Her chestnut hair had more waves than usual, her golden eyes were lined in black, and her lashes were long and dark. She wore a green silk top, showing off her toned arms and teasing just enough cleavage to tempt my eyes for probably most of the night. Her jeans were snug and accentuated that perfect ass I’d fought not to stare at for what felt like forever, even though she’d only been living with us for a few months.
Now I could worship it along with the rest of her.
“Before we leave you with Taylor, Stella and I need to talk to you,” I said, bending to meet her gaze. “Come with us into the kitchen, baby girl.”
“Am I in trouble?” Her little brows drew together. “I don’t think I did anything.”
“You didn’t,” Stella said, tapping her chin. “It’s good, I promise.”
“Oh,” she said, her shoulders dropping. “That’s a relief.”
I lifted her up and set her on the kitchen counter.
“Remember what I told you about Stella and me tonight?”
“Yes, that you’re going on a date but didn’t tell me the place.”
“I didn’t tell Stella either.”
“But how did she know what clothes to wear?”
“Exactly,” Stella said, glaring at me. “I had to guess.”
“And you guessed perfect.” I slid my arm around her waist and drew her into my side. “You know how Stella and I are best friends?”
“I thought she was your girlfriend.”
“Well…yeah, she is now.” I cut Stella a look. “How did you know?”
“You kiss her a lot.”
“What did you see… I mean, when did you see Daddy kiss me?” Stella asked, her eyes wide with panic.
“I left one of my plushies on the steps, and you were kissing in the living room. I could tell through the staircase bars. Then you kissed her in the kitchen the morning you made French toast. That was quicker, though.”
I pinched my neck as Stella pressed her palm to her forehead.
“Do you have any questions?” I asked, now wondering what else she’d seen when Stella and I had thought we’d been so careful.
“I don’t think so.” She pursed her lips. “Does that mean she’ll live here after baseball is over this year?”
I stiffened when her face lit up. I didn’t know how to answer that. Regardless of how long we’d known each other, that was a big step I didn’t want to rush if we weren’t ready.
“That means when baseball is over, I’ll still be around all the time, no matter where I live.”
It was a good answer that seemed to satisfy my daughter, but I didn’t like it. I wanted Stella here all the time and hated thinking of her ever moving out, but this was our timeline, not only mine. I’d push for everything when the time was right.
“Great. Can I show Taylor my new books now?”
I let my head fall forward, laughing to myself. Not only had my daughter already known, but she seemed happy about it. Maybe Bennie had a future as a detective because she sure as hell noticed all the details.
“Yes, and we’ll say goodbye now.” I kissed her cheek and lifted her off the counter. “You’ll be sleeping when we get back, so kiss us good night now.”
“Okay. Good night, Daddy,” Bennie said, wrapping her arms around my neck with a quick squeeze.
“Good night, Stella.” Bennie hugged Stella, resting her head on her shoulder and shutting her eyes. She’d fallen hard for her too.
That was why I couldn’t let Stella leave. I’d have to figure out how to help her catch up to me by October.
