Page 64 of Perfect Imperfections

Sullivan laughed. “You say that now but wait until you come home and find out he’s let himself in and eaten the last of your secret chocolate stash.”

She giggled, knowing Sullivan was speaking from his own brotherly experiences. Oliver was miles away from Gavin personality wise, but she made a mental note to hide the gummy bears in her cabinet. They were her and her brother’s favorite.

They talked for a few more minutes until the sound of Charlotte calling out for him came over the line.

“Your biggest fan is awake, and she’ll be demanding pancakes and princess movies in less than two minutes.”

And he’d come through on every one of those demands, she had no doubt. He was a good dad, a sucker, but a good dad. Even as he doted on Charlotte, his little girl was sweet-natured and loving.

“I better let you go then.”

“Yeah, Wanna come over tomorrow for dinner? Around six?”

Dinner? At his place? Did that mean Charlotte knew they were…spending time together?

“Um, sure.”

There was a slight pause before Sullivan asked, “That didn’t sound very encouraging.”

“No,” she rushed to say. “It’s not that I’m not excited to come over, it’s just…Charlotte. Does she know…”

“Ah,” Sullivan’s deep voice carried over the line with understanding. “She knows we’re friends and…spending time together.”

That sounded like an appropriate explanation for a kid. She guessed. Other than camp days at the zoo, she hadn’t interacted with children much before Charlotte. Since Charlotte was Sullivan’s kid, she deferred to him on what to tell the young girl about their relationship.

“Okay then, it sounds lovely. I’ll be there.”

“Great. And, Ellie?”

“Yes?”

She held her breath for what seemed like an eternity, but in actuality was probably only a few seconds.

“I had a great time last night.” His voice deepened. “A really great time. And I can’t wait for a repeat.”

She pressed the phone to her ear, wishing she could melt through the line and press her lips against his like she’d done last night. “Me too.”

“Bye, Ellie.”

“Bye.”

She held the cell to her ear, listening as Sullivan hung up, breathing in the rich aroma of the coffee still wafting from her mug, enjoying the warm sensation filling her heart as his words played over and over again in her mind.

I can’t wait for a repeat.

Oh, there’d be a repeat and another and another and another. As many as he wanted because as far as Ellie was concerned, Sullivan Green was the most amazing man she’d ever met, and she was going to enjoy the time they had together. No matter how it all played out, she was going to do her best to silence the dark voice, because she deserved to have a little happiness in her life. And Sullivan? He made her happier than she ever thought possible.

CHAPTER 23

“Hot date?”

Surprised by the loud question in the previously silent room, Ellie almost dropped the fish bucket she’d been scrubbing in the large industrial sink at Cam’s question. Her fingers gripped the edge at the last minute, saving the squeaky-clean metal container from crashing to the ground.

“Why would you think that?”

Her friend smiled. “I’ve never seen you perform your end of day duties so quickly before, so I figure there’s a fire somewhere or you and Sullivan have something planned that involves zero clothes and an assortment of fun toys. Since I don’t hear any sirens…”

“No.” Heat rose on her face at the mention of toys. There’d be games tonight, but not the kind her friend pictured. “It’s puzzle night.”

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