Page 13 of Rolling with the Single Daddies

I’ll get a court order for a paternity test. You can’t hide forever.

“You don’t look so good. Want to take these home?”

I lean back to glance around the food truck at my ex who’s still there. I don’t want him to figure out where I live now.

“Actually, could we hang out here for a bit? I’d love to hear more about that mixology workshop you went to… or tried to go to.”

He tells me about not mixing creams and acids like fruits. There’s so much more to mixing drinks than I knew. I listen but my attention is split, one eye always on Roman.

Every minute feels like an hour as I wait for him to leave, until finally, he revs his engine several times and speeds away.

“What was that all about?” Diego laughs at the noisy exit.

“Some people think they’re the center of the universe.”

As we climb onto Diego’s motorcycle, I decide that I’ll come clean when we get home. If they’re going to hold my ex against me, I would rather find out now before I get too invested. And certainly, before the kids can get hurt by a separation.

The warmth of Bane’s living room envelops me as I step inside—a welcome relief after the chilly ride. Diego excuses himself to go write down a recipe idea he got while talking to me about mixology.

Evie’s squawks fill the air. Bane is pacing with her, his brow furrowed in concentration, and for a moment, I feel a sense of camaraderie. Parenthood is no joke. Been there too many times.

“Hey,” I say softly, approaching. “Need a hand?”

“You’re a lifesaver. She’s been cranky all afternoon. Your little one went right to sleep.”

“You should have called.” I take Evie into my arms, her small body instantly relaxing against me. I start to sway gently, a lullaby escaping my lips before I’m even aware of it. Evie’s cries melt into sniffles, then silence.

“How do you do that?” Bane asks, a hint of awe in his voice.

I shrug. “Instinct, I guess.”

His smile is like a reward. “It’s more than that. You have a way with kids, Avery.”

“Most days I feel like I’m failing,” I whisper, still swaying with Evie.

“She’s out,” Bane whispers. “And yeah, I know what you mean. Being a parent can strip away every success. But then sometimes it gives back in bigger ways than you can ever imagine.”

“It’s wild like that.”

Bane nods, his gaze softening as it falls on Evie. “It’s terrifying, the responsibility. Every decision, every action… it all matters.”

“We just do our best to do right by these tiny humans who depend on us. Especially while I was doing it without a partner. I don’t know what I would have done without my brothers, and now you.”

My connection to Bane is hitting hard.

He takes Evie from my arms, careful to keep her sleeping form nestled against his chest. Our hands brush, an electric current passing between us. I swallow, suddenly hyperaware of how blue his eyes are, how his scruff accentuates his strong jawline.

He leans in close, and my pulse quickens. “Thank you, Avery. For everything.”

Beary falls softly to the ground as Bane pulls away. I grab the toy and follow him to Evie’s bed. Tucking the stuffed animal in with her, I stand, suddenly coming face to face with Bane.

His bodyheat draws me in. Our fingers touch. Next thing I know, his lips are on mine. My body’s responding with no less enthusiasm than it did for Diego.

Diego, who could walk in—but I can’t bring myself to care.

Bane’s kiss is sweet, tender and full of unspoken emotions. Then suddenly, he pulls away, his eyes filled with apology. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have—”

He glances at Evie and turns to leave.

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