Luke’s SUV rolled to a stop right in front of me and I took a breath. For some reason, this man stole my breath and made my whole body tingle.
He was out of the car and at the passenger side before I’d even reached it.
“Hi,” I said, leaning forward for a kiss only to have him turn his head at the last second.
Feeling like I’d been sucker punched, I took a step back.
Luke’s hand wrapped around my wrist, stopping me from turning on my heel and fleeing. Something I was absolutely about to do.
“Isla’s here,” he whispered.
“What?”
“Isla’s in the back seat,” he repeated. I thought that’s what he’d said but I wasn’t sure.
Bending down, I saw a little girl with two braids buckled into her car seat singing along to whatever it was she was listening to while she watched our every move.
“Oh,” I replied, realizing why he stopped me. Even though his rejection had hurt, understanding his reasoning took the sting out of it.
“Are you ready to go?” Luke asked nervously as he reached for the door handle.
“Are you sure about this, Luke? I mean, it’s okay if you’re not?”
“I am. I like you, Charlotte, but the truth is, I’m a dad and Isla’s my world. I don't want to be that guy who’s trying to find time to see you both. I don't want Isla to spend all her time with a sitter, and I don't want to miss out on spending time with you. I know it’s selfish of me, but it’s the truth. I’m not playing games. I’m a single dad and I own that. But I’m a single dad who met someone he thinks is fantastic and who I want to spend more time getting to know. Because you know what?”
“What?” I asked breathlessly, wondering what more he could possibly have to add to that swoon-worthy speech.
“What I know already about you, Charlotte Rowe, I really like.”
He didn’t kiss me and damn I wanted him to, but I understood why. Instead, he just leaned forward, letting his forehead rest against mine.
“I really like you too,” I admitted, ignoring the pounding of my heart.
“I’m relieved to hear it.”
“You questioned it?”
“Let’s just say I was trying not to get my hopes up.”
“Sounds fair.”
“Right, you ready to meet her?” Luke asked, tilting his head.
I could see an intrigued little girl watching us from her seat, and I knew there was really only one option.
“I can’t wait. If she’s anything like her dad, I’m sure Isla’s awesome.”
I must’ve said the right thing. Next thing I know, Luke was opening my door and helping me in before running around the other side and sliding behind the wheel. He didn’t start the ignition, instead, he turned to face Isla who had fallen silent, and hugged possibly the ugliest doll I’d ever seen to her chest.
“Isla, sweetheart. Say hello to my friend Charlotte,” he introduced.
Normally being called a friend by the guy you were dating was considered bad form. In this situation however, he got a pass.
“Hi, Isla. That’s a really pretty doll,” I lied. It was hideous. It was all stringy red hair, a smooshed flat nose, and eyes that were too far apart.
“Her name’s Amanda,” a quiet voice replied.
“That’s a very pretty name.”
