Page 16 of Single Orc Daddy

"Let's just say, I came home from work to find cushions arranged into an obstacle course, complete with a makeshift tightrope made from her jump rope," I explain, shaking my head at the memory. "And there was Zola, trying to balance a book on her head while walking across it, 'demonstrating' for Mr. Whiskers."

Chloe bursts into another fit of giggles. "That's priceless! Did Mr. Whiskers ever attempt the tightrope?"

I snort, remembering the cat's unimpressed expression. "Are you kidding? He took one look at the setup and promptly curled up for a nap right in the middle of it. Zola declared him the 'Sleeping Beauty' of the circus."

After another hour, we decide it's time to get the girls out of the sun. We all pile into my car, having carpooled from Chloe's house, and it feels so right to have Chloe next to me and Zola and Penelope in the back talking excitedly.

I pull into Chloe's driveway, the car filled with the excited chatter of Zola and Penelope recounting their playground adventures. As we step out, the girls dash towards the house, their energy seemingly endless.

"Slow down, you two," Chloe calls out, laughing as she unlocks the front door.

I chuckle, following behind. "I swear they run on some kind of supernatural power source."

Once inside, Zola and Penelope make a beeline for Penelope's room, their giggles echoing down the hallway. Chloe and I find ourselves alone in the kitchen, the sudden quiet a stark contrast to the day's chaos.

"Want something to drink?" Chloe asks, moving towards the fridge.

"Water's fine, thanks," I reply, leaning against the counter.

As Chloe grabs two glasses, I can't help but smile. "You know, I think Zola's planning to smuggle Mr. Whiskers here for a playdate next time."

Chloe turns, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Oh no, not another circus training attempt?"

"God, I hope not," I groan, though I can't keep the grin off my face. "I don't think my living room could survive round two."

She hands me a glass of water, her fingers brushing mine. "Well, if she does, we could always set up an obstacle course in the backyard. Might be safer for the furniture."

I laugh, shaking my head. "Don't give her any ideas. Next thing you know, she'll be trying to teach Penelope how to be a lion tamer."

"With stuffed animals, I hope," Chloe giggles.

Our laughter fills the kitchen, and I feel a warmth spreading through my chest. Chloe's eyes are bright, her cheeks flushed from laughing, and suddenly, I'm overwhelmed by how beautiful she is.

Without thinking, I lean in towards her. Chloe seems to have the same idea, moving closer. But in our eagerness, we misjudge the distance and our noses collide awkwardly.

We both pull back, eyes wide with surprise. For a moment, we just stare at each other, and then we burst into laughter.

"Well, that was graceful," I joke, rubbing my nose sheepishly.

Chloe's still giggling, her cheeks now a deeper shade of pink. "Let's try that again," she says, her voice softening as she meets my eyes.

I lean in once more, this time moving slowly and carefully. Our lips meet in a gentle, tender kiss that quickly deepens as we lose ourselves in the moment.

The world around us seems to fade away, leaving just the two of us and the undeniable connection we share. When we finallypull apart, we both wear matching smiles, our eyes reflecting the warmth and affection we feel.

"That was much better," I whisper.

CHAPTER 8

Chloe

Istand at the front of my kindergarten classroom, watching my students eagerly work on their art projects. Little hands grasp crayons and markers, creating colorful masterpieces with unbridled enthusiasm. But my mind isn't fully present. It keeps drifting back to that moment in the park with Rendal.

That kiss. Sweet, spontaneous, and a little awkward. My heart flutters just thinking about it. The way he leaned in, how our noses bumped, and then...perfection. I can still feel the warmth of his lips on mine, the gentle pressure, the spark of connection.

"Miss Chloe, look at my drawing!" Tommy's voice snaps me back to reality. I blink, refocusing on the little boy holding up his artwork.

"That's wonderful, Tommy," I say, smiling. But as soon as he turns away, my thoughts wander again.

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