Page 16 of A Daddy for Maddy

“I realized I should’ve done it earlier.”

This hard guy with big muscles and star tattoos was really being nice. And getting nicer by the minute. Maybe taking me out after work was more than just doing his job? I had thought of it as being asked out. But I didn’t know what he thought.

I watched him finish his shift while sipping my drink, my head spinning, but not from any concussion. It was all Colin.

10

Colin

This never happened. I didn’t ever date anyone on the job, staff or customers.

I told myself I was looking out for Maddy’s well-being. He was hurt on my shift. I was responsible for him.

It was a partial truth only.

Other things were happening inside me that couldn’t be denied. This little unicorn hugging dude was my cute-type. When I wanted cute in my bed, this boy was practically inch for inch my fantasy. The wider his eyes got, the more my infatuation rose up with a sweet burn in my veins.

It couldn’t happen. It wasn’t professional. I’d take this boy out for a late snack to be sure he was steady on his feet, then drive him home and be done. Yes. That was proper. My personal job rules would remain intact.

I walked over to Stewart who was talking to Cuddles.

“I’m off soon. No overtime tonight for me. You can handle the last couple hours, right?”

“I got it.”

I wasn’t so sure. I studied his face. He said everything right, but his gaze seemed distant, distracted. He was always late. He took his time with any task I gave him. It wasn’t drugs or alcohol. Most likely, his youth and the venue gave him a lot to think about. He probably wanted to play and that was not allowed.

Usually, Stewart never closed alone. If I was on shift, I stayed overtime because he was still technically in training. Then Maddy happened.

Excitement washed over me, completely misplaced. But I couldn’t help how I felt.

I glanced over my shoulder. Maddy still sat by the wall, unicorn in his lap. He sipped his ginger-ale through a tiny red straw, his pink lips pursing, his young cheeks hollowing.

Now why did that image send pangs straight to my balls?

“You need any help, call Carlo. Or Jimmy. He’ll be on until closing. So will Mel. After one, no one else comes in. Cuddles will be off.”

Stewart nodded. “I know all that.

“I’ll lock up good,” Cuddles said. “No one in or out. They all have to use the side exits.”

“All right then. I’m going to grab my stuff.”

Both men nodded, almost impatient. Micro-managing annoyed people and I knew it, but with the stalker texts and now Maddy, I couldn’t help but want to make sure all bases were covered.

I guess I had to let go.

My phone chirped.

Sighing, I peered at the texts, thinking my stalker was at it again.

Surprisingly, it was a text from Trent Winterbourne. It was almost one a.m.

Winterbourne: My assistant scheduled a phone meeting for Monday. I don’t want to wait until then. Can you call when you get off work?

I texted back.

Colin: It’s late for you, isn’t it?

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