"You want something labeled with your logo?"
She winced. "I'm not sure I can afford that yet."
"You could probably find pink bubble mailers or something that would already match your branding that isn't too expensive. You can always add on the name of your business later."
Ginger set our plates of food in front of us, and I exchanged an amused look with Ayla. Our pancakes were stacked high and covered with whipped cream and chocolate chips.
Angela pointed her fork at my plate. "That's a dessert."
I licked my lips. "One I'm going to enjoy."
Her eyes narrowed on me, but I saw the flare of heat in them. She'd had the same thought I had. Dessert could be many things, like me feasting on her.
I wasn't going to be able to turn the clock back and forget about what I'd seen this afternoon. It only fueled my desire for her.
I cut into my stack. I was starving, and this sweet treat wasn't a substitute for the woman I wanted.
Cooper would be pissed if he knew I was lusting after a client, especially one tied to our biggest source of business. Another voice reminded me that she wasn't my client. That was Eve and Natasha.
Angela didn't own the building. She was merely a tenant. My heart soared at that conclusion. But then any thoughts of pursuit were stymied by Ayla, who had whipped cream on her nose.
Everyone knew you didn't get involved with single moms. They were complicated and deserved extra care. They were a package deal, and if I wasn't sure I wanted everything that came with it, I shouldn't even be thinking about her.
"Are you excited about Christmas?" I asked Ayla, thinking it was a good topic of conversation for a kid.
She nodded seriously. "Santa always brings me presents."
"Because you're a good girl," I said easily.
"Most of the time," Angela interjected.
"What did you ask Santa for?" I asked, wondering if she still believed. I remembered that my oldest brother, Ford, ruined the fantasy of Santa for us when he was in fourth grade. Mom was not happy about that.
"I asked for art supplies, books, and stuffies. And a bike."
"That's sounds doable." Soon she'd be asking for electronics, but Ayla was still very much a kid.
Angela smiled. "She loves arts and crafts."
Ayla took another bite of her pancake. "I'll make you a bracelet. What are your favorite colors?"
"Blue," I said easily.
She tipped her head to the side. "Blue and?—"
"Green."
Ayla nodded. "I can add your name too."
"That sounds nice." If she gave me a friendship bracelet, I'd have to wear it, and the guys would never let me hear the end of it. But I was starting to think that any flack I got for it would be worth it to see this little girl smile.
"We need to get a tree," Ayla pointed out.
"I'm not sure how long we'll be living in this house. There's no point in putting up decorations," Angela said.
That made me pause. "Feel free to decorate it however you wish."
Ayla gave her a look as if to say,See?
