Page 70 of The Single Dad

I start to walk her through everything, smiling despite the tiny voice of caution still sounding in the back of my head. I can’t help but smile when I think about last night.

I go through the whole day in a whisper to make sure Cole and Archie can’t overhear. It’s probably an unnecessary precaution, since I’m already hiding in the bathroom, but still—better safe than sorry.

Of course, Olivia cheers me on the whole time. I get the sense that she’s living vicariously through me a little bit, which is honestly a relief.

Putting up with all the shit she does at work, it would be easy for her to be bitter and jealous about my situation with Cole—but Olivia’s not like that. Her instinct is to be happy for me.

By the time I’ve caught her up to speed, I’m already starting to feel better, my moment of doubt behind me. Between Olivia’s encouragement and reliving the best sex I’ve ever had, it’s hard to stay worried.

“...and that’s pretty much everything,” I conclude. I pause, glancing toward the door, then add, “I probably have to get downstairs soon. I wasn’t expecting your call this early, and I’ve gotta help Cole make breakfast for Archie.”

“Of course,” Olivia says. “I have to get back to work anyway. But I just wanted to talk as soon as I saw your text—I’m really so happy for you!”

“Thanks, Olivia. Let’s hang out soon!”

We hang up, and I finish getting ready in a flash, skipping a few of my usual daily routines to make sure I’m on time. I promised Cole that I could keep things professional, and I want to start our new arrangement off the right way—not by being late.

Luckily, as it turns out, I’m early. I get downstairs before anyone else, and Archie appears in the kitchen doorway no more than thirty seconds later, blinking at me wearily.

“Good morning, kiddo,” I say. “How does cereal sound?”

He nods, wandering over to the table with Trevor in tow. “I love cereal.”

I grab him a box of Cheerios and the milk from the fridge, getting him set up at the table.

“Good morning, you two.”

I spin around at the sound of Cole’s voice from the hallway. He must be on his way to work, dressed to perfection in a sleek suit and matching silk tie. He’s still buttoning the cuffs on his shirt sleeves.

I meet his gaze, and he looks back at me steadily. There’s something burning behind his eyes, as always, but he seems… settled. This morning, unlike other mornings, he doesn’t avoid eye contact with me, or bustle quickly out the door. My heartbeat quickens.

Even though I promised myself that work wouldn’t feel any different, this is evidence that, inevitably, it will.

“Can I speak to you for a moment before I head out, Riley?” he asks, his tone courteous.

“Of course.” I hand Archie a spoon, then approach Cole. “What’s up?”

He lowers his voice so that Archie won’t overhear him. “How are you feeling?”

I can hear the subtext in his question. Was it too much?

I smile at him. “I feel good.” Dropping to a whisper to match his, I add, “Not too sore.”

“Good,” he murmurs. “Because next time, I intend to work you harder.”

Immediately, I feel a pulse of heat in my core; my clit throbs. I bite my lip, trying to suppress my quick inhale.

He shoots me a significant look as he finishes buttoning his cuffs. He shakes out his sleeves, straightens his tie, and leaves.

I let out the breath with a little shiver of delight. I turn back to Archie, giddy with anticipation.

Chapter 22

Riley

“Hey, Riley!” Archie exclaims. “Look at this!”

I lean past the side of my easel to take a look at his painting. Even though I lent him a few sponges and brushes to work with, he has still somehow managed to get covered in acrylics. There’s a spot of yellow on his nose, a streak of green down the front of his smock, which I made him wear to protect his clothing.

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