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"Daddy, can I get chocolate? Please?" Zola tugs at my hand, her blue eyes wide and pleading.
"Sure thing, sweetheart," I say softly, ruffling her hair. My mind is rife with thoughts of seeing Chloe again. "You know that's my favorite too."
Just then, I spot her walking in, Penelope in tow. She looks great, to no one’s surprise. She's wearing a sundress that hugs her curves in all the right places, her long hair cascading over her shoulders.
"Hey, Rendal!" Chloe calls out, waving as she approaches. "Sorry we're a bit late. Traffic was a nightmare."
"No worries," I say, my voice steady. An easy smile crosses my face. "We just got here ourselves."
We order our ice creams—chocolate for Zola and me, strawberry for Penelope, and mint chip for Chloe. As we wait, Zola and Penelope chatter away, already thick as thieves.
"They're getting along so well," Chloe says, leaning in close to be heard over the noise. Her perfume wafts over me, something light and floral. It takes all my willpower not to lean in and breathe her in.
"Yeah, it's great," I manage to say. "Zola's been talking about this playdate non-stop."
Our order arrives, and we find a table outside. The sun's shining, casting a warm glow over the street. Zola digs into her ice cream with gusto, and within seconds, she's got chocolate smeared all over her face.
Chloe bursts out laughing, her green eyes sparkling with mirth. She grabs a napkin from the dispenser and hands it to me. "Looks like she's really enjoying it," she says, still chuckling.
I can't help but laugh too. "She always makes a mess, but it's worth it to see her smile," I say, gently wiping Zola's face. Mydaughter squirms, more interested in her ice cream than staying clean.
Chloe and I share a look, both grinning at our daughters' antics. There's something in her eyes, a warmth that makes the desire surge through my body.
Holy shit, I just met this woman a few days ago. I can't act this desperate over her. What's wrong with me?
But that's the thing. I know exactly what's wrong with me. I haven't had a romantic relationship with anyone for so long. There's no time for it.
This? It feels different. It feels new, invigorating, and just right. And Zola gets a new friend from this whole set-up. A win-win, right?
Before we know it, we're setting up yet another playdate for the girls on the weekend. This time, it's at the local community pool. I'm already imagining Chloe in a skin-tight bathing suit, leaving nothing to the imagination.
I want to get her alone one of these days. Just us two. Then the tension that's been building between us will finally boil over.
When the weekend finally comes, I find myself sitting at the edge of the community pool, my feet dangling in the cool water. The sun beats down on my bare chest, and I can feel Chloe's eyes on me. She's trying to be subtle, but I catch her stealing glances when she thinks I'm not looking.
Fuck, it's driving me crazy.
Zola and Penelope are splashing around in the shallow end, their giggles echoing across the pool as they meander about in their floaties.
"They're having a blast," I say, nodding towards the girls.
Chloe nods, her eyes following our daughters. "They really are, but it was a pain getting sunscreen on Penny before we came."
I scoff. "Tell me about it. Zola acts like I'm killing her whenever I try to put some on her."
Chloe laughs, a sound that makes me want to lean over and start pressing kisses into her sun-kissed skin. She hums softly, rubbing at her arms. "I think we might be in trouble when they start planning sleepovers."
I grin at her. "Ah, come on. You afraid of a little chaos?"
She raises an eyebrow, a playful smirk dancing on her lips. "Me? Afraid? I teach kindergarten, remember? I eat chaos for breakfast and ask for seconds."
I can't help but chuckle at her confidence. "Fair point, I forgot I'm speaking to an expert," I quip, shaking my head. "I guess I should be the one worried. One kid is handful enough for this orc. Two might just do me in."
Chloe's eyes sparkle with mischief. Damn, she's beautiful when she looks at me like that. "Oh, I'm sure a big, strong orc like you can handle two little girls," she teases, her gaze trailing over my muscular frame. My eyes narrow playfully as a grin tugs my lips upwards. "You've got the biceps for it, at least."
I flex my arm jokingly, puffing out my chest a bit. "You'd be surprised. These muscles are no match against the power of puppy dog eyes," I admit. "I swear, Zola could convince me to buy her a pony with one look if I'm not careful."
She laughs again, brushing her hair over her shoulder. "Well, if you ever need backup, just give me a call. I'm a pro at resisting those eyes."
