I wonder where Isla’s mum is. Maybe heissingle? A tiny, reckless spark flares in my chest at the thought…then I immediately scold myself for it. For all I know he has a wife at home and he’s letting her sleep in. Or a partner working an early shift. Or some complicated custody arrangement that is most definitely none of my business.
“I can imagine,” I say, letting the words come out light. My gaze flicks ever so quickly to his left hand. Bare. No band. No tan line. Nothing obvious.
It doesn’t prove anything, but it nudges the possibility a fraction closer.
He shifts his weight, and I can’t stop myself from noticing how his henley stretches across his broad shoulders, sleeves pushed up just enough to reveal strong, tattooed forearms.
I nod, trying to ignore the flutter in my stomach. “It’s nice you have family around to help,” I continue, realizing I’m still clutching the avocado like it’s made of gold. “Um, thanks again for this.”
He shrugs, his eyes never leaving mine. “It’s just an avocado.”
“Right,” I laugh nervously. “Of course.” I drop it into my basket, searching for something else to say. “So, um, what else are you shopping for?”
He nods toward his cart. “Just the basics. Isla goes through cereal like it’s her job.”
Talking about his daughter seems to bring a gentler look tohis face, and I find myself smiling. “She’s adorable. How old is she?”
“Four,” he replies with a hint of pride in his voice.
“That’s such a fun age.”
He chuckles softly, the sound warm and unexpected. “Fun, sure. Exhausting, too. She’s got more energy than I know what to do with.”
That’s the most I’ve heard him say at once. “Sounds like you’ve got your hands full.”
“You have no idea.” His eyes hold mine for a beat too long, then, as if remembering where we are, he straightens. “I should probably finish up before Isla realizes I’m gone.”
“Of course,” I say quickly. As he turns to leave, I look for something better to say. “And hey…don’t forget to grab the good cereal. You know, the kind with marshmallows.”
That was…dumb.
He pauses mid-stride, briefly turning his head with a grin. Arealgrin. “Noted.”
It’s a small thing, but the warmth in his smile lingers long after he walks away, leaving me standing there like a fool with an avocado and a heart that won’t stop racing.
Jeez.Pull yourself together, Lucy. He’s just a guy…albeit one with mesmerizing eyes, a voice that could melt butter, and an indisputable tenderness when it comes to his daughter.
I give my head a slight shake, as if that could dispel the haze of attraction clinging to me. There’s a shopping list to finish, but as I move through the fluorescent lit aisles, my eyes keep searching for that tall silhouette among the shelves.
This isn’t like me at all.
My last boyfriend, Owen, had pressed shirts and every single one of our dates scheduled. He worked at the bank and could tell me exactly where he’d be ten years from now. Again, safe, but never thrilling.
Nothing like the way Aidan makes me breathless, which terrifies me because that hasneverhappened before.
As I’m turning around the corner to the dairy section, my foot catches and I almost collide with a shopping cart. “Oh, I’m so sorry!”
I freeze when I see who’s behind it.
Aidan raises a brow. “We’ve got to stop meeting like this.”
“I swear I’m not following you.”
“Shame,” he murmurs, so quietly I’m not sure I heard him correctly.
“Right. Well, I’ll, uh, let you get back to your shopping.”
He gives a small nod as he pushes his cart away.
