Page 25 of The Hot New Single Dad Next Door

I trust him.

I stand up, carefully taking Liam with me. Scott goes on ahead of us and opens the door for me. I expect him to say goodnight and close it behind us, but he steps outside with us.

Silently, we walk together across the street. I glance at him as we go, noting the way his eyes are wide open and scanning the street on both sides; watchful and protective.

I hide my smile.

Definitely gonna double that next batch of muffins.

I step up onto the porch. “Goodnight,” I whisper.

“Lottie.”

I turn back. “Hm?”

Scott steps up and stops in front of me. He smiles at Liam resting on my shoulder, then reaches into his pocket. “Your keys,” he says.

“Oh. Right.”

He unlocks the door and places them into my hand.

“We’ll see you in the morning,” I say.

“In the morning,” he says. Then, he hesitates a moment before stepping back, whatever words on his lips lost. “Goodnight.”

I step inside and close the door behind me, but I wait and watch through the window as he heads back across the street.

“Thank you,” I whisper.

7

LOTTIE

Last night.

What happened last night?

It’s been a while since I’ve looked deeply into a man’s eyes over an alcoholic beverage. Lottie from a few days ago would be squealing in the kitchen of Bruno’s Diner, spilling all the details to Tish and Mika, but current Lottie is a little... conflicted.

Scott’s a hot single dad. That’s great!

His kid is adorable. That’s great, too!

He likes my kid. That’s fucking awesome!

But he bought my bakery. And for that, he must die.

I want that bakery more than anything. I’ve saved every penny, worked every extra hour I could. I’ve worked my tight little ass off. Every waking moment not spent being a mother has been devoted to this dream.

And he took it from me.

I should hate him.

But… I don’t.

How could I?

I sigh and bite into my cracker, my back pressed lightly against the break room lockers.

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