Page 44 of Finding You

“It’s nothing.”

“It’s something,” Frey pressed.

“I’m not going to talk about it at the park. It’s…a lot.”

Frey’s face fell. “Shit. I’m sorry. Do you want to come over later?”

Dallas shook his head. “There’s nothing anyone can do. I, uh…well. I think I’m falling for Kylen, and it’s a big mess.”

“You could do worse, if that helps,” Frey said. “He’s a really good dude. And ridiculously hot.”

Dallas felt a sudden, irrational surge of possessiveness. He wanted to tell Frey to back the fuck off—which was ridiculous, considering Frey was happily engaged. He needed to calm his shit down. “I like him too.”

“He’s funny. And his granny is hilarious. His sister’s a piece of work though, isn’t she?”

Dallas winced. “She is. I don’t think it’s her fault. Their family dynamic is super fucked, and she obviously loves the shit out of her niece.”

“I haven’t met his kid, but he seems like a good dad.”

Dallas couldn’t help his smile. “He’s an amazing dad. He’s—” His words dried up because he recognized the tiny person running at him like a rocket. He had just enough time to brace himself before Flora threw herself into his arms with a happy squeal. “Hey, kiddo!”

Frey blinked at him as an unfamiliar woman came rushing up to them. “Flora! What are you doing?”

“He’s mine!” Flora cried.

The woman’s eyes were wide and a little panicked. “I’m so sorry. She literally never does this. She hates strangers.”

Dallas couldn’t help a laugh, even as he felt a bubble of trepidation forming in his gut. The woman was drop-dead gorgeous. She was tall, with long, thick black hair and dark olive skin, in a yellow sundress that fit her curves like a glove.

This had to be her mother. Daniela.

“He’s not a stranger. He’s mine!” Flora said, her face still buried in Dallas’s neck.

He shifted Flora to the side and then lifted her as he stood. “I’m her teacher.”

The woman’s mouth dropped open. “You’re Mr. Reed?” She gave him a very slow, pointed up-and-down stare. “Wow.”

He had no idea what to say to that. He was still a little awestruck by her. And it was definitely not the way he’d wanted to meet Kylen’s…well, whatever she was to him. “I’m going to take that as a compliment,” he said with a laugh, though he didn’t feel anything except nervous enough he wanted to vomit.

“Oh, it definitely is.” She stuck out her hand. Her nails were short and painted red. “Daniela. Well, Dani. I prefer Dani.”

“Dallas,” he said.

“Alliteration. I like it.” She shook his hand, then carefully pried Flora out of his arms. “I’m sure your teacher is happy to see you, but maybe we don’t assault him on a park bench, mija.”

Flora pouted. “He comed to my house for dinner. Hugs are okay.”

“Hugs are okay,” Dallas confirmed.

Flora gave her mom a so there look before glancing over her shoulder. Rex was watching with eagle eyes while Briar was pouring sand on his feet. “Do you think those kids would play with me?”

“Yes,” Frey said, cutting in. “Want me to introduce you?”

Flora’s eyes widened as she looked at Frey. “Um.”

“This is my best friend,” Dallas told her. “His name is Mr. Truman.”

“Oh, please don’t call me that,” Frey begged. “Frey is fine.”

---