I parked two blocks away, not wanting to get spotted. Probably overcompensated a bit there, but the sun is shining, and Dani’s not due at work for another two hours, so we’re good. We can stroll.
“There was just… no chemistry, you know?”
I nod, and she sighs.
“Do you think I’ll ever find that again? That easydon’t even have to think about itchemistry. That feeling in your gut where you justknowthis person is yours to keep, to cherish… to love.”
My mouth goes dry, my throat swelling as I lamely shrug and give her a helpless frown.
Her smile is sad when she shakes her head. We go quiet, and I try and fill this space.
Anything to make her feel better.
Anything to fix this for her.
“Uh…” I clear my throat as we near my SUV, stopping her on the sidewalk and turning her to face me. My hands look huge on her small shoulders, so I hold her extra lightly and try to lighten the mood. “Let’s play a game.”
Her eyebrow arches while her lips quirk into a lopsided smile that’s just too damn cute. “A game?”
“Yeah, let’s pretend that I’m the host of a dating show or something, and you’re describing your perfect man to me.”
She laughs, then sinks her teeth into her bottom lip, and I hold my breath, wondering if she’ll play along.
CHAPTER 13
DANI
Tyrell is too cute, working overtime to make me feel better.
For a second, I contemplate telling him that he really doesn’t have to do that and asking if he can just take me home.
But I don’t want to hurt his feelings, and the idea of lightening the mood is kind of appealing. I don’t want every conversation we have to be this somber “I miss Atlas” ordeal.
So, I blink, look up at him again, and whisper, “Okay. Let’s play.”
“Alrighty then.” He puts on a presenter’s voice that has me giggling.
Unlocking his car, he holds open the passenger door for me while stumbling through a dating show introduction.
“Welcome to the Dani Dating Show. This afternoon, we’re going to find out what Miss Hill is looking for in a man. On a quest for a fresh new start, our lovely lady here is braving the world of romance. Can she describe her dreamboat guy?”
He closes the door, and I buckle up while he runs around to the driver’s side. He’s so tall, it only takes him three strides before he’s getting behind the wheel, glancing to check on me before starting up the engine.
“So, Miss Hill, what are you looking for in a man? Let’s start with his personality.” He’s still using the presenter voice, and it’s cracking me up.
“Um…” I laugh, then brush my teeth over my bottom lip as I think about it. “He needs to be sweet, considerate of other people, and care about his family. The kind of guy who would do anything for them. Not in thatbeing walked all overkind of way, but in thatyou’re important to me, so I’ll make time for youkind of way.”
“Like your dad,” Tyrell murmurs, and my smile is instant.
“Yeah. Like my dad.”
“That’s good. What else?”
“Okay, uh…” I’m doing my best not to list off all of Atlas’s best traits. And if I’m completely honest, much to my sadness, I’m struggling to remember all of the intricate details that made him who he was. It’s been so long since I spent time with him. I can still see his face in my head, hear his laughter, see him singing onstage, but he’s fading.
And I need to figure out what I want. As an adult woman. What kind of guy do I want? Is it different from what I had?
“You need some ideas?” Tyrell glances at me.
