Daddy's Virgin (A CEO Boss Romance Novel)

“Nothing,” he said.

“Come on,” I pressed. “I value your opinion and would appreciate the advice. I promise I won’t try to punch you again.”

He gave me a small smile. “I’m glad you’re ready to move on with your life. I think it’s a step in the right direction. All I would say is…be careful. Make sure that this girl is not just a quick replacement for the love of your life. Make sure you see her as a woman in her own right.”

I nodded, thinking about that moment the night after Kristen had slept over. I had called her Daphne. Was that just an innocent mistake, or was I trying to recreate the life I’d planned on having? I knew only one thing for certain: I’d have to see this through to find out.

Chapter Twenty-Six

Kristen

“I think he’s out for the count,” I said, pushing back a few stray hairs that had fallen onto Noah’s forehead.

He was sprawled out on the living room sofa, his legs flung about in strange directions, and yet, he looked so peaceful and happy. His chest rose and fell in little spurts, and there was a faint smile on his mouth. The living room carpet was a mess of crayons, coloring books, blocks, and toys, and Jake had to tread carefully to get to us.

“It’s about time,” he sighed.

I smiled. “I know. I was getting tired.”

“Getting tired?” he asked. “I passed tired ab

out two hours ago.”

“Reckon we should get him into his own bed?”

Jake nodded and picked Noah up gently so that he was jostled as little as possible. I stayed behind and started to clean up the untidy living room. Luckily, Jake had bought Noah large boxes in which all his things were organized. The toys and all the art supplies had their own special boxes. I had just finished stuffing the toys into their box when Jake emerged.

“You don’t have to do that, Kristen,” he said, as he walked over to me. “Really, I’ll do it tomorrow.”

“It’ll only take a few minutes,” I reasoned. “I don’t mind.”

Jake sunk down to his knees beside me and started to help me. I smiled. “You can relax.”

“It would be extremely unchivalrous of me to sit by and left the fair maiden to work,” Jake said, using the terms from the storybook I’d read to Noah fifteen minutes ago.

I smiled. “This fair maiden doesn’t mind.”

“My conscience does, though,” he said.

It was so nice to sit there in his living room, tidying up together after a long day of entertaining Noah. The silence was a welcome respite, and I could feel a little tingle of excitement at the prospect of having a few moments alone with Jake.

We had taken things slowly, just like Jake had wanted. It had been weeks since that first night when we had first had sex. After that, we had gone out a couple of times for dinner, and we’d spent hours talking and getting to know one another. And yet, I still hadn’t found the courage to admit to Jake the truth about who I was.

Every time I attempted to bring up the topic, my nerves got the better of me, and I backed out. I knew my excuses were growing thin, but the longer I waited to tell him, the more fearful I became. It didn’t help that in the last few weeks I had fallen completely in love with Noah. He was a wonderful kid, and I had grown unreasonably attached to him.

While I was thrilled that he seemed to have taken to me just as fast, I was terrified that this would work against me once I told Jake the truth. He would see my connection with Noah as something different. He would assume I had forced a bond with his son to be manipulative. He was less likely to believe it was sincere, and I wouldn’t be able to blame him.

Even as we sat there, I found excuses to put off the moment. Jake was tired, we’d had a long day, and it wasn’t the right time for serious conversations or big revelations. For right now, I just wanted to sit here with Jake and enjoy his company without any distractions.

“Thank you so much for cooking dinner for us,” Jake said, interrupting my thoughts.

“Don’t be silly,” I said. “I enjoyed it. Plus both of you helped.”

He laughed. “You’re being generous, but I appreciate it all the same.”

I pushed the last box into the corner of the living room so that it wouldn’t be in any one’s way. “There,” I said triumphantly. “All done and no messy cleanup for tomorrow.”

“Lucky me.”