Page 35 of Pucking Daddy

More Than Meets the Eye

Idon’t move.

I don’t think I can.

I’m just standing there in the doorway, one hand resting lightly against the frame, watching something I don’t think I was ever meant to see.

Jaxon sits on the couch with Lily curled into him, her small body tucked against his like that’s the most natural place in the world. One of his hands is in her hair, slow, steady strokes, like he’s grounding her. Like he’s grounding himself.

His voice is low. Gentle. Patient in a way that feels completely at odds with the man who treated me so harshly. There’s no sign of his clipped control or impossible expectations.

He’s warm. Kind. Soft in a way I didn’t expect.

And that thought… unsettles me more than anything else.

He’s a really good dad.

The realization lands quietly, but it sticks.

They’re in their own little world, Lily giggling while Jaxon huffs out a quiet laugh.

I’m not part of it. And why does that sting so much?

For a second—just one—I let myself imagine what it would be like if the version I got from him was the one he shows Lily.

If he were… mine.

Nope.

Absolutely not.

I shove the thought down fast.

To me, he’s just my boss. He’ll be grumpy most days, snap at me, treat me like the employee I am.

And that’s how it should be. Right?

I should leave. Before he notices me.

But just as I shift my weight, his head lifts slightly and our eyes meet.

For a split second, everything stills with neither of us looking away.

Then I force myself to step back.

“I’ll get dinner started,” I say lightly, like I haven’t just been standing here watching something deeply personal unfold. Like my chest doesn’t feel tight in a way I don’t want to examine.

His gaze lingers on me for a second longer.

Then he nods once. “Thanks.”

I retreat into the kitchen, grateful for a moment to myself before what I expect will be an awkward dinner with the three of us.

Lily and Jaxon stay behind, soaking up their time together while I cook. Lily’s frequent giggles drift down the hall, bright and unrestrained. I can’t help but smile every time I hear her laugh.

Dinner turns out less awkward than I expected. Mostly thanks to Lily, who carries the conversation. Jaxon is polite, even warm at times, complimenting the pasta and helping clear the table afterward.

Since he’s home for the night, I have the evening off. He takes Lily to bed, and she’s asleep in no time.