“Hmm. Well, she wants an outdoor playhouse. There are quite a few brands and some can run a lot of money. But you don’t need to spend a fortune. They make adorable plastic ones. She just wants a place to play with her friends in the backyard. She’d be thrilled if you picked out one of those.”
“I can do that,” he said, his excitement palpable, now that he had something concrete in mind. “Okay, so we’ve talked about Leah. What about us?”
Her eyes opened wide. “What about us?” she asked in a husky voice.
“I want to take you out on a date.” The words hung between them, along with all the years that had passed.
“Nick, I don’t know…”
“I want to learn more about Leah. Her favorite foods, maybe see some baby pictures. All the things I missed.” Yeah, he wasn’t above using his daughter to get what he wanted when the truth was, he needed to know. “And I want to learn the same things about you.” A hole had settled in his chest and only Aurora and knowledge about his little girl could fill it.
“You make it impossible to say no to you,” she said, that mouth he wanted to kiss pursed in thought.
He grinned. “That’s the point. I’m going to come up with something we can do that will let us talk and do something fun. And don’t worry. I’ll give you plenty of time to get a babysitter.”
“You’re trouble, Nick Dare.”
He winked at her pretty face. “I’ve only just begun to turn on the charm.”
Although his sister warned him it wouldn’t work on Aurora, Nick knew of no other way to reach her other than to be himself. “Get some rest and we’ll talk tomorrow.”
She opened her mouth to reply but he waved and hit end before she could come up with an argument. He was ahead and intended to stay there.
He called his father and asked if he and Serenity could come into the city for lunch tomorrow. He had something important to tell them.
* * *
The next morning, Aurora took Leah next door to play with Mimi. Mark opened the door and smiled at the sight of her. Wearing a pair of khaki shorts and his typical collared short-sleeved shirt, hair combed and slicked back, he looked like he’d been waiting for her to arrive.
“Well, if it isn’t my two favorite ladies,” he said, stepping back so they could come inside.
Aurora wasn’t comfortable. Until yesterday, Mark had been a good neighbor who’d always come across like a platonic friend. A single dad, they often helped each other out with babysitting, play dates, and the like. His sudden interest felt awkward for her.
“I’m sorry but my sister is coming over. I need to get home. What time should I pick up Leah?” she asked.
He frowned, disappointment evident on his face. “I was hoping we could share lunch.”
“I’m sorry. I’m in a rush.” She bent down to talk to Leah. “Are you excited to play with Mimi?”
Leah nodded. “I have my Barbies!” She held up the case she’d stuffed her dolls and their clothes into.
“Okay, I’ll see you in a few hours.” Aurora kissed her cheek and rose to her feet.
Mark stepped aside. “Mimi is in her room. You can go find her.”
Leah ran inside and Aurora took a step back. “Thanks, Mark. I’ll text you when I’m on my way back to get her.”
Before he could attempt to coax her inside, she turned and walked back home.
Chloe arrived a few minutes later and they drove to a local restaurant for lunch. A little while later, they were sitting at a window seat, drinking mimosas and waiting for their lunches.
“Okay, girl, spill it,” Chloe said. “I’ve waited long enough for you to bring up the subject of Nick Dare on your own. I already know he’s Leah’s father. What I don’t know is the whole story. Even Mom doesn’t know everything.” Chloe pointed to her glass. “So drink up and explain.”
Aurora took a long sip and filled Chloe in on yesterday’s events. “All he had to do was take one look at her and he knew,” Aurora said. When she’d realized he’d figured out that Leah was his, her heart had nearly stopped.
“What happens now?” Chloe asked as the waiter placed their meals on the table.
“He wants to go out on a date. To get to know me again.” Oh, she knew he’d used wanting details about his daughter as an excuse to get her to agree. The man was smooth and wasn’t above using her daughter against her.
“Are you going to go?” Chloe picked up the ketchup, then poured some on her plate so she could dip her French fries.
“We are…”
Chloe narrowed her gaze. “But? I can hear the hesitation in your voice.”
Ignoring her hamburger, which meant she had to be upset about something, she glanced at her sister. “Do you have any idea how long it’s been since I went out on a date?” Her stomach twisted at the thought.