Laughing, I take a sip of my coffee. “Stop it.”
“No. I like making you smile.”
“Are you always such an outrageous flirt?”
Mark shoots me a wink. “Only with the pretty clients.”
I bark out another laugh. “You’re terrible.”
“I’m pretty nice, actually. And I really want to see you again.”
I bite my bottom lip. I was sure he was just flirting, but this just got serious. I’ve not thought about dating in, well, forever.
“I’ll need to think about it.”
His brows knit. “I hope I didn’t come on too strong.”
I shake my head. “No, it’s just … I haven’t dated anyone since before my daughter was born. The last person I was seeing was her father. And he isn’t in the picture. But she’s all I have now, and I have to think about her first.”
Mark nods. “I understand. And I want you to know that I get it. I was twenty when my parents died, and my little sister was ten. I took over raising her after that, and I would do anything for that girl. Although, she’s not really a girl anymore.”
I grasp his forearm. “I’m so sorry for your loss.”
“It’s not easy. I get that. But maybe you’re owed a little happiness.”
“You think you can give me that?”
His eyes twinkle. “I know I can. I’m not looking for a one-night stand or anything shady. I’d really like to spend time with you.”
I draw in a deep breath. “I think I’d like that too. Give me some time?”
He gazes at me as if he’ll never see me again. “Take all the time in the world. I’ll be waiting.”
His words playon my mind the rest of the day.
As I pull into the school car park, I’m still thinking about what he said.
It feels like he can really relate to what I’ve been through with his own experiences.
And he’s such a nice guy.
I’m not sure what to do.
“Mummy.” Sophie runs at me as if she hasn’t seen me in forever. It’s the best part of the after-school-care pick-up.
I open my arms, and she throws herself into them. God, how I love this kid.
“Have you had a good day?”
She nods. “I read some words for Mrs Crawford today.”
“Did you?” She’s a smart cookie. I think between me and Patrick, she was always going to be. I’m so proud of her.
“And I wrote my name. She told me it was perfect.”
“It is. You are.” I tap her on the nose, and she giggles. “How about we get home and get some dinner?”
“Can we have butter chicken?”
