Something’s up.
“Stop it,” Dad says, waving his sister off. “I want to walk my kid across the street and check out the shop.”
Daphne snorts before she whispers, “Liar.”
I give my grandma a quick kiss on the cheek. “See you later, Gram.”
“Bye, baby doll. Love you.”
“Love you too,” I tell her before following my father to the door.
As soon as we’re outside, he stops walking. “Why do you want to know about Wylder?”
“I told you. His kids came in, and I don’t remember him from the neighborhood.”
Dad raises an eyebrow. “That’s it?”
I squint from the sunlight as I try to look up at him. “Yeah. That’s it.”
“Single father’s a different ball game, Tate.”
“What’s that mean?”
“They’re not like your usual type.”
“My usual type?” I don’t know if I should be offended or not. I know my dad doesn’t mean anything bad by the statement.
“You have a type. Party guys. The kind that doesn’t give two shits about anything or anyone. Wylder has responsibilities.”
I raise my chin, feeling a little perturbed. “I’m well aware of the responsibilities of a single father.”
He glances down at the cement where our shadows cross. “I just want you to put some thought into getting involved with someone like him. There’re more than the two of you in the equation.”
“Did you put a lot of thought into Tilly coming into our lives?”
“Of course I did, and if she hadn’t been right for our family, we would’ve never dated.”
“Do you think I’m not right for his family?”
“Baby,” he says softly, his eyes back on mine. “I think you have a big heart and love deeply. Anyone would be lucky to be loved by you, including his kids. But don’t get started with anything unless you’re willing to go the distance. They’ve had enough heartbreak to last a lifetime.”
“I know, Dad. We’re not dating. We’re not even friends. I met him once, and we had a brief conversation.”
I hate lying to my father, but there is no way I want to tell him that Wylder and I kissed in a moment of weakness. I also don’t want to tell him how much I liked that kiss either.
I haven’t been able to get Wylder off my mind since the moment I left him standing on the sidewalk, getting a taste of his own medicine.
I’m also not going to tell my dad that I am going shopping with Wylder and his girls tomorrow. It means nothing. I am helping out a single father, but more importantly, I’ll be there for his daughters to save them from the meltdown most fathers have when shopping.
“Tate,” he says, lifting his hand to my face. “I love you, kiddo. I know you’ll think it through before you jump in feetfirst.”
“I’m not a kid anymore. I’m doing my thirties different from my twenties.”
“Thank fuck,” he mutters before giving me a smile. “If you do fall for Wylder, he and his kids would be lucky to have someone as sweet in their life.”
“Hey, boss lady,” Timber says, walking down the sidewalk toward us and saving me from the rest of the conversation. “Mr. Gallo.” He tips his head toward my dad.
“Timber,” Dad says before bringing his gaze back to me. “Have a good day at the shop.”
