Page 135 of Scouting the Single Dad

That makes me laugh. “Does it make you feel young again?”

Grady chuckles. “I once made out with Sadie Plummer in the back seat of a Honda Pilot, in the parking lot of the administration building, and just as we were getting to the good part, we realized neither of us had a condom. So I couldn’t have sex then either.”

We dissolve into an amused laughter that hits at the same time the storm outside thunders and the one inside us subsides.

I feel better.

So much better.

He’s not being a prick about his blue balls.

“Hey.” He taps me on the knee with the tips of his fingers. “Thanks for trusting I’m not a creep who’s going to pressure you when we’re alone. I’m fine taking things slow.”

We grin at each other; Grady reaches for my hand, lacing our fingers.

“I don’t feel any pressure,” I lie.

But mostly I’m lying to myself.

Fake it till you make it.

Chapter 35

Hayes

I tell myself this is a good idea.

It’s not a grand gesture; it’s coffee.

Simple.

Easy.

What could possibly go wrong?

Loon Landing Café is three blocks from the city hall, where the rec department has its offices, my Google search confirmed—which means I could casually show up with a latte in hand before she even hears I’m back in town and say something easy like:

Hey. I’m in town for a few days and thought I would . . .

Hey. I missed you more than I wanted to . . .

Benny says hi . . .

Hey. I should have kissed you goodbye longer and not let you leave . . .

I push through the coffee shop door, the bell tinkling like a penny in a mason jar, my bomber jacket dripping with a thin line of Seattle rain. Stepping forward to order, I rack my brain for Layla’s previous orders and give the young woman behind the counter a tight smile.

My pulse throbs as I repeat my order, scared to fuck it up. But it’s the thought that counts, yeah? She’s going to be shocked and—

I’m not nervous.

I’m not.

All lies—I’m humming like a live wire. Charged. Heart pounding too hard. Fingers clumsy as I reach for the drinks the barista sets down. One glance through the rain-smeared windows shows an empty sidewalk—no surprise with this miserable weather.

Winter’s coming. Benny will lose her mind over the snow.

I pivot to go—