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Chapter 1
Jake
I'm wrapping up a meeting with my project manager at Clearwater Construction when Paul pokes his head into my office.
“Hey, Jake. Got a minute?”
I straighten up in my seat, gesturing for him to come in. “What's up?”
Paul grabs a chair, leans back, and props his feet up on my desk like he owns the place. He's been my best friend since high school, so formalities went out the window long ago.
“I've been seeing this woman, Maggie.”
I raise an eyebrow. “How long has this been going on?”
“We've had a couple of dates, nothing too serious yet. I was thinking of going on a double date. It doesn't have to be anything crazy, just a casual night out with friends. You in?”
I raise my eyebrows in surprise. “A date? Paul, I don't know.”
“Come on, man. When was the last time you went out and had some fun?”
I rake a hand through my hair and sigh. He's got a point. “I know, I know. But I’m a single dad with a busy work schedule.”
Dating again is intimidating. I'm not sure I want to open up to someone new after being burned by Natalie. I’ve become more guarded and protective of my heart, not only for myself but also for Amber’s sake.
I can’t risk bringing someone into our lives who might hurt us again. Yet, part of me misses being in a relationship and sharing my life with someone. It’s a constant internal battle.
Paul claps me on the shoulder.
“You gotta get back out there sometime. What about that cute bakery girl you keep talking about? Ask her out.”
I chuckle, thinking of Finley. “Finley? I don't know. We have a nice rapport going.”
With her chestnut waves and vibrant green eyes, she captured my attention from the moment I stepped into her bakery months ago.
Our playful banter has become the bright spot of my week.
I picture Finley's smile and how she laughs at my jokes. She brings a lightness to my life that I haven't felt in a long time. And those lush, tempting lips. I yearn to trace the contours with my fingertips.
Paul's expression softens. “I get it, but you can't put your life on hold forever. What's the status of the divorce, anyway? You never talk about it.”
I run a hand over my face. A year ago, Natalie cheated on me with a guy from her office. I threw her out the moment I found out.
She took only what she could carry in a duffel bag, leaving me and Amber. I hired a private investigator to serve her with the divorce papers.
I applied for full custody of Amber but haven’t heard anything since.
“Natalie has been served but hasn't signed the legal documents. I'm in limbo.”
“And the court date is coming up soon, right?” Paul asks concern etched on his face.
I nod, feeling the weight of the looming deadline.
“Yeah, in a couple of weeks. I was hoping Natalie would sign the papers and get it over with, but the delay makes me think she’s going to cause problems for Amber and me.”
“I hear you, but you deserve happiness, even if it's a casual date here and there.” Paul checks his watch. “I've got a site visit. Let me know if you change your mind about the double date.”
“Will do,” I promise half-heartedly.
