Page 22 of Under Ground

“I did. I’m going out on Saturday with Alex, and Maria is going to come here to stay with you.”

Her eyes widen even farther. This is unheard of, and for a moment, I bite my bottom lip, awaiting her reaction.

A smile breaks out on her lips, and she claps, spinning around. “Yay! Maria.”

Whew.

“You go out with Daddy? Can I come?”

I laugh. “Not this time, sweetheart. But we’ll see him another time together.”

She purses her lips, and for a moment, it looks like she’s going to lose it. Instead, she spins on her heel. “I gots to play with my toys now.”

“You do that. I’ll start dinner.”

For a moment, I watch as she tears off up the hallway. God, how I love this kid with all my heart. That conversation could have easily gone in a whole different direction, but I’m glad it didn’t.

Nerves still keep my stomach occupied, but I’m excited. I’ve never really been on a date, and this certainly qualifies.

Things escalated in the office with Gareth, and it wasn’t until I found out later about him being married that it suddenly made sense as to why we didn’t go out anywhere together.

Instead, he spent a lot of time at my flat.

The flat that is now home to me and my daughter.

I wish I had the money to move and give her a better home. We play in the park because there are four flats on this property and very little in the way of lawn or garden.

But I also make sure she never wants for anything.

It feels weird doing something for me, and that’s what this date feels like.

Maybe it’s something that’s way overdue.

7

Alex

Nerves eat at my stomach.

I love living in Los Angeles. Apart from it being the place for my career, I’ve always had an active social life there. But nothing has prepared me for tonight.

Lana opens the door, and I catch my breath.

Her blonde hair is swept up onto her head, and those crystal-blue eyes meet mine with a warmth that sends shivers down my spine.

I’m not imagining things. This attraction is mutual, and it’s strong.

“Hi. Come in out of the cold. I’m running a little late, but I’ll just finish getting ready.”

“Take your time. I’m early, I think.” I step in, and she closes the door behind me.

“Daddy.” Casey comes running at me, and before I have a chance to respond, she clings to my leg.

“I’ll just be a few minutes.” Lana touches my arm, and I catch my breath at her shy smile.

“You must be Alex.” An older woman rises from the couch. “I’m Maria.”

“Maria is sitting on me tonight,” Casey says.

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