You finally have a night to yourself. I thought you had a date?”

“I do.” His voice is paternal. Firm and giving. The same as Forest’s. “But how am I supposed to enjoy it if I don’t know my baby girl is okay?”

“I’m fine.” Her voice gets unusually curt “You should go. Get dressed. Aren’t you going someplace nice?” she asks.

“She’s trying to get rid of me.” He chuckles. “Come here.”

She stands.

He pulls her into a hug. “Be careful, okay?”

“It’s just a party.” She pulls back. “But I will.”

He looks to me. “Take care of her.” There’s something about the way he says it. Like he’ll know whether or not I mean it.

“I will.” I’ll do my best, at least. Holden is… well, he’s a lot of things. But he won’t let anyone hurt Daisy. Not physically. Not emotionally either.

I think.

Probably.

Honestly, it’s really hard to read him.

“Okay.” He hugs her one last time. Nods goodbye to Chase. Leaves.

Daisy sighs thank God.

Ariel laughs. “Oh my God, Daisy. Your dad is so hot.”

I laugh too. “You’re not supposed to say that.”

“Don’t worry, I still think your dad is hot.” Ariel turns to Daisy. “He’s got a real… um… who’s that guy all the ladies like?”

“Me?” Chase offers.

She laughs. “That’s it. You.” She wraps her arms around his shoulders. “You look good today.”

“You too.” He kisses her cheek.

He whispers in her ear.

It’s disgustingly cute.

It fills my head with all these ideas.

That could be us one day. Me and Forest. Him fussing over my pregnancy. Getting even more protective.

We used to talk about it, when we were younger, and our lives seemed full of possibilities.

Now—

God, I can see it.

Him in a tux. Me walking down the aisle in some over-the-top black and purple dress. His ring on my finger.


Tags: Crystal Kaswell Romance