Page 29 of A Daddy for Maddy

We had a private booth, juicy steaks, loaded baked potatoes, and Caesar salads. I was used to ramen, so this, like last night’s appetizers, was quite a treat.

“Don’t worry,” Colin said. “I’m paying. If you don’t mind, that’s something I love to do as a daddy. I want to pay for my boys.”

“Boys? As in plural?”

He rolled his eyes and hardened his mouth. “One at a time, not-a-baby. I don’t share.”

Another shiver of excitement shot through me.

Our conversation became more intimate as the afternoon grew late. We lingered at the restaurant. Colin never had any alcohol, though the waiter brought the drinks menu and asked twice. I didn’t want any, but Colin said, “Usually, I don’t drink. If you do, that needs to be something we discuss.”

“No. Very rarely. Special occasions.”

“Good. I allow wine for my boys on holidays if they want it. And I celebrate on holidays, too, with some drinking. But most of the time it’s a hard no for me.”

“I’m good with that.”

He winked at me. “We’re already getting along so well.”

After what seemed like hours, Colin checked his phone and frowned.

I was instantly worried. I had not forgotten about his harasser.

“I’ve got to drop by work.” He looked pained.

“But—but it’s closed today.”

“I know. But Trent is in town and he wants to see me. The meeting should be short.”

“Can I come with you?”

“Do you want to?”

I nodded. “I want to be with you.” What I really wanted to say was, Please don’t leave me.

This had been such a fantastic afternoon. And tonight I was expecting much more. I wanted Colin so much I thought I might explode.

“I’ll stay out of the way. I promise. I’ll wait as long as it takes. I just want to be with you.”

“You are the sweetest not-a-baby baby ever,” he said.

It was as if I had just learned to breathe. And now I realized I liked it. I wanted to touch Colin and never stop. He made me feel comfortable with the whole person I was and the little (still a new word for me) inside I’d been denying to myself and everyone, afraid to fully show myself.

We left the restaurant and walked together out to his car. As we were walking, a man in a wrinkled trench coat was heading toward the building. He came toward us, which wasn’t that odd for anyone whose goal was the front door. But he came a bit fast, and he didn’t seem to see us.

Just as he got a few feet away and I thought he might run into us, Colin grabbed me and shoved me behind him.

“Hey! Watch out.”

The man looked up just at that moment. “Oh, sorry. I’m preoccupied.”

“Who are you?” Colin asked, teeth gritted.

“What?”

“Are you following us?”

“I’ve never seen you in my life. I’m sorry,” the guy said. “I wasn’t paying attention.”

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