Page 21 of Second Chance Daddy

She squints, like I’ve just pitched her a conspiracy theory. “You said cupcakes are love.”

I close my eyes, pinching the bridge of my nose. “Damn it, I did.”

Her little grin spreads slowly and victoriously. She’s three, sticky, full of sass, and already better at arguments than half the grown men I’ve met.

I wave the spatula like a white flag. “Fine. One cupcake after lunch. Non-negotiable.”

Her eyes sparkle. “That’s healthy.”

“Sure, nugget. It’s healthy for my sanity.”

She giggles and goes back to her very serious oat-stirring operation, while I attempt to mix another batch of muffins.

The real problem isn’t the muffins. It’s that my brain won’t stop replaying one simple fact like it personally decided to adopt OCD:Dante Romano is back in Cedar Falls.

And he’s not passing through; he’s fucking staying.

Putting down roots and shit.

I’m spiraling, and Tina’s not helping. My phone keeps vibrating across the counter like it’s possessed.

Tina:BBQ. Noon. Don’t flake. I’ll drag you out by your hair.

Tina:Wear the white dress. Or shorts. Just show up.

I groan, forehead hitting the cool countertop. I should say no. I should absolutely say one-hundred percent, fake-a-sickness, no.

I glance at Aria with her pretty sunshine curls and cute little dimpled smile. But it’s the eyes that betray my secret. Storm-blue. Sharp as hell. Just like his.

I swallow hard, my chest tightening around the truth I’ve been dodging for three years. Hiding only works for so long. Dante’s back. He’ll see her eventually.

God willing, he won’t care enough to look twice. Won’t care enough to pay attention to some kid, for if he does, I fear what he’ll see staring him dead in the eyes. I just need to fly under the radar. One BBQ. One afternoon. Keep it casual, keep my distance, and pray he doesn’t connect the dots.

Because if he does…

Yeah, we’re screwed.

I have to go. I know that much. Hiding only makes it worse. Makes it obvious. Makes Tina suspicious, and Dante… he’ll think he got under my skin. Might come knocking for answers I don’t want to give.

Tina:Whatever you wear, make sure it’s cute! Hot single guy alert. A friend of my cousin’s.

Tina:Stop ignoring me, bitch. I can see you read these.

I cave. What other choice do I have? Besides, Aria’s been talking about this for days now.

Me:Fine. We’ll be there. Don’t make me regret it.

“Who’s that?” Aria asks, her small fingers covered in batter as she “helps” stir.

“Just Aunt Tina being Aunt Tina.”

“I love Aunt Tina,” she says with absolute conviction. “She gives candy all the time.”

“Oh really?” I raise an eyebrow. “Sounds like Aunt Tina and I need to talk.”

Aria giggles, caught in her accidental tattling.

Tina:YAAAAS QUEEN!!! If you don’t like the white dress, put on the blue one. The one that makes your boobs look amazing.