Page 30 of An Unexpected Chance

“I panicked. I shut down. I acted like a complete asshole. I wanted to turn around and come to your place and explain, but I…” He shook his head. “I was an idiot.”

“Yes, you were.” Then I pressed my hand into his cheek, feeling the roughness of his whiskers on my skin. “But I understand.”

He smiled. “Of course you do. You understand so much more than I gave you credit for.”

“We have to talk.”

“I know. Once Mia goes to bed, we’ll talk, and I’ll tell you everything. You can decide if you forgive me, and we’ll figure it out.”

The words were out before I could stop them. “I do forgive you.”

He covered my hand with his. “Amy,” he breathed out.

“But we have to talk,” I repeated. “I can’t put myself out there and have you reject me again.”

He bent his head, pressing his mouth to mine. It was soft, gentle, and sweet. “I won’t,” he promised. “We’ll talk until I know you’re certain.” He kissed me again, this time his lips lingering.

Until a voice from the porch broke us apart. “Daddy! You kiss at the end of the date! I told you that!”

“Oops,” I mumbled against his mouth.

“Oops, indeed. Caught kissing my woman by my daughter in broad daylight before the date has even started.”

I stepped back. “For shame, sir.”

He grinned. “I’d call it worth it.” He linked our hands. “Come inside. Prepare to be Mia-fied.”

I allowed him to lead me. I liked how my hand felt held tight in his.

As if it belonged there.

* * *

The house smelled incredible. The table was set, and Mia was excited. She tugged my hand, and I followed her around as she showed me the house. Simon strolled behind us, making the occasional comment.

“This is Daddy’s office. He plays on the computer all day.”

“Yep,” he said with a dry laugh. “Me and FreeCell all day.”

“You should try Toon Blast or something. Branch out,” I teased.

“Good advice.”

I saw the family room, the guest rooms, had a long tour of Mia’s room, including her beloved bookshelves and toys. It was a girlie room with lots of pink and lace. Stuffed animals were stacked in the corners. A small table was set up by the window. It held a large cup of coloring pencils and a stack of paper. Pretty curtains fluttered in the breeze.

“Holly helped with the room,” Simon muttered.

“It’s perfect.”

The tour ended as we passed the door at the end of the hall. Simon’s room. Mia waved her hand. “Daddy sleeps there.” She skipped ahead. “It’s boring.”

Simon leaned close, his breath hot on my neck. “Not all the time. Not when you’re in there with me.”

I had to swallow at the sudden dryness in my throat. He chuckled.

I followed Mia back to the kitchen. I slipped onto one of the barstools and accepted the glass of wine Simon slid my way. He removed the bubbling lasagna from the oven and put the garlic bread in to heat. Mia sat beside me, chatting. She talked about her cousins and Holly, excited about the fact that I knew them. She talked about her uncle E, her affection for him evident.

“He sent me presents every year since I was born. I only met him a few months ago, but I love him.”