Page 10 of Under Ground

He nods slowly. “My mom was the same. She always says she never had a social life until I was old enough to leave home alone.”

Despite myself, I laugh. “That sounds about right.”

Casey buries her face in Alex’s neck. This should be awkward, but there’s something magical about it. It’s not like I had any choice about her father’s lack of involvement in her life, and to see her like this is heart-warming.

Even if it’s a little weird.

But maybe he can help me convince her that he’s not really her father.

Besides, he seems like a good guy and he seems interested.

It can’t hurt to spend more time with him—If that’s what he wants.

I lick my lips. “Why don’t you come around for dinner one night?”

“I’d like that.”

I can’t help but smile. “Great. Are you free Saturday?”

“I’m free every evening at the moment. We’re starting filming this week, and night shoots are some time away.”

I face-palm as Casey slaps a big sloppy kiss on his cheek, but Alex just laughs.

“Casey.” I groan. “Let’s make it Saturday, maybe around six, and we can talk about this situation.”

He turns his head to look at her. “Thank you, Casey. I should let you go now.”

This time, he manages to lower her to the ground and she beams up at him.

“How about you give me your number and I’ll text you for the address?” he asks.

My cheeks burn. It’s not the first time I’ve been asked for my number, but it is the first time I’ve wanted to give it out. “Sounds good.”

His dimple pops when he smiles. It’s so cute, I could …

“What’s your number?”

“Uhh.” I give it to him, and he taps it into his Apple watch.

My phone buzzes in my bag, and I fish it out. Alex grins. “Just reply to that and I will be there on Saturday at six as arranged.”

“Great.” My heart pounds. “We should go or I’ll be late. Casey, we’ll see Alex on Saturday.”

Please let this be enough to stop her from getting upset.

“Bye, Daddy.” She waves, her whole face alight with glee. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen her so happy.

I scratch behind my ear, still uncomfortable with this whole thing, but Alex doesn’t seem to mind.

“Bye, Casey. Have a good day at day care.” He shifts his gaze to me. “I’m not sure if I’ll be here in the morning, but if not, I’ll see you on Saturday.”

“Okay.”

As he jogs off with one last wave, I give a little sigh just watching him. He’s one gorgeous man, and he seems to be interested.

“Mummy, come on.” Casey slides her hand into mine and tugs at it.

Looking down at her, all I see is a little girl content in her world. I’m still not sure whether contact with Alex is just encouraging her fantasy, but she’s happy, and that’s all I’ve ever wanted.

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