Page 57 of Hat Trick Holidate

“I’m not a threat. I’m her dad.”

It pains me to see the defeat in his physique and in his eyes, feeling like a stranger to his own daughter. This man is the very definition of confident.

And sexy.

Did I mention sexy?

“It’s a huge step in the right direction. Cannon doesn’t expect anything from her. You know how it hurt you when I told Roman that there were no sparks between me and my date.”

His head hangs into his chest as he nods.

“Well, that ticked you off because it wasn’t what you expected. You thought I would say it was wonderful, hot, and fun. But… I didn’t want Roman to know. Cannon doesn’t put any pressure on her, so she said his name.”

“It was hot and fun.” A puff of hair escapes between his perfect plum lips. “So, I’m pressuring you.”

“I was covering for us to Roman. It was never my intention of hurting your feelings. Besides, I wouldn’t describe it as sparks–they were nuclear explosions. But do you understand about Jolie? She sees in your eyes how much you want her to talk, hears it in your strained voice, and feels it in herheart. But Bryce, she loves you, or she wouldn’t have wanted one of your jerseys. All I did was show her and say, ‘Look, this one is just like your daddy’s.’ And she smiled and jumped up and down in her new shoes.”

An earth-shaking smile takes over his face and softens his square model-like jaw. “She did?”

“She was so excited. You know her expressions now, so just don’t plead with her to speak. I think she needs a playdate with you. When we get home, can you take her to the park or to one of those trampoline places?”

“Trampolines are banned from my contract.”

“Seriously?” I ask.

“Brooke did say something about a hayride in the burbs. It may be close to your house.”

“She’d love that. Just the two of you.”

His eyes fall. “She’ll want you there.”

“Take her Sunday when we get back. I have a list a mile long of house projects. Then on Monday, I’ll come over, and you two can tell me all about it. Now, let’s go back to sleep.”

I pull him down on the bed, and he pulls my back into his chest. “What would we do without you?” Bryce asks rhetorically. And with every breath he ghosts over my skin, the further I fall into a deep sleep.

The next time I wake up, it’s because Jolie is jumping on the bed, giggling. I pop up and out of Bryce’s embrace.

“Hey, sweetheart, where’s your bear?” he asks.

At first, Jolie’s eyes widen, but then she keeps jumping between us in her gown and hair strewn all over the place. Bryce grabs her around the waist, and she squeals in delight. He pops up and flies her like an airplane allover the penthouse. He keeps saying, “Wee” when she’s high and “Shew” when he dips her low.

“Take it easy,” I say, knowing he has a concussion. “You don’t want to get dizzy.”

He pulls her little body on his chest, and they’re eye to eye. What he says next is etched into my heart forever.

“Jolie, I love you more than I’ve ever loved anybody. And I know you love me too. And if you never speak to me, it’s okay.” He squeezes her and drops a kiss on her cheek.

Fumbling to find my phone on the bedside table, I finally snap some photos as she kisses him back on the cheek and a few more as his expression grows. His eyes are shut tightly with a grin you could see from space.

The doorbell to the suite rings. Bryce pulls on a tight gold V-neck shirt and answers the door. The waiter rolls in two carts and sets up breakfast in the dining area. As he takes off the silver domes, he asks Jolie, “Do you love pancakes or crepes?”

She points to the pancakes.

“Good choice. They’re delicious. There’s fresh fruit to top it off,” I offer my two cents on the subject.

He asks Jolie, “Do you know how to make a pancake funny face?”

She shakes her head no, but this is exactly what I meant last night. Bryce listened and instinctively adjusted to the role of father—perfectly.

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