Page 28 of Worth the Fall

Back home, I spend an embarrassing amount of time staring at my closet. Date outfits are complicated enough without trying to balance 'sexy' with 'just had lunch with your daughter.' I finally settle on a wrap dress that Becca swears is the perfect mix of sophisticated and seductive.

I do a quick spin, the material lying over my ass in a way that puts the workout shorts to shame. Only this time, I’m feeling a hell of a lot more confident. I lean forward, attempting to push my breasts closer together, giving the illusion of a lot more cleavage than I actually have.

"Damn." I giggle, fluffing up my hair and watching myself transform from 'cute girl next door' to 'I might just ruin your life.'

I grab my phone and snap a pic in the mirror.

But I’m interrupted when a text from Becca comes through.

Becca

Details about the park date! Yes, Hector told me after talking to his brother, lol. Did you meet Felicity? Isn’t she ADORABLE? Ugh, she’s such a sweet kid. Was it weird? Did you maintain professional boundaries or jump him in front of the swing set and knock a tooth loose?

Me

Funny you should text. I just took a pic of my date outfit for tonight… AT HIS HOUSE. Everything was perfect today. She's amazing. And no swing set incidents, though there may have been princess twirling involved.

Becca

PRINCESS TWIRLING? Girl, you're so gone for this man. And his mini me. And HOT DAMN, you are absolutely not keeping these professional I see.

I can't even deny it. The afternoon showed me exactly what I could have with them—lazy Sundays, chicken nugget negotiations, a family that somehow feels like mine already. It's terrifying and exhilarating all at once.

Another text comes through, this one from Miguel.

Miguel

Just got Felicity out the door with her mom. She's already planning our next princess protocol training session. Hope that's okay.

The flutter in my chest feels dangerously like falling in love.

Me

More than okay. Though I should warn you, I take dinosaur nugget diplomacy very seriously.

Miguel

Noted. Also, fair warning, I may have stress baked while Felicity was napping. Hope you like slightly overdone cookies with dinner.

I scour my perfume, selecting one of my all-time favorites—a mix of warm vanilla with a hint of chocolate. I spritz on a generous amount, adding a pair of heels that make my legs look a mile long.

By seven o'clock, I'm standing outside Miguel's door, trying to calm my racing heart. I've reviewed enough contracts at this point to recognize when terms are about to change significantly. And tonight feels like a major amendment to whatever's been building between us.

He opens the door and my mouth goes dry. He's changed into dark jeans and a tight black Henley that does unfair things to his shoulders. His hair is slightly disheveled, like he's been running his hands through it, probably during his stress baking session.

"Hi," he says softly, eyes traveling down my dress in a way that makes heat crawl up my neck. "Holy fuck."

"Hi." I giggle, holding up the files I brought as a pretense. "I brought the contracts."

His laugh is low and warm. "Of course you did. Come in."

The scent of tomato sauce and garlic hits me as I follow him inside. "You actually cooked?"

"Attempted to cook," he corrects, sliding my jacket down my arms and hanging it up. "However, there's backup takeout on speed dial if needed."

"Good to know," I quip.

"You look incredible," he murmurs, leaning in as he grabs my hand and tugs me toward him. He runs his nose gently along the curve of my neck, my nipples standing at attention within seconds. "Smell amazing too," he whispers, his lips pressing gently against my neck before he breaks contact and steps back. "Let’s head to the kitchen."

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