Page 47 of Her Hat Trick Daddies

This time, my smile is real. Grateful. “I will.”

When I reach my office, I’m nearly knocked off balance by the flood of emails waiting for me. I work through them quickly, methodically, anything to distract myself, while deliberately skipping over one from [email protected].

Only once all other tasks are handled do I circle back to his message.

Hi Leighton,

Just realized I don’t have your number—and I’m guessing none of us do—so I thought I’d reach out here. I’m sending over all our mobile numbers and addresses, just in case youneed them. You mentioned you had more to share with us before we had to run. Can’t wait for your call.

Talk soon,

—Shane

Short. To the point. But still… maybe a tiny bit flirty?

There’s a lightness to it that I wasn’t expecting, and for a moment, it cuts through the fear that’s been wrapping itself around me since this morning. I mean, could a man who “can’t wait for my call” really turn around and become some cold-hearted tyrant just because there’s a little girl in the world who shares his DNA?

I don’t think so. Right?

Still, I don’t reply. I tell myself it’s because I’ve got more work to do and still need to meet with a handful of people I haven’t spoken to yet. The truth? I’ve made time for everyoneexceptShane. Even the janitor made the cut—because really, who’s got better eyes and ears than the least-suspecting janitor?

And yet, when I check my inbox again, there’s another email from him.

Sorry, I forgot to add that we’re all generally free around 5:30 PM these days. If you happen to be around tonight, maybe we can all grab a quick bite and finish that conversation.

-Shane

His persistence makes me pause. Is this pushy, or just nerves? It hovers somewhere between professional, direct, and friendly—hard to tell. These are work emails, so they have to be professional. But maybe it’s because I’ve only ever seen them naked and in a state of bliss that I can’t read the tone through a screen.

Still, I plug their numbers into my phone. I didn’t come this far just to back out now. This is one more step toward the truth. Toward Luna’s future.

I text Ava.

Leighton:Hey girl. Is there any way you can keep Luna overnight?

Ava:Of course. You always pack her bag like you’re preparing for the apocalypse.

It’s true. I hate being unprepared. But tonight, it might actually work in my favor. Because I’m laying everything out on the table.

And if shit hits the fan, I’ll at least have the space to fall apart in private, without having to pretend to be normal for Luna’s sake.

Leighton:I owe you. Hugs.

Ava:Lol! Oh, I’m for sure holding you to that.

No more excuses. It’s time.

I keep myself busy until 5:30, then finally, I make the call. But I can’t help it. Part of me hopes it goes to voicemail. A delay. An out.

He answers on the second ring.

“Jacobson.”

I swallow. “Hey, Shane. It’s Leighton.”

A pause. Then his tone shifts, warmer, lighter. “Leighton… damn good to hear from you. Are we on for tonight? Can you meet us at David’s, or do you want to grab a light dinner?”

“David’s should be fine.”