I drag my gaze from Ronan and look at the interloper, only to see my old friend, Conner. I’ve known him since middle school. He’s a recently divorced single dad with a daughter about Belle’s age. The two girls met during my art lessons and hit it off, so I’ve arranged a few playdates for them.
“Poppy and Belle! Great to see you two.” He leans over and gives me a lingering kiss on the cheek and a warm hug. Maybe the hug is a little more than warm. He’s always been a flirty guy. He’s tall and handsome. As a successful real estate agent, he’s considered a catch now that he’s single again. But his touch does nothing for me, not compared to Ronan’s.
“Oh hey, Conner,” I say distractedly, taking a quick step back. He would be a pile of ash now if Ronan’s eyes could shoot lasers like they did in the sci-fi flick he made a few years back. That movie also showcased to the world just how good he looks in spandex.
I wish Conner would leave, but he stands there staring at me, so I sigh and turn my attention to him. Maybe if I introduce him to Ronan and his laser-like eyes, he’ll go.
“Conner, Ronan. Ronan, Conner.”
My boss crosses his arms over his chest.
“Play nice, Ronan. This is your neighbor, and his daughter Sasha is friends with Belle. They had a playdate the other day. I texted you about it.”
“Hmm, right.” His mood seems to lighten at that. He shoots Conner a less suspicious glance. “So, neighbor, does that mean you’re married?”
Wow. Subtle. Could he be…jealous? I can’t help but be thrilled by that idea.
Conner looks justifiably taken aback. “No. At least, not anymore. Divorced,” he says. “Last year.”
Ronan’s friendlier gaze slams back shut.
“And you’re friends with Poppy?”
“We went to school together. She was a year younger than me. I had a crush on her.” He sends a flirtatious smile my way. “But once she and Derek got together, she never gave me the time of day.”
I roll my eyes. “You did not. You had half the girls in our class in love with you. And I don’t think your popularity has waned since then.”
“Daddy! Poppy! Look at my ornament! And look who’s here!”
Belle and Sasha run up together.
I smile at Sasha. “Hi, sweetie. It’s good to see you again. Belle, you know Sasha’s dad.”
Belle smiles shyly. “Hello again. It’s nice to see you.”
“Daddy, can we go pet the sled dogs and listen to a talk about them? The owner said they’re friendly,” Sasha asks her father.
We look to see a small crowd of children gathered around the oversize, wagging dogs and an older couple.
Conner nods, ruffling his daughter’s hair. “It’s okay with me.”
“Just be careful,” Ronan says. “Dogs can be unpredictable.”
“Oh, Daddy,” Belle says with dismissive affection.
“And there they go,” Conner says. “Seven going on seventeen.”
Ronan nods, and for a moment, I think there might be solidarity between the two single dads. But then Conner’s eyes slide back to me, and Ronan steps near, setting his giant hand at my waist, pulling me toward him. I lick my dry lips. The things this man can do to me without so much as a word.
Conner zeros in on Ronan’s hand with a surprised expression. He clears his throat. “So, Poppy, are you joining the New Year’s parade committee again this year?”
“Oh,” I say. “I wish I could, but I’m helping out with the Christmas ball and auction to raise money for the Creativity Center. I don’t think I have the time to do both. I’m pretty busy with my new nanny job as well.”
“Come on, Poppy. You’re always the most important person on the committee. Most of them are only there for the free snacks. You practically organized the parade by yourself last year. You won’t let us down, will you?”
I look at my hands, torn. I don’t have the time, and Conner is right about one thing. I’m usually the only one to do the work, which is annoying. But I hate to disappoint everyone.
“Um. Maybe I can look at my schedule again,” I say. It might be possible if I—
