No touching.
No kissing.
And definitely don’t fall in love.
Love? Oh my god, what is wrong with me? I barely know the guy. Unless you count the past year where I’ve been staring at his perfectly round ass every time he passed my office window.
It’s not love. It’s lust. But there’s no denying the more time I spend with him, I fall a little bit more.
The way he took care of me when I was sick. Brought me pizza the next day. Stood up for me in front of my siblings, not to mention the tenderness he treated my body with, not just last night but this morning too.
And the affection and devotion he shows his daughter, who is absolutely adorable by the way, is nothing short of admirable.
Is it any wonder I’m a teeny tiny bit obsessed?
And seeing as he broke the no touching role, maybe there’s hope of more …
‘Ava?’ Cillian’s voice is thick with concern. Probably because I’m drowning in his platinum eyes like a complete fucking idiot. ‘Are you dizzy after the ride?’
Oh, I’m dizzy, alright, just with lust.
‘I’m fine.’ I lift Phoebe out of the carriage, and she wraps her arms around my neck, and it feels amazing. Yep, biological clock is well and truly ticking.
‘It’s probably time we got you home.’ Cillian addresses Phoebe, prising her out of my arms. I feel oddly both bereft and envious for and of a child I only just met.
Phoebe places a hand over her mouth to hide her yawn. ‘Ava, can we do this again sometime?’
I look at Cillian. The air buzzes between us. Despite the crisp cold night, heat kindles my core. I wish it was me who was in his arms. I wish things could be different. That I could go home with them and help tuck Phoebe into bed. Then carry on what we started in his kitchen the other night, and I’m not referring to the bottle of red wine.
Something flashes across his face. Regret? Disapproval? Did I overstep the mark with Phoebe?
It’s impossible to tell.
‘I’d love to, pumpkin. If it’s okay with your dad.’ I shoot him a tentative glance, but he’s suddenly engrossed in fixing Phoebe’s hat and smoothing down her coat.
‘Maybe you could be my pretty friend, as well as Daddy’s?’ How could anyone in the world say no to that cute little face?
‘Sure.’ I reach into my coat pocket and pull out my lipstick and hand it to her. ‘Here. This is for you.
‘For real?’ She vibrates with excitement.
‘Yeah.’ I kiss her cheek, my heart as heavy as stone. ‘I’ll see you around kiddo.’
I hesitate for a split second before spinning on my heels. As I’m about to step away Phoebe calls, ‘Wait!’
I turn slowly, oblivious to the crowds around us. Everyone else melts into the background.
‘Yes?’
‘You forgot to give Daddy a kiss.’ Her upturned palms flounce in front of her face in an exaggerated gesture. Turns out with that level of dramatics, she really could be the best Mary ever.
‘I – err …’ My feet are locked to the spot.
A small smirk tugs at Cillian’s lips. He takes a step forward with Phoebe still in his muscular arms and presses his lips fleetingly against my ear. ‘And I thought she was a cock-blocker after the other night.’
Laughter gurgles in my throat.
‘I’ll talk to you soon,’ I say, and this time when I turn around to leave my heart feels slightly cheerier in my chest. Though the thought of going back to my empty penthouse isn't an appealing one.
